ABOUT THE FOUNDATION

The Alberta Elks Association was founded in May, 1928, dedicated to the idea of furthering the service work of the Lodges in the Province of Alberta.  As the years of service went by, many members expressed a desire to have a formal project set up.

Several attempts were made to set up projects starting in 1963, from joint government/Elks projects to Elks only projects.  In 1968 the provincial raffle was started to provide a method to raise funds for any project that may be chosen.

The Alberta Elks Foundation was founded in 1970, with incorporation being completed January 30, 1972.  The Foundation is a charitable companion society of the Alberta Elks Association  and is governed by Bylaws and Regulations;  as amended from time to time, insofar as they complement, supplement, add to and are not inconsistent with the provisions of the Grand Lodge Constitution, Bylaws and Regulations. Membership consists of all registered members of those lodges under the jurisdiction of the Alberta Elks Association and the Alberta Royal Purple Lodges Association.

The registered objectives of the Foundation shall be to:

a) Assist the benevolent activities of member lodges.

b) Encourage and advance the efforts and purposes of the Elks and Royal Purple Fund for Children.

c) To establish and maintain province wide charitable fund raising activities.

d) To hold, use and administer funds and property for the purpose of:

    i. Maintaining and advancing education, recreation and research activities

    ii. Rendering charitable assistance to individuals, organization and research activities

    iii. Establishing and maintaining community used recreational or other facilities

e) To exercise all powers given to Societies by the Societies Act, R.S.A. 1981-c S-18

f) Generally to stimulate, encourage and develop the principles of charity, justice, love, fidelity and noble citizenship

The funds for the Alberta Elks Foundation are to come from the annual raffle, casino proceeds, gifts from individuals or member Lodges, bequests or investments.  These funds are administered by seven trustees who are charged with the task of reviewing all applications for funds.  The trustees are able to approve grants up to $2000.00 for projects that meet the Foundations objectives.  Any request exceeding $2000.00 has to be approved at the annual general meeting of the Foundation.

Many diverse Lodge projects have been assisted by funds from the Alberta Elks Foundation; bands, playgrounds, hospitals, schools, ambulance services, fire departments, recreation centres, seniors centres, kidney and heart patients, and starting in 1986 the Institute for Stuttering Treatment and Research.(ISTAR).

The Alberta Elks Foundation is registered with Alberta Registries and also with Canada Customs and Revenue operating with a  Charities Registration number.