As a charitable organization we participate in several charities from local to national:

Lodge Charity

The Lodge Charity is mainly funded through the “fine bucket” during meetings. This money is used to help local Elks in need. If an Elk finds himself in financial distress, or other catastrophe occurs he can rest assured we are here to help. In the past we have helped those displaced by fire, flooding, earthquake, or help with dues in times of financial downturn.

Local Charity

Local Charity was originally funded by a bequeath from the estate of Dr. Joseph Harrison. Since then many other members have contributed to the trust. The principal from the trust must always be retained, while any interest must be donated to charities selected annually by the Charity Chairman. Among other things, we present dictionaries to every third grade student in Santa Cruz County, donate backpacks and clothing to underprivileged children, and have college scholarships.

California-Hawaii Elks Association Major Project, Inc.

Each year, the California-Hawaii Elks Association Major Project, Inc. is best know for its support of children with disabilities. It funds 32 paid therapists and preschool vision screeners to help children when no other organization can or will.

More information available here: chea-elks.org.

Elks National Foundation

The Elks National Foundation was created in 1928 with an initial investment of $100,000. As of 2022, the endowment was valued at more than $800 million. This principle is never touched, but the interest is donated back to local Elks Lodges through the Community Investments Program. This funds such things as Ongoing Local Community Activities, Youth Activities, Large Scale Service Projects, National Veterans Services, and much, much more. To be eligible to receive one of these grants, each member of a Lodge is expected to contribute a nominal amount annually (currently under $5.00). Due to the size of the endowment, the fund typically contributes more than two times the amount it collects.

More information available here: www.elks.org.