Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks of the USA
Public records raise at least one point you should look into before giving.
What it says it does
THE FRATERNAL ORDER OF ELKS WAS FOUNDED "TO PROMOTE AND PRACTICE THE FOUR CARDINAL VIRTUES OF CHARITY, JUSTICE, BROTHERLY LOVE, AND FIDELITY; TO PROMOTE THE WELFARE AND ENHANCE THE HAPPINESS OF ITS MEMBERS; TO QUICKEN THE SPIRIT OF AMERICAN PATRIOTISM AND CULTIVATE GOOD FELLOWSHIP." THE LOCAL ELKS LODGE FULFILLS THIS PLEDGE BY INVESTING IN THE COMMUNITIES WHERE MEMBERS LIVE AND WORK. THEY HELP THE YOUTH DEVELOP LIFELONG SKILLS, SEND STUDENTS TO COLLEGE, MEET THE NEEDS OF VETERANS, SUPPORT LOCAL CHARITABLE WORK, AND FUND PROJECTS TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN THE MEMBER'S COMMUNITIES.
- Income
- $73,031
- Spending
- $76,642
- Highest pay
- $3,000, treasurer
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending March 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. How we rate
Financial health
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 990EZ for the year ending March 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. How we rate
Governance
This organization files the short tax form, which does not ask about boards, policies or audits. That is normal for a small charity and is not a mark against it.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending March 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. How we rate
Impact evidence
Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.
Programs described in its return (2)
- THE FRATERNAL ORDER OF ELKS SUPPORTS THE MINNESOTA ASSISTANCE COUNCIL FOR VETERANS (MACV) BY STOCKING A PANTRY FOR VETERANS TRANSITIONING OUT OF HOMELESSNESS. THE OFFERINGS INCLUDE HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS IN GAS AND GROCERY GIFT CARDS, ALONG WITH HOUSEHOLD GOODS AND APPLIANCES. MEMBERS CONNECT LOCAL VETERANS WITH NEEDED RESOURCES AND HELP THEM TO REHABILITATE THROUGH ADAPTIVE SPORTS PROGRAMS AND THERAPY KITS.
- THE ELKS SUPPORTS THE LOCAL COMMUNITY AND YOUTH IN VARIOUS WAYS. $2,000 WORTH OF SCHOOL SUPPLIES ARE PROVIDED FOR AT RISK STUDENTS. MONETARY CONTRIBUTIONS ARE MADE TO THE REACH AND MY PLACE, WHICH ARE RESOURCE CENTERS FOR HOMELESS AND MENTORLESS YOUTH. THESE ORGANIZATIONS HELP TO DISTRIBUTE ABOUT $10,000 WORTH OF CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR KIDS IN SHELTERS. OUR COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES PROVIDE $8,000 WORTH OF SCHOLARSHIPS TO THE GREATER MANKATO AREA. A FREE COMMUNITY THANKSGIVING MEAL SERVES APPROXIMATELY 400 PEOPLE.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending March 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
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? Caution.
The IRS master file records contributions to this 501(c)(8) fraternal beneficiary society as not deductible.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending March 2026.
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.