Beacon Grants have served as catalysts for community transformation across the United States. Funded by the Elks National Foundation, these grants offer up to $4,000 to local Elks Lodges for implementing community-focused service projects. Instead of vague donations, Beacon Grants empower members to take concrete actions that directly serve local needs. By addressing gaps in education, homelessness, food security, veteran care, and youth development, Beacon Grants have driven lasting, visible changes. Real-world examples illustrate how these grants bring people together and generate meaningful, measurable outcomes.
Community Meals that Build Dignity and Hope
Warm meals with human connection Elks Lodge in Bangor, Maine, used their Beacon Grant to offer weekly community meals at their local shelter.
Volunteers didn’t just serve food—they sat and ate with guests, breaking down social barriers.
Each gathering included free hygiene kits and basic medical screening by local nurses.
Within six months, the program served over 1,800 meals and helped six participants transition into stable housing.
Youth leadership through service Phoenix Lodge #335 partnered with a high school leadership program.
Students helped cook, plan, and serve meals to families living in transitional shelters.
The project not only fed over 400 families but also helped students earn service hours and build empathy-based leadership skills.
Impact of Community Meal Programs
Lodge Location
Project Title
Meals Served
Additional Services
Volunteer Hours
Bangor, Maine
“Sit & Serve”
1,800+
Hygiene kits, medical screening
620+
Phoenix, Arizona
“Students Serving Families”
400+
Leadership mentoring for teens
300+
Toledo, Ohio
“Hot Plates, Warm Smiles”
2,300+
Legal aid tables, clothing drives
1,000+
Educational Equity Through Tutoring and Supplies
After-school support for at-risk children Springfield Lodge in Illinois launched a literacy tutoring center inside a struggling elementary school.
The Beacon Grant funded books, tutoring materials, and volunteer background checks.
More than 30 students improved their reading scores by at least one grade level.
Parents also received training in supporting reading at home.
School supplies for families in need Santa Rosa, California, Lodge used its grant for a “Backpack Blitz” initiative.
Over 500 backpacks filled with age-appropriate school supplies were distributed.
Local teachers noted reduced absenteeism and increased student engagement.
Education-Based Beacon Grant Initiatives
Lodge Location
Project Name
Students Benefited
Key Materials Provided
Measured Outcomes
Springfield, Illinois
“Reading Boost”
30+
Books, notebooks, phonics tools
Reading grade-level increases
Santa Rosa, California
“Backpack Blitz”
500+
Backpacks, pencils, folders
Improved attendance and confidence
Billings, Montana
“Math Matters”
80+
Flashcards, math games, tablets
15% average score improvement
Veterans Served with Compassion and Respect
Permanent housing for displaced veterans Tulsa Lodge collaborated with a local housing nonprofit.
Beacon Grant funds helped furnish 10 apartments for newly housed veterans.
Each unit included a bed, cookware, toiletries, and food vouchers.
One year later, 9 out of 10 veterans remained housed.
Mental health workshops Denver Lodge hosted monthly wellness sessions for veterans.
Topics included coping with PTSD, mindfulness, and VA benefits navigation.
The lodge reported that at least 12 veterans sought ongoing therapy after participating.
Veteran-Focused Beacon Grant Projects
Lodge Location
Project Description
Veterans Reached
Unique Features
Sustained Impact
Tulsa, Oklahoma
“Home Again Program”
10
Furnished permanent housing units
90% housing retention
Denver, Colorado
“Veteran Mind Matters”
40+
Mental health education sessions
30% increase in therapy enrollment
Boston, Massachusetts
“Vet Transit & Wellness”
100+
Free transport to VA hospitals
60% fewer missed medical visits
Youth Engagement for Long-Term Impact
Teen mental health outreach Boise Lodge partnered with a youth counseling center to host “Teen Talk Nights.”
Beacon Grant funds covered snacks, facilitators, and promotional materials.
Over 75 teens attended, and several requested follow-up mental health care.
STEM exposure for underserved children Jackson, Mississippi, Lodge launched weekend STEM workshops.
Children explored robotics, coding, and simple science experiments.
Parents praised the program for giving their kids access to tools rarely available in school.
Youth Development Programs
Lodge Location
Project Title
Youth Engaged
Focus Area
Parent/School Feedback
Boise, Idaho
“Teen Talk Nights”
75+
Mental Health Support
Positive change in behavior noted
Jackson, Mississippi
“STEM Saturdays”
120+
Robotics, Coding, Experiments
Requests for more sessions
Sacramento, California
“Future Leaders”
60+
Public Speaking, Debates
Confidence boost and skill growth
Combating Food Insecurity through Creative Outreach
Mobile food pantries in food deserts Detroit Lodge repurposed a retired school bus into a mobile pantry.
Beacon Grant funds were used for refrigeration units, shelving, and fuel.
The pantry served over 700 families in underserved zip codes within the first three months.
Weekend meal kits for kids Anchorage Lodge partnered with elementary schools to send home weekend food kits.
Each kit included breakfast, lunch, and snacks for two days.
School counselors reported improved Monday morning focus among students.
Food Security Initiatives
Lodge Location
Project Name
Households Helped
Delivery Method
School Feedback
Detroit, Michigan
“Rolling Pantry Bus”
700+
Mobile Delivery
Increased access in food deserts
Anchorage, Alaska
“Weekend Fuel Packs”
300+ students
Backpack distribution
Higher classroom alertness
Raleigh, North Carolina
“Senior Snack Stations”
150+ seniors
Local community centers
Improved nutrition intake
Closing Perspectives
Beacon Grants have emerged as a tool for local Elks Lodges to tailor high-impact projects that resonate with their community’s unique challenges. Each story highlighted here is a testament to the creativity, compassion, and hands-on involvement of Elks members. Rather than simply donating money, these grants build programs with heart, structure, and sustainability. Communities become stronger not just because of the services provided, but also because of the sense of unity, dignity, and hope these projects bring.
