Elks National Veterans Service Commission
Elks pledge "So long as there are veterans, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks will never forget them." The Elks National Veterans Service Commission takes that pledge one step further, and promises service to our nation's veterans and military members, with a special focus on service to those in need.
Thousands of Elks volunteers give generously of their time, energy and resources to serve veterans and military members each day, to ensure that pledge is not an idle one.
Today, our volunteers provide direct service to veterans in more than 330 facilities each month. Through our grants to Elks Lodges, we connect with veterans and military members in their communities, providing them with services where they live. We help veterans rehabilitate and thrive through adaptive sports programs and therapy kits. And our Welcome Home initiative is reaching out to some of our most vulnerable veterans: those who are experiencing homelessness.
Our Commitment to Veterans
When it comes to serving veterans, the Elks have a long and storied tradition of being there when they were needed most. Since we began, the needs of military members and returning veterans have continued to change, and the Elks have adapted to those needs, remaining an ever-present ally to those who have served this country.
In 1946, the Elks National Veterans Service Commission was formally established, formalizing the Elks’ commitment to serving veterans. The ENVSC is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, and operates thanks to a generous grant from the Elks National Foundation.
What We Do
Today, we let our history guide and inspire us to forge ahead and continue our service. Elks National Veterans Service Commission programs are focused on meeting the needs of today’s veterans.
All our funds go towards these five areas, which research shows are the greatest needs for veterans, military members and their families:
Employment
Homelessness and Housing
Military Families
Health
Educational Support
How We Do It
Through the Voluntary Service program, Elks provide ongoing, monthly support to thousands of veterans in more than 340 VA Medical Centers, State Veterans Homes, transitional centers, rehabilitation clinics and other veterans facilities across the country.
Our Leather Program helps veterans rehabilitate by providing leather therapy kits and wheelchair gloves to veterans.
We sponsor adaptive sports events and provide art and music programs to keep veterans active and engaged.
Freedom Grants offers Elks Lodges the chance to connect directly with veterans and military members in their communities, providing them with needed services.
Our Welcome Home initiative gives veterans experiencing homelessness a hand up by providing them with emergency assistance, home supplies and an ongoing connection to the Elks community.