Feb. 2, 2008

In 2003 the Elks National Foundation set out to create a program that would help Lodges make a difference in their communities. Lodges across the country have been doing just that through the community Investments Program with $400 Gratitude and Impact Grants. In the coming year, the ENF plans to increase these grant amounts to $500.

In 2007, the ENFG introduced the Impact Grants that allowed Lodges to apply for grants of up to $10,000. The ENF was able to award 25 of these grants that totaled $200,000 this year. The ENF hopes to increase the funding pool to $500,000 for 2008.

Any Lodge that has met the Grand Exalted Rulers goal, is eligible to apply for these grants. This is why it is important to get your donations in to the ENF early in the Lodge year instead of holding your donations to the end of the Lodge year.

The Lodges of SC are doing very well this year. As a state, South Carolina has a per capita of $6.35. That puts us in 7^th place in the nation. North Carolina is currently in 17^th place.

Currently the Greenville Lodge is 1st in the state in per capita standings, and is 6^th in the nation.

The per capita for the West District is $12.48. The per capita for the East District is $4.11. In the West District, all Lodges but one have met the Grand Exalted Rulers goal of $.25 so far. In the East, Four Lodges have not yet met the goal.

As a state, we have finished in the top ten in the nation at least 11 of the last 15 years. We fell a little short last year, but I would love to finish back in the top ten again this year. I’m sure that if all of the Lodges will make an effort to exceed the GER’s goal, we will make it.

Respectfully submitted,

Wm. Borchert, Chairman

How is the Elks National Foundation helping South Carolina?

When you give to the Elks National Foundation, you’re doing more than funding the Elks National Drug Awareness and "Hoop Shoot" programs. You’re doing more than supporting the Community Investments Program and providing Emergency Educational Grants to the children of deceased or totally disabled Elks. You’re doing more than maintaining the Elks Veterans Memorial.

You're doing all that, and you're supporting Elkdom in your state.

During the 2005-06 Lodge year, the Elks of South Carolina donated $60,750.46 to the Elks National Foundation. This year, the Foundation will give back the following:

	State Charities Grant: Special Projects Grant: Bonus Grant:	$28,390.00 $10,090.00 $10,320.00
These grants help fund your state's major charitable project, as well as other philanthropic projects. Portions of these grants will also support your state's Drug Awareness Program, Hoop Shoot, Soccer Shoot and educational programs.

	Most Valuable Student: Legacy Award:	$12,000.00 $7,000.00
We will award a total of at least 3 "Most Valuable Student" scholarships to high school seniors from your state. (Click here to check out your recipients.) In addition, we will award up to 7 Legacy scholarships to children, grandchildren stepchildren of Elks. (Click here to check out your recipients.)

	National Veterans Service Commission:	$5,220.00
These funds will help them provide aid and comfort to hospitalized veterans.

Grand Total: $73,020.00

That's a ratio of 1.202 for every dollar the Foundation received from your state last year.

Since inception in 1928 through March 31, 2006, the Foundation has granted a total of $1,181,784.18 to your state, compared with your state's total donations of $854,973.65. That's a ratio of 1.382 for every dollar the Foundation has received from your state.

The Foundation's past support includes:

$446,615.00 in State Charities Grants
$106,131.00 in Special Projects Grants
$208,200.00 in "Most Valuable Student" Scholarships
$246,160.68 in Emergency Educational Grants to the children of deceased or totally disabled Elks

For more information about the Elks National Foundation, contact your local chairman or write us at Elks National Foundation, 2750 N. Lakeview Ave., Chicago, IL 60614, enf@elks.org.