Our Mission
At the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, we are dedicated to fostering a spirit of Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love, and Fidelity. We believe in a strong, unified community, where our members’ well-being and happiness are paramount. Our mission is to promote patriotism, good fellowship, and moral integrity while enhancing the lives of those around us through impactful charitable programs. At the heart of everything we do is our guiding principle: Elks Care, Elks Share.
Our Values
As a fraternal organization, we stand united by a belief in God and a commitment to improving the communities we serve. Our efforts span generations, creating a lasting legacy of service and connection, all while perpetuating the values of brotherhood and civic responsibility.
We Are…
- A proud fraternal organization with hundreds of thousands of members and a 150+ year legacy.
- A network of nearly 2,000 lodges across the nation, building connections and strengthening communities.
- A generous charitable foundation, contributing millions annually to scholarships, youth programs, veterans’ services, and more.
Our Origin
The Elks were founded in New York City on February 16, 1868, by 15 actors, entertainers, and other members of the theater community, originally known as the “Jolly Corks.” Over time, the organization expanded to include individuals from diverse professions, united in their commitment to community service.
Our Purposes
The Elks were founded to promote the cardinal virtues of Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love, and Fidelity. We strive to uplift the welfare and happiness of our members, inspire American Patriotism, and encourage strong, supportive fellowship.
Membership
Our organization is non-political, non-sectarian, and exclusively American. Membership is by invitation only and requires that an individual be a U.S. citizen, believe in God, be of good moral character, and be at least 21 years old.
What We Do
Each year, we invest over $80 million in charitable, educational, and patriotic initiatives that support the communities we serve.
This includes:
- Scholarships for students through the Elks National Foundation.
- Programs for special needs children and scouting.
- Veterans’ services, including health and wellness support.
- National contests like the Hoop Shoot, benefiting over 3 million children.
- Patriotic programs, such as our annual Flag Day observance, a tradition we began in 1907 and which was later adopted by Congress.
We are proud to have launched the Elks Drug Awareness Education Program, warning children and parents about the dangers of drug use. This program is part of our ongoing commitment to the youth of our nation.