Elks National Foundation Legacy Awards

Scholarship Sponsored by Elks National Foundation

Here’s a clearer, teacher-friendly version you can use. I organized it into quick facts, eligibility rules, important deadlines, and a few helpful notes so it’s easy to follow.

Quick facts
- Legacy Awards are $4,000 scholarships for children or grandchildren (including step-children, step-grandchildren, and legal wards) of Elks members.
- This version covers the 2026 contest.

Who can apply (eligibility)
- Relationship and membership date: You must be the child or grandchild (step-child, step-grandchild, or legal ward are included; great‑grandchildren are not eligible) of a living Elk who either:
- Joined the Order on or before April 1, 2023, or
- Is a charter member of a Lodge instituted on or after April 1, 2023.
- Dues requirement: The Elk relative must have paid Lodge dues for two contiguous years through March 31, 2026.
- Grade level: You must be a high school senior at the time of application.
- Application method: Apply online only.

Important deadline
- 2026 Legacy Awards application deadline: February 2, 2026, 11:59 a.m. Pacific Time. (That is noon, Pacific.)

Application choices and test scores
- If both your parent and grandparent are Elk members, you must list your parent’s Elks Lodge on the application.
- Standardized tests (ACT/SAT) are waived for the 2026 contest — you do not need to submit scores.

Scholarship limits and where funds apply
- You may apply for more than one Elks National Foundation (ENF) scholarship, but you may win only one. If you are selected for multiple ENF awards, you will receive the single award with the greatest value.
- You may accept local and state Elks scholarships in addition to a national award; those are handled separately.
- Legacy Awards can be used only at accredited U.S. colleges and universities. Exception: applicants from Panama, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines may use the award at accredited institutions in their home country.

If you win (recipient requirement)
- Recipients must perform an act of service with an Elks Lodge at least three times during their college career to strengthen their connection to the Elks community. See the Elks website for details about serving with a Lodge.

Final reminders
- Start early and read each requirement carefully so you don’t miss the deadline or a detail about eligibility.
- If anything about your family’s membership status is unclear, check with the Lodge or the Elks National Foundation before applying.