Elks National Grand Lodge

We are...
A fraternal order with nearly a million members founded in 1868.
A network of nearly 2000 lodges in communities all over the country.
A generous charitable foundation that each year gives millions in scholarships, an inspiration to youth, a friend to veterans and more.   

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 Elks Care and Elks Share.

Origin
The Elks organization was founded in New York City on February 16, 1868 under the
name "Jolly Corks" by 15 actors, entertainers and others associated with the theater.
​In ensuing years, membership expanded to other professions.

Purposes
This Fraternal Order was founded "To promote and practice the four cardinal virtues of
Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity; to promote the welfare and enhance the
happiness of its members; to quicken the spirit of American Patriotism and cultivate
​good fellowship."

Membership
The Order is a non-political, non-sectarian and strictly American fraternity. Proposal for
membership in the Order is only by invitation of a member in good standing. To be
accepted as a member, one must be an American citizen, believe in God, be of good
moral character and be at least 21 years old.

What We Do
The Order spends more than $80,000,000 every year for benevolent, educational and
patriotic community-minded programs in such fields as benefiting physically handicapped children, sponsoring Elks National Foundation scholarships, scouting, athletic teams, veterans' works, a national "Hoop Shoot" free-throw contest involving more than 3 million children, physical and ​occupational therapy programs and patriotic programs.

The youth of our country have always been important to the Order. It is for this reason the Elks Drug Awareness Education Program was launched to warn primary grade students and their parents of the dangers in drug use. Additionally, every lodge observes June 14th as Flag Day, a tradition which the Elks began in 1907 and was later adopted by the Congress as an official observance.

Our Programs
Public service is an integral part of being an Elk. In keeping with this tradition, Elks create and ​participate in many programs to better their communities and demonstrate that Elks Care - Elks Share