The Elks of Salisbury, N.C., Lodge 699 treated youngsters from the Nazareth Children's Home to a day at the lake.

Promise grants offer Lodges up to $500 in reimbursement to host an event that builds the character and competence of local youth by addressing one or more of five promises to youth:

• Caring Adults: Ongoing relationships with caring adults offer youth support, care and guidance.

• Safe Places: Safe places with structured activities during non-school hours provide both physical and emotional safety.

• A Healthy Start: Adequate nutrition, exercise, and health care pave the way for healthy bodies, healthy minds, and smart habits for adulthood.

• Marketable Skills: Effective education can help youth successfully navigate the transition from school to work.

• Opportunities to Serve: Opportunities to give back through community service enhance self-esteem, boost confidence and heighten a sense of responsibility to the community.

• A reimbursement grant of up to $500.

• Available starting July 1, 2009, to the first 250 Lodges that pledge to host an event. Applications will be mailed to each Lodge Secretary in the annual Community Investments Program mailing and are available for download now. Click here to download an application.

• Intended to encourage and support Lodges working to build the character and competence of local youth.

1. Grant monies are only available for Lodge-hosted youth events.

2. You do not need to meet the GER's per-capita goal to apply. All Lodges are eligible.

3. Grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Only the first 250 Lodges to apply for an eligible event will be awarded a grant.

4. Grants are available for use between July 1, 2009 and July 31, 2010.

5. Upon receipt and approval of the pledge form, the ENF will send a Final Report Form to the primary contact listed on the application.

6. To receive reimbursement, the Final Report Form must be completed, signed by the Lodge Secretary and Exalted Ruler, and submitted, along with copies of grant-related receipts or other proof of expenditure, to the ENF by August 31, 2010.

7. Upon receipt of the Final Report Form, ENF will issue a reimbursement check to your Lodge.

• Hold an educational youth seminar to build marketable skills.
• Participate in a youth outreach or mentoring program.
• Sponsor a Red Ribbon week celebration.
• Host a career fair at your Lodge.
• Sponsor an outdoors event or host a mini-marathon to get kids active, as a part of a healthy lifestyle.
• Host an awards night to draw attention to the academic and community achievements of youth.
• Evaluate the unmet needs of youth in your community, and host an event that meets those needs.

For more program details contact the ENF Programs Department or visit our FAQ sheet.

Please note:

• Lodges are eligible to apply for one Gratitude Grant and one Promise Grant per year, and for eligible Lodges, both grants can be combined. Partnerships with community organizations are encouraged.

• In the event that a Lodge decides not to host its pledged event, the ENF Programs Department must be notified immediately so that the grant can be offered to another Lodge. Failure to notify the ENF may affect your Lodge's participation in future grants.