Passes our checks

Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks of the USA

EIN 36-0793011 · Chicago, IL

Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.

What it says it does

FRATERNAL ORGANIZATION THAT COORDINATES VARIOUS PROGRAMS FOR STATE ASSOCIATIONS AND SUBORDINATE LODGES OF THE ORDER OF ELKS.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending May 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. How we rate

We do not score finances when yearly spending is very small or the return has too little detail. The ratios stop meaning much at that size.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending May 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. How we rate

This return does not answer enough of the governance questions to score.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending May 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. How we rate

Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.

Programs described in its return (4)

$24.3 million spent. THE ORGANIZATION PROVIDES PROPERTY, CRIME, AND BOILER AND MACHINERY LOSS PROTECTION COVERAGE FOR THE ORGANIZATION, AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS, STATE ASSOCIATIONS AND APPROXIMATELY 2,000 LODGES CONSISTING OF APPROXIMATELY 800,000 MEMBERS. THE PROGRAM IS FUNDED THROUGH ASSESSMENT TO THE COVERED ORGANIZATION. COSTS IN EXCESS OF THE ASSESSMENTS IS BORNE BY THE ORGANIZATION AND REIMBURSED THROUGH FUTURE ASSESSMENTS.
$16.6 million spent. THE ORGANIZATION PURCHASES EXCESS GENERAL LIABILITY INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR ORGANIZATION, AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS, STATE ASSOCIATIONS AND APPROXIMATELY 2,000 LODGES CONSISTING OF APPROXIMATELY 800,000 MEMBERS. THE GENERAL LIABILITY PROGRAM, INCLUDING PREMIUM COSTS FOR THE STOP LOSS AND COVERAGE POLICIES, IS FUNDED THROUGH MEMBERSHIP DUES AND ASSESSMENTS.
$5.6 million spent. THE ORGANIZATION PUBLISHES THE ELKS MAGAZINE. THE MAGAZINE, WHICH IS PRODUCED TEN TIMES ANNUALLY, IS CIRCULATED TO THE MEMBERS OF THE ORDER TO PROMOTE AND REPORT ON THE ACTIVITIES OF THE ORGANIZATION.
$2.0 million spent. OTHER PROGRAMS INCLUDING THE ANNUAL CONVENTION ATTENDED BY MEMBERS.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending May 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. How we rate

Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.
Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(8) fraternal beneficiary society.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.
Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 30, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.
On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.
Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 10, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending May 2025.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since October 1951.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.
Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.
Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 7, 2026.

Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.