Overview

With more than 1.1 million members in more than 2,100 local lodges nationwide, the Elks are one of the largest and most active fraternal organizations in the world! Organized on February 16, 1868, we are the largest American Benevolent Organization in the United States of America, consisting of American Citizens of the United States and its Territories.

The Order of the Elks is a benevolent organization, not a “Social-Business Club”. It is dedicated to Service to our Communities and our Country. The various phases of our work offer you a wide choice from which you may choose areas of interest.

Upon attaining membership in our Order, you will become part of a National Organization, which has members from every prominent city of our Country, who are respected Citizens in their Communities and are proud to say that they belong to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the United States of America.

Our Mission

To inculcate the principles of Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity; to recognize a belief in God; to promote the welfare and enhance the happiness of its Members; to quicken the spirit of American patriotism; to cultivate good fellowship; to perpetuate itself as a fraternal organization, and to provide for its government, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the United States of America will serve the people and communities through benevolent programs, demonstrating that Elks Care and Elks Share.

Scholarships

The Elks National Foundation provides more than $3.3 million in college scholarships each year to graduating high school seniors. The "Most Valuable Student," Eagle Scout, and Girl Scout Gold Award scholarships are open to any graduating high school senior. Legacy Awards and Emergency Educational Fund Grants are available only to children of Elks.

The application process and deadlines vary for each of the programs. All applications, except for the scouting scholarships, must go through a local Elks Lodge before reaching the Elks National Foundation office. Contact your high school counselor for more information or contact us if you are a Sedona student.

Drug Awareness

Since its inception in 1983, the Elks Drug Awareness Program has worked to prevent drug use by our youth through education. The Elks recognize that they are not experts in the field of drug education. However, we do have the resources -- in dollars, facilities and volunteers -- to work with the experts to ensure that young people know the facts about drugs. In addition to sponsoring seminars, workshops and drug-free functions, we print and distribute literature developed by authorities on drug awareness. Since 1983, we've printed and handed out more than 125 million pieces of literature to students, their teachers and their parents. We hope that through this resource center, we can reach even more people. 

Volunteers are always needed to help us with these valuable community programs.