Key Takeaways

• Mitch Hanlon, a respected Southern California music educator and conductor, continues his legacy of service through the Elks National Foundation (ENF).
• The Elks National Foundation, founded in 1928, has distributed over $500 million to charitable projects nationwide.
• With more than 124,000 active donors and an $851 million endowment, the ENF funds scholarships, veteran support, and community initiatives.
• Scholarship programs include the Most Valuable Student awards ($3M annually) and Legacy Awards ($1.6M for children and grandchildren of Elks members).
• ENF initiatives also support youth drug awareness programs, veteran services, and local lodge community investment projects.
• A board of seven trustees, all past Elks national presidents, oversees the foundation’s operations from Chicago.

Mitch Hanlon, a distinguished figure in the world of musical theater, has spent over four decades shaping the artistic landscape of Southern California. Born with an innate passion for music, he pursued his dreams at Chapman University, where he earned a Bachelor of Music in 1985, followed by a Master of Music in piano performance from the University of Southern California in 1989. His career at California State University, Fullerton, spanned over 25 years, during which he served as a professor and head of the musical theater program, imparting his extensive knowledge to countless students.

Hanlon’s influence extends beyond academia. As the assistant conductor of the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra from 1991 to 2006, he played a pivotal role in shaping more than 325 concerts, showcasing his talents as both a conductor and a soloist. His dedication to music education led him to establish the Pianist Program at the Orange County School of the Arts, nurturing the next generation of musicians.

In retirement, Hanlon continues to contribute to the arts as the music director at First Christian Church Fullerton and through his involvement with the Elks National Foundation Community Investment Program. His efforts have secured substantial funding for community projects, reflecting his commitment to using music as a force for positive change.

The Elks (previously the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks) is ? fraternal organization focused on community service and charitable work. The group runs its charitable programs through the Elks National Foundation (ENF), which began operations in 1928. The foundation unites Elks members in service to their communities and increases the impact of their charitable efforts.

The foundation has distributed over $500 million to charitable projects across the nation. More than 124,000 active donors support the foundation’s work through regular contributions. The organization maintains an endowment of $851 million that also generates income for charitable programs each year.

A board of seven trustees governs the ENF from the Elks Veterans Memorial in Chicago. All these trustees previously served as national presidents of the Elks. The board reviews funding needs and opportunities, then sets aside specific amounts for each purpose. These funds support the Community Investments Program, which finances local lodge projects that serve and improve communities.

Among the initiatives are those that teach youth perseverance and a drug awareness program that helps young people avoid substance use. The foundation supports veterans through the Elks National Veterans Service Commission. State Elks associations also receive grants based on each state’s specific needs to fund their charitable work.

The ENF also provides scholarships for students. One of its main programs, the Most Valuable Student scholarship, provides $3 million in total funding and awards 502 students with at least $4,000 each for four years. The top 20 students receive $30,000 and attend a leadership weekend. The Legacy Awards program offers $1.6 million in scholarships to 350 students who are children or grandchildren of Elks members. The ENF also provides additional grants that go to causes such as medical school scholarships.

FAQ

Who is Mitch Hanlon and what is his connection to the Elks National Foundation?

Mitch Hanlon is a renowned music educator and conductor with a 40+ year career in Southern California. In retirement, he supports community projects through the Elks National Foundation Community Investment Program.

What is the Elks National Foundation (ENF)?

The ENF is the charitable arm of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, created in 1928 to fund community service, scholarships, and veteran support programs.

How much has the ENF contributed to charitable causes?

The foundation has distributed over $500 million nationwide, supported by 124,000 donors and an $851 million endowment.

What types of scholarships does the ENF provide?

The ENF funds the Most Valuable Student scholarship program ($3M annually, up to $30,000 per student) and the Legacy Awards program ($1.6M for 350 students related to Elks members).

What community initiatives does the ENF support?

Key initiatives include the Community Investments Program, youth drug awareness campaigns, and veteran support through the Elks National Veterans Service Commission.

Who governs the Elks National Foundation?

A seven-member board of trustees, composed of former national presidents of the Elks, manages ENF operations from the Elks Veterans Memorial in Chicago.