Who Are the Elks?

Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the U.S.A.

We Are…

  • A fraternal order with hundreds of thousands of members and a 150+ year history.

  • 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.

  • An organization that supports and fosters our veterans and youth through various programs and camps.

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.

Origins

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."

Purposes

The Order is a non-political, non-sectarian, and strictly American fraternity. 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.

Membership

The Order spends more than $80,000,000 every year for

  • benevolent

  • educational

  • patriotic community-minded programs

  • special needs children

  • Elks National Foundation scholarships

  • scouting

  • athletic teams

  • veterans' works

  • a national "Hoop Shoot" free-throw contest involving more than 3 million children

  • a national “Soccer Shoot”

  • physical and occupational therapy programs

  • 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.

What We Do