Florida Elks Charity Programs

Children’s Therapy Services

Florida Elks Children’s Therapy Services (FECTS) delivers free, in-home physical and occupational therapy to children across the state who lack access to such care. A team of licensed therapists operates a fleet of mobile therapy units, reaching families in most of Florida’s 67 counties. Priority goes to children whose families face financial barriers to treatment.

The program also provides neurodevelopmental treatment and ADOS-2 autism evaluations. Therapists work directly in the child’s home, training parents to continue exercises between visits. FECTS receives no government funding — it is supported entirely by the Harry-Anna Trust Fund, lodge donations, and the Elks National Foundation.

FECTS has also partnered with the University of Florida’s College of Public Health and Health Professions, establishing an endowed scholarship for OT and PT students and providing pediatric internship placements.

Florida Elks Youth Camp

Located on 405 acres of rolling hills, forests, and lakes in Umatilla, the Florida Elks Youth Camp offers seven weeks of residential summer camp each year to Florida children ages 9 through 13. Accredited by the American Camping Association, the camp maintains a counselor-to-camper ratio of one-to-seven and features modern cabins, a swimming pool, archery, boating, ropes courses, sports facilities, and a golf driving range.

The camp’s mission is to inspire, connect, and expand — building character through an electronics-free outdoor experience where kids develop teamwork, self-reliance, and social skills. Many lodges sponsor scholarships so children who cannot afford tuition can still attend. Year-round, the facility hosts scouting groups, school programs, specialty camps, and corporate retreats through the Smith Conference Center.

Veterans Services

Since 1917, the Elks have maintained an unwavering commitment to America’s veterans. In Florida, this takes many forms: the Army of Hope program provides direct assistance to veterans and military families with housing, auto repairs, and daily necessities. VAVS (Veterans Administration Voluntary Services) volunteers serve in VA hospitals and care facilities across the state every month.

Lodges fund veteran-specific projects through Freedom Grants from the Elks National Veterans Service Commission. Recent Florida projects have included supplying veterans’ homes, hosting events for hospitalized veterans, funding guide dog programs through organizations like Dogs Inc., and supporting Challenge 22 in its mission to end veteran suicide. Florida lodges also conduct Welcome Home Kit deliveries for veterans transitioning to stable housing.

Scholarships & Education

The Florida State Elks Association awards scholarships of up to $5,000 per year to graduating high school seniors and currently enrolled college students who are Florida residents and U.S. citizens. Nationally, the Elks National Foundation distributes more than $3 million annually in college scholarships to service-minded students.

In addition to the state scholarship fund, FECTS offers the Ben Brown Physical and Occupational Therapy Scholarship at the University of Florida, encouraging the next generation of therapists to serve children in need. Individual lodges also run their own local scholarship programs funded by bingo nights, raffles, and member donations.

Youth Development Programs

Florida Elks run several programs that build character, patriotism, and healthy habits in young people:

Hoop Shoot — A free-throw shooting contest for boys and girls ages 8–13 that progresses from lodge to district to state to regional to national competition. National champions are inscribed in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Florida’s state finals are held at the Youth Camp in Umatilla.

Drug Awareness Program — The largest volunteer drug awareness program in the country. Florida lodges bring mobile drug awareness trailers to schools and community events, and sponsor essay, poster, and video contests for 6th–8th graders on themes like staying drug-free.

Americanism Essay Contest — Students in grades 5–8 write essays on patriotic themes, competing at lodge, district, state, and national levels. National winners receive cash awards and recognition from the Grand Lodge Fraternal Committee.

Soccer Shoot — A skills competition similar to Hoop Shoot, designed to give kids a positive competitive outlet alongside their peers.

Community Grants & Local Impact

Through the Elks National Foundation, Florida lodges receive Beacon Grants, Gratitude Grants, and Spotlight Grants to fund charitable projects in their local communities. These grants must serve populations in need and fall within IRS-defined charitable categories: relieving the poor and distressed, advancing education, lessening the burdens of government, eliminating prejudice, and combating juvenile delinquency.

Recent examples include donations to school food pantries, funding for homeless family organizations like Family Promise, school security improvements, support for animal rescue organizations, and weekend meal programs for children facing food insecurity. Lodges also recognize First Responders of the Year and present the Enrique “Kiki” Camarena Award honoring contributions to drug awareness.

Disaster Relief

The FSEA maintains a standing Disaster Relief Program that activates when the President or Florida’s Governor declares a disaster event. A statewide committee coordinates with District Relief Committees to assess damage and distribute aid. Relief grants are issued through Florida Elks Charities to affected members and non-members alike.

The program is funded by ongoing member contributions and is designed to supplement — not replace — federal, state, and local emergency response. Applications are accepted for two weeks following a declared disaster, and funds must be used within 30 days of receipt.