Elks National Foundation Inc
The Elks National Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public foundation based in Chicago, Illinois, established in 1928. The Foundation operates as a subordinate organization under the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE) and serves as the philanthropic arm of the organization. It was granted tax-exempt status in February 2009.
Financial Overview
From 2025 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$885.0M
-4.4% YoY
Annual Giving
$31.9M
+29.9% YoY
Grant Count
1,485
-1.7% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$21K
+32.2% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
The Foundation's mission is to help Elks build stronger communities by:
- Offering college scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students
- Funding programs that build character and confidence in youth
- Serving and honoring veterans, including efforts to eliminate veteran homelessness
- Providing Elks Lodges and State Associations with resources to accomplish their charitable objectives
Grantmaking
The Foundation provides one to four year academic scholarships up to $15,000 per year to approximately 3,000 individuals for undergraduate or graduate education. Recent activity includes awarding nearly $4 million in college scholarships.
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Foundation funds throughout the United States, with a focus on communities where Elks live and work.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of 2024-2025:
- Total Assets: $884,971,330
- Total Revenues: $61,600,573
- Total Expenses: $44,533,130
- Number of Employees: 25
As of 2024:
- Total Assets: $926,000,000
- Total Revenues: $37,400,000
- Total Expenses: $40,200,000
- Total Liabilities: $68,700,000
Rating The Foundation holds a Four-Star rating with a 96% overall score, reflecting strong accountability and financial management.
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $884,971,330 | $925,982,127 | $876,926,878 |
| Revenue | $61,600,573 | $37,385,570 | $27,750,732 |
| Expenses | $44,533,130 | $40,244,595 | $42,597,331 |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | $48,711,138 | $27,165,622 | $17,006,526 |
| Distributable Amount | — | — | — |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
Grant Size Distribution
160 grants across all recorded years
Open Grants
10 open opportunities from Elks National Foundation Inc
Elks National Foundation: Cornerstone Grants
ELKS NATIONAL FOUNDATION INC
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Elks National Foundation: Legacy Awards Grant
ELKS NATIONAL FOUNDATION INC
Amount
US $4,000
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Emergency Educational Grants
ELKS NATIONAL FOUNDATION INC
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2025 grants, the largest include Arizona Elks Association ($392,630), Alaska State Elks Association Charitable Trust ($86,406), Arkansas State Elks Association Charitable Trust ($63,490).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| ABERDEEN SD LODGE NO 1046 ABERDEEN, SD | COMMUNITY INVESTMENT PROGRAM | $8,500 |
| ABERDEEN WA LODGE NO 593 ABERDEEN, WA | COMMUNITY INVESTMENT PROGRAM | $9,000 |
| ABINGDON MD LODGE NO 2354 ABINGDON, MD | COMMUNITY INVESTMENT PROGRAM | $8,500 |
| ADA OK LODGE NO 1640 ADA, OK | COMMUNITY INVESTMENT PROGRAM | $8,500 |
| AFFTON MO LODGE NO 2635 ST LOUIS, MO | COMMUNITY INVESTMENT PROGRAM | $8,500 |
| AINSWORTH NE LODGE NO 1790 AINSWORTH, NE | COMMUNITY INVESTMENT PROGRAM | $9,000 |
| ALABAMA ELKS ASSOCIATION INC WINFIELD, AL | STATE CHARITABLE GRANT | $63,040 |
| ALAMEDA CA LODGE NO 1015 ALAMEDA, CA | COMMUNITY INVESTMENT PROGRAM | $9,500 |
| ALAMOGORDO NM LODGE NO 1897 ALAMOGORDO, NM | COMMUNITY INVESTMENT PROGRAM | $8,000 |
| ALASKA STATE ELKS ASSOCIATION CHARITABLE TRUST CHUGIAK, AK | STATE CHARITABLE GRANT | $86,406 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
James O'Kelley serves as Director of the Foundation.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
From 2025 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| MICHAEL F SMITH | CHAIRMAN | 1 | — |
| ROGER R TRUE | VICE CHAIRMAN | 1 | — |
| JAMES L NICHELSON | SECRETARY | 1 | — |
| F LOUIS SULSBERGER | ASST SECRETARY | 1 | — |
| JOHN D AMEN | TREASURER | 1 | — |
| LOUIS J GRILLO | ASST TREASURER | 1 | — |
| JAMES M MCQUILLAN | TRUSTEE | 1 | — |
| JAMES O'KELLEY III | DIRECTOR | 40 | $151,197 |
| DEBORAH KAHLER DOLES | ASST DIRECTOR | 40 | $104,910 |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
The Foundation released its 2024-25 Annual Report, which commemorated the 20th anniversary of the Community Investments Program and reviewed the organization's history and accomplishments. The Foundation is implementing a new constituent relationship management platform, with migration scheduled for mid-May to avoid delaying the fiscal year close.
Elks National Foundation Inc - Grant Information & Application DetailsSubject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Elks National Foundation Inc fund?
The Foundation's mission is to help Elks build stronger communities by: • Offering college scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students • Funding programs that build character and confidence in youth • Serving and honoring veterans, including efforts to eliminate veteran homelessness • Providing Elks Lodges and State Associations with resources to accomplish their charitable objectives
How do I apply for a grant from Elks National Foundation Inc?
**Scholarship Programs** The Foundation provides one to four year academic scholarships up to $15,000 per year to approximately 3,000 individuals for undergraduate or graduate education. Recent activity includes awarding nearly $4 million in college scholarships. **Community Investments Program** The Foundation operates a community service grant program for local Elks chapters, with grants ranging from $2,000 to $10,000. The program celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2024-25. **State Associatio…
Where does Elks National Foundation Inc make grants?
The Foundation funds throughout the United States, with a focus on communities where Elks live and work.
What size grants does Elks National Foundation Inc award?
In 2025, Elks National Foundation Inc awarded 1,485 grants totaling $31.9M — an average of about $21K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
What is Elks National Foundation Inc's EIN?
Elks National Foundation Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 26-3718342. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2021–2025.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Elks National Foundation Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
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Data last updated June 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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