What an Elks Lodge is and who runs it

The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE) is a fraternal organization with local chapters called lodges in cities and towns across the United States. Each lodge is independently operated by its members but follows national bylaws set by the Grand Lodge, which is the national governing body. A lodge's leadership includes an Exalted Ruler (the local president), a Secretary, a Treasurer, and other officers elected annually by the membership.

Lodges own their own buildings in most cases, which serve as gathering spaces for members and sometimes for community events. The organization was founded in 1868 and today has roughly 800,000 members across more than 2,000 lodges. Membership is open to men and women age 21 and older who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

Key Takeaways

  • Elks Lodges are local chapters of a national fraternal organization, each run by elected officers and funded by member dues.
  • Membership requires being at least 21 years old, a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and paying an initiation fee plus annual dues that vary by lodge.
  • Members attend social events, participate in community service projects, and may use the lodge building for personal events like dinners or meetings.
  • The organization runs national charitable programs focused on youth scholarships, veterans support, and emergency relief, with local lodges contributing to these efforts.

How to become a member and what it costs

To join an Elks Lodge, you must be proposed by a current member or visit a lodge during an open membership period and express interest directly. The lodge will conduct a background check and vote on your membership. Once approved, you pay an initiation fee (typically $100 to $300, depending on the lodge) and then annual dues (usually $100 to $400 per year). Some lodges waive or reduce the initiation fee during recruitment drives.

After initiation, you become a full member with voting rights and access to all lodge facilities and events. The exact cost and process vary by lodge because each sets its own fees within national guidelines. You can contact your local lodge directly to ask about current initiation fees and dues before committing.

What members do at the lodge

Lodges host regular social events including dinners, dances, card games, and holiday celebrations. Members gather for these events, which often take place on weekends. Many lodges also have bars and dining facilities open to members and their guests.

Beyond socializing, members participate in community service work organized by the lodge. This might include food drives, youth mentoring, sponsoring Little League teams, supporting local schools, or organizing disaster relief. The national organization sets broad charitable priorities, but each lodge decides which local causes to support and how much time and money to contribute.

Members can also rent the lodge building for private events like family dinners, wedding receptions, or business meetings, usually at a reduced rate compared to outside venues.

National charitable programs funded by Elks

The Elks national organization runs several ongoing charitable initiatives. The Elks National Foundation awards college scholarships to high school seniors through a competitive process. The organization also funds the Elks Veterans Services program, which provides support to military veterans and their families, and maintains the Elks National Home, a residential facility for elderly and disabled Elks members.

Local lodges contribute financially to these national programs through membership dues and fundraising events. Individual lodges also run their own local charitable projects independent of the national programs. The balance between national and local giving varies by lodge.

Differences between Elks and other fraternal organizations

The Elks differ from organizations like the Freemasons, Rotary, or Lions Club in their structure and focus. Elks Lodges are primarily social and charitable organizations without the ritual or degree system that characterizes Masonic orders. Rotary and Lions clubs tend to focus more narrowly on community service and business networking, while Elks balance social membership with charitable work.

Elks Lodges are also more geographically widespread than some fraternal groups and typically have lower membership barriers — you do not need to be nominated by multiple members or pass through a lengthy vetting process. The lodge building itself is a central feature; many Elks Lodges function as community gathering spaces in ways that other fraternal organizations do not.

What happens if you stop paying dues or want to leave

If you do not pay your annual dues by the important date set by your lodge, your membership becomes suspended. You can reinstate it by paying the back dues plus any reinstatement fee the lodge charges. If you choose to resign, you submit a letter to the lodge Secretary, and your membership ends. You do not receive a refund of dues already paid.

Some members take a leave of absence for a period of time rather than resigning outright. The process and any associated fees for a leave of absence vary by lodge, so ask your lodge Secretary about the options if you need to step back temporarily.

How to find and contact a local Elks Lodge

The national Elks website (elks.org) has a lodge locator tool where you can search by city or zip code to find the nearest lodge. You can also call or visit the lodge directly during posted hours. Most lodges list their phone number, address, and meeting times online or in local business directories.

When you contact a lodge, ask about membership requirements, current dues and initiation fees, meeting schedules, and upcoming events. Many lodges hold open houses or membership drives during certain times of the year, which are good opportunities to visit and meet members before deciding to join.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to attend meetings or events to stay a member?

No. Membership does not require attendance at any meetings or events. You pay dues to maintain membership, but participation in lodge activities is optional. Some members are very active while others straightforward maintain membership and pay dues without attending.

Can women join the Elks?

Yes. The Elks began admitting women as full members in 1995. Women have the same rights, responsibilities, and access to leadership positions as male members. Some lodges have separate women's auxiliaries in addition to regular membership.

What is the difference between an Elks Lodge and an Elks Club?

An Elks Lodge is the formal chapter of the national organization with elected officers and governance structure. An Elks Club is sometimes an informal gathering or social group affiliated with the Elks but without the formal organizational structure. The terms are sometimes used interchangeably, so ask your local group which structure they follow.

Can I visit a lodge before joining?

Most lodges welcome visitors during social events or open hours. Call ahead to ask when you can visit and whether you need to be accompanied by a member. Some lodges have open membership nights where prospective members can tour the building and meet officers.

What happens to my dues if I move away?

You can request a transfer to an Elks Lodge in your new location. Contact your current lodge's Secretary to request a transfer card, then present it to the new lodge. The process is usually straightforward and does not require re-initiation, though the new lodge may charge a transfer fee.