Who Are Elks?
Elks Lodges bring so much more to their communities than just a building, golf course or pool. They are places where neighbors come together, families share meals, and children grow up.
Elks invest in their communities through programs that help children grow up healthy and drug-free, meet the needs of today’s veterans, and improve the quality of life.
Since 1868, millions and millions of Americans have joined the Elks. Find out why!
The Grand Lodge
Head quartered in Chicago Illinois, the Grand Lodge
Elks National Foundation (ENF)
Since inception in 1928, the ENF has contributed more than $500 million toward Elks charitable projects nationwide. The mission of the ENF is to help Elks build stronger communities. We fulfill this pledge by investing in communities where Elks live and work. We help youth develop lifelong skills, send students to college, meet the needs of today’s veterans, support the charitable work of the state Elks associations, and fund projects that improve the quality of life in local Elks communities.
In 2023-24, the ENF gave $33 million to programs. While that number seems impressive, the truly impressive story lies in the individuals impacted by Elk volunteers and programs.
How the ENF Works
The ENF is able to help Elks build stronger communities thanks to contributions from our generous donors. Since inception, we have received more than $309 million in contributions and bequests. Today, we have more than 124,000 active donors and an endowment fund valued at $831.1 million. In addition to national and state projects, the ENF provides grants to local lodged to use within their communities. The money for these grants comes from investments from the endowment fund, meaning the fund stays intact to grow and grow.
FY2024, Total Income: $37,385,570.
FY2024, Total End-of-Year Net Assets: $857,298,956.
Florida State Elks Association (FSEA)
For over 150 years, the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks has been dedicated to serving our fellow citizens.
Here in Florida, the over 50,000 men and women of the Elks in nearly 100 Lodges from the panhandle to the Keys are enjoying the camaraderie, compassion, community outreach, and support that are all part of being an Elk.
Although you may already be aware of the social benefits of our great fraternal organization, you may not know that each Lodge has its own unique amenities. Florida Elks enjoy indoor and outdoor sports activities, entertainment, parties, dances, dining, and much more.
More importantly, Florida Elks take great pride in giving back to our communities. Nationally, each year, the nearly one million Elks working together with the Elks National Foundation provide over $80 million for charitable programs such as the Hoop Shoot competition, scholarships, drug awareness in our schools, and assistance for veterans of all wars.
In Florida alone, Elks provide millions of dollars in assistance to the neediest among us:
- The Army of Hope provides assistance to veterans and military families
- The Elks Children’s Therapy Program brings mobile, in-home therapy services to children across the state
- The 400-acre Elks Youth Camp in Umatilla builds character while simultaneously inspiring Florida’s youth by teaching respect and responsibility
As a member of our order, you will be supporting all of these programs while enjoying all of the benefits of being an Elk.
If you are looking for something meaningful that truly makes a difference in your local community and the lives of others, and if you and your spouse want to meet new and interesting people who share your values and commitments to our country, then you’ve found it.
We hope that you’ll take that next step and make the Florida Elks part of the next chapter in your life. Together we can do great things.
The FSEA is head quartered in Umatilla Florida.
Every Elks state association have projects which they champion and state lodges are encouraged to support. Florida has two exceptional state projects. The Harry-Anna trust fund has been setup to raise money for the funds needed by these projects.
Harry-Anna Trust Fund
Of everything that the Florida Elks do, perhaps nothing is more important than our work with the state’s youth. Sowing the seeds of accomplishment and commitment through our Florida Elks Children’s Therapy Services and Florida Elks Youth Camp programs, children are given the opportunity to grow and learn beyond their dreams.
The trust fund started in 1951, was named after Harry and Anna Miller who donated land and a building to establish the original Florida Elks Hospital for Crippled Children. Its purpose was, and continues to be, the collection of donations and the acceptance of endowed gifts.
The trust fund is restricted, which means that only the income derived from it may be used to support our major projects: the Florida Elks Children’s Therapy Services and Florida Elks Youth Camp programs.
Florida Elks Children’s Therapy Services
Florida Elks Children’s Therapy Services provides in-home physical and occupational therapy to Florida children in need of such services. This rehabilitation is necessary to be rendered in the home because of the absence of these services locally or because of the patient being medically infirmed at home. Priority is given to children who do not have ready access to therapy as a result of financial considerations.
Our services focus on child-centered treatment and family education throughout Florida. Our program is based on the premise that skilled therapy services combined with the completion of an individualized home program, exercises and activities designed by the therapist will positively impact children and families. FECTS believes children and their families or caregivers need to be viewed in a holistic manner. Upon receiving the patient application of referral, the therapist will arrange a home visit for evaluation purposes. If the patient is accepted into the program, a regular weekly home visitation schedule is established.
Parents are required to be present so they can carry out treatments between visits by the therapists.
Florida Youth Camp
A project of the Florida State Elks Association, this beautiful and modern 405 acre complex provides a unique camping experience for 7 weeks during the summer to all Florida kids ages 9 through 13.
Camp sessions last from Sunday afternoon to Saturday morning and provide campers with housing, food, and of course, tons of fun!
Each Lodge from our district sends kids to camp for free.
General Info
2025 Details