Who are the Elks? We are…
- A membership order with nearly a million members and a 150+ year history. Explore the Elks history here.
- A network of more than 2,000 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. Read about Elks giving and the Elks National Foundation (ENF)
Our Mission
To inculcate the principles of Charity, Justice, Human Love and Fidelity; to recognize a belief in a 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 (BPOE) of the United States of America serves the people and communities through benevolent programs, demonstrating that Elks Care and Elks Share.
Purpose
This 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.”
