What Are The Elks?
The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the United States of America is one of the oldest and largest fraternal organizations in the country. Since its inception in 1868, the Order of Elks has grown to more than 2,100 Elks Lodges across the country with a total membership nearing 1,100,000.
The BPO Elks is committed to the ideals of charity and patriotism. To that end, Elks have now disbursed over the Order's 153 years more than $12 billion in cash, goods, and services to the nation's youth, its veterans, the disadvantaged and handicapped, and in support of patriotic and civic programs. In the last year alone, the BPO Elks expended in such fashion over $280 million.
The Order ranks as one of the largest private providers of college scholarships in the nation. Annually, the Elks award college scholarships across the nation totaling more than $4.5 million.
The Elks National Foundation also granted $10 million to the state Elks associations through State Charities Grants, Special Project Grants, and Bonus Grants, which help fund each state’s charitable activities.
The Elks Community Investment Program will award nearly $15 million towards enriching our communities.
The Elks have created a quiet network of good deeds that has profoundly changed millions of lives for the better, yet there is little public awareness of the impact of their vital work. Why is this so? Quite simply, the Elks have rarely sought recognition, neither have they gone to the general public with fund-raising efforts nor received monies from any level of government. Indeed, the flow of money and goods moves in the opposite direction: the Elks donated to the government the first veterans hospital; contribute regularly to schools and police and fire departments; and assist the young and the needy throughout this great nation.
How could this powerful force have come into being? And where does all this charitable giving come from? From the generous hearts of Elks members whose willingness to share, whose prudent long-term planning, and whose time devoted to serve--for free and with enthusiasm--infuses the Order with an exuberant and enduring expression of the true volunteer spirit.
Of note is that the elected leadership of the BPO Elks--from the Exalted Rulers of the local Lodges to the national president, known as the Grand Exalted Ruler, and other decision-makers at the various levels--serve without salaries.
The organization of the Elks is democratic representation, with overall statutes set through voting at national conventions. The BPO Elks national headquarters is based in Chicago. The Chicago campus is also the site of the Elks Veterans Memorial Building; the home of the Elks National Foundation, the Order's charitable trust; the Elks National Veterans Service Commission; and The Elks Magazine, the official publication that is sent to every member of the Order.
The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the United States of America is one of the oldest and largest fraternal organizations in the country. Since its inception in 1868, the Order of Elks has grown to more than 2,100 Elks Lodges across the country with a total membership nearing 1,100,000.
The BPO Elks is committed to the ideals of charity and patriotism. To that end, Elks have now disbursed over the Order's 153 years more than $12 billion in cash, goods, and services to the nation's youth, its veterans, the disadvantaged and handicapped, and in support of patriotic and civic programs. In the last year alone, the BPO Elks expended in such fashion over $280 million.
The Order ranks as one of the largest private providers of college scholarships in the nation. Annually, the Elks award college scholarships across the nation totaling more than $4.5 million.
The Elks National Foundation also granted $10 million to the state Elks associations through State Charities Grants, Special Project Grants, and Bonus Grants, which help fund each state’s charitable activities.
The Elks Community Investment Program will award nearly $15 million towards enriching our communities.
The Elks have created a quiet network of good deeds that has profoundly changed millions of lives for the better, yet there is little public awareness of the impact of their vital work. Why is this so? Quite simply, the Elks have rarely sought recognition, neither have they gone to the general public with fund-raising efforts nor received monies from any level of government. Indeed, the flow of money and goods moves in the opposite direction: the Elks donated to the government the first veterans hospital; contribute regularly to schools and police and fire departments; and assist the young and the needy throughout this great nation.
How could this powerful force have come into being? And where does all this charitable giving come from? From the generous hearts of Elks members whose willingness to share, whose prudent long-term planning, and whose time devoted to serve--for free and with enthusiasm--infuses the Order with an exuberant and enduring expression of the true volunteer spirit.
Of note is that the elected leadership of the BPO Elks--from the Exalted Rulers of the local Lodges to the national president, known as the Grand Exalted Ruler, and other decision-makers at the various levels--serve without salaries.
The organization of the Elks is democratic representation, with overall statutes set through voting at national conventions. The BPO Elks national headquarters is based in Chicago. The Chicago campus is also the site of the Elks Veterans Memorial Building; the home of the Elks National Foundation, the Order's charitable trust; the Elks National Veterans Service Commission; and The Elks Magazine, the official publication that is sent to every member of the Order.
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In his address to the Elks National Convention, the late President Reagan summarizes what the Elks represent. To view this brief 3+minute video, click on the arrow. |
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For over 156 years, the Elks have embodied American patriotism and philanthropy, making a lasting impact on communities across the nation. Our legacy speaks for itself with over $12 billion in charitable donations. In 2023 alone, we contributed approximately $505 million in cash, gifts, and volunteer time, showcasing our unwavering commitment to a better America.
ANNAPOLIS LODGE 622
2 Pythian Drive Edgewater, MD 21037
410-573-0201
Click here for map and directions to the Annapolis Elks Lodge 622
2 Pythian Drive Edgewater, MD 21037
410-573-0201
Click here for map and directions to the Annapolis Elks Lodge 622
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MD/DE/DC Elks Website
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