Elks are people from all walks of life who believe in the golden rule and contribute to the lives and well-being of those around them. We guide ourselves through life with strong morals and a great love of our fellow man, always adhering to the founding principles of our order: charity, Justice, Brotherly Love, and Fidelity.

Over the course of our history, the Elks have contributed nearly $4 billion in donations to America’s youth, veterans, disadvantaged and handicapped, and individuals and groups in support of patriotic and civic programs. Each year, the Elks contribute more than $200 million and are one of the largest private providers of college scholarships in the United States.

Rarely does the organization seek recognition for the profound change it has affected millions of lives, nor have we gone to the general public with fund-raising efforts or received monies from any level of government? Instead, the Elks donated the first veterans’ hospital to the government and contributed regularly to schools, police, and fire departments. We proudly display our volunteer spirit and gladly share our resources to make the world a better place for all. Each order has elected officials who serve without compensation; it is through their sacrifice of time and energy that we can operate each Lodge and contribute so vastly to our country.

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 the ensuing years, membership expanded to other professions.

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.”

To inculcate the principles of Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love, and Fidelity; to recognize a belief in God; to promote the welfare and enhance the happiness of its Members; to quicken the spirit of American patriotism; to cultivate good fellowship; to perpetuate itself as a fraternal organization, and to provide for its government, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the United States of America will serve the people and communities through benevolent programs, demonstrating that Elks Care and Elks Share.

• 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.

The Order is a non-political, non-sectarian and strictly American fraternity. Proposal for membership in the Order is only by invitation of a member in good standing. 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.