Our Background
From The Office of the Grand Secretary
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks
2750 Lakeview Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60614-1889
Background Information
The Order of Elks is a national fraternal organization with headquarters in Chicago and 2,224 subordinate Lodges in every State, the District of Columbia, Guam, the Philippines, the Canal Zone and Puerto Rico. Membership is limited to citizens of the United States, over twenty-one years of age who believe in God. Currently there are over 1,280,000 members of the Elks. Most Lodges have a ladies auxiliary.
The Elks is essentially a charitable organization. In 1994-95, the Elks nationally spent $4,700,000 for college scholarships for high school seniors. The organization also spent over $6,000,000 for other youth programs, including the Elks Hoop Shoot Free Throw competition involving more than three million youngsters. Total contributions in all Elk charities exceeded $134,000,000.
The following links are to further information on specific programs within the B.P.O. Elks.
- Our Charities
Our Charities The programs of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks are all encompassing. This is a partial list of our charitable work. 1) Youth Programs Hoop Shoot – Scholarships – Boy Scout – Girl Scout – Campfire Girls 2) Athletic Programs Little League…
- How It Began
How It Began The moving spirit for the Elks was an Englishman named Charles Algernon Sidney Vivian. This son of a clergyman, born October 22, 1842, was a successful comic singer and dancer in the music halls of London. In November 1867 Vivian arrived in…
- Americanism
Americanism The Order of Elks has always prided itself on its Americanism. One of the requirements for membership into our fraternal brotherhood is American citizenship. The national organization and its subordinate lodges foster Americanism in many ways. The Order promotes American principles of individual freedom,…
- Veterans
Veterans In 1946 the Elks made the solemn pledge: "So Long as There are Veterans in Our Hospitals, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Will Never Forget Them. " The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks provides year-round entertainment and recreation at each of…
- National Foundation
National Foundation "The Great Heart of Elkdom" is how many refer to the Elks National Foundation. Over four million dollars a year are granted in college scholarships. (This amount for scholarships is exceeded only by the federal government.) Help is also given for physically handicapped…
- Drug Awareness
Drug Awareness The Elks’ involvement in the war against illegal drug use had its beginnings in 1981, when the federal government cut back spending on many domestic programs. A call went out to all Americans for volunteerism to make up for these cuts in federal…
- Elks And Youth
Elks And Youth The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks have always known that the molding and educating of our youth will continue to secure our heritage. Because of this, Elks spend much time and effort in working with your people. Over ten million teens…
- National Defense
National Defense With more than one hundred twenty-five years of service to America, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks considers its contributions to the Armed Forces and our country's veterans as one of its proudest achievements. World War I During World War 1, the…
- State Associations
State Associations Talk of forming state associations started in the 1890's. At the time, Grand Lodge banned the formation of associations. Members began to work on the formation of associations that would conform to the statutes and benefit the Order of Elks. By 1914 there…
- National Headquarters
National Headquarters Talk of forming state associations started in the 1890's. At the time, Grand Lodge banned the formation of associations. Members began to work on the formation of associations that would conform to the statutes and benefit the Order of Elks. By 1914 there…
- Our Mission
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…