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The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks is a fraternal order with nearly a million members and a 147 year history; a network of more than 2000 Lodges in communities all over the country; a generous charitable foundation that each year gives millions in scholarships, an inspiration to youth, a friend to veterans and more. 

Our mission is to inculcate the principles of Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity; to recognize a belief in God; to promote the welfare and enhance the happiness of its Members; to quicken the spirit of American patriotism; to cultivate good fellowship; to perpetuate itself as a fraternal organization, and to provide for its government, we serve people and communities through benevolent programs, demonstrating that Elks Care and Elks Share.

• On October 20, 1889, Grand Lodge granted a charter to fifty prominent citizens of Troyallowing their group to become known as Troy Lodge #141. They first met at The Grand Army of the Republic building at Congress and Third in Troy. 
• With continuing growth in members, the group soon needed larger quarters. In 1892, they moved to River Street. They continued meeting there and growing until they were able to afford their own building.
• The building which they purchased was a first class brownstone at 39   Third Street. They renovated and restored the building.
• In 1906 when the telegraph wires buzzed with the terrible news of the San Francisco Earthquake, Troy Lodge was the first to respond. It was also the first to provide Christmas baskets for the needy, the first to establish a free medical clinic under Dr. W. C. Shields, the first to give “Safe and Sane 4th of July Picnics” to the public in Rensselaer Park and later at the Troy Riding Club. It was also the first to provide radio sponsorship by Elks in World War II. This is only part of our history of which most of our records were lost in the disastrous fire that destroyed that beloved old building October  7, 1971.
• It was the old timers after the fire who provided most of the wherewithal to acquire the new building where it now stands converted from Fay’s old restaurant, but it took the muscle of the new members to put it in the wonderful shape it is today. Probably the greatest feat in its history was its ability to provide volunteer carpenters, plumbers, electricians, mechanics and maintenance men to complete the inside work while contracting outside for only the shell. This was a miracle.
• Troy Lodge was one of the first of the Order to sponsor a series of Americanization Programs through the medium of radio and it has utilized that medium time and time again to spread the gospel of Elkdom and Americanism.
• Its National Defense Program, undertaken prior to World War II culminated in one of the largest peacetime demonstrations in the history of the City with more than 50 organizations and 7,500 persons taking part. The use of its Home and facilities by the United Service Organization during the War was of inestimable value.
• In 1939, it received the written commendation of the United States Constitution Sesquicentennial Commission for having been the only organization anywhere who procured the first photo static copies of the Bill of Rights for distribution to the schools of the area.
• Troy Lodge has been awarded Two First Grand Lodge prizes for Convention Parades and is the possessor of more State Association Parade Prizes than any other lodge in the State. 

Major Projects is a State project which varies from State to State. In New York State, Major Projects is Cerebral Palsy. Each year the Lodge is expected to raise $8.00 per member for Major Projects. This may be done through fundraising events or through donation appeals to the members. The monies given go to support the in-home portion of the CP center in Albany. This may include building of ramps for home bound individuals and assistance in getting homebound individuals out to centers where they are able to get help they wouldn’t be able to get otherwise.

• Some of the programs Troy Lodge is involved in include Drug Awareness Program, Dictionary Program, VA visitations, Christmas Charities, Bingo, Bell Jar, Vegas, and Queen of Hearts.
• The Elks Drug Awareness Program promotes ways of preventing youths from using illegal substances. In some cases, the Lodges work in conjunction with the local DARE program. This program may include use of literature, multi-media tools, workshops and training seminars to educate students, parents, schools and volunteers on the dangers of drug use. As an alternative many Lodges sponsor activities such as Little League and Scouting. Over 6 million kids participated in Elk sponsored activities last year.
• Since we, as Elks, pledge to never forget our nation’s veterans, each year Elks visit hundreds of thousands of veterans from our VA Hospitals to Veteran’s Homes. We provide companionship and try to enhance their level of comfort. Patients able to leave to facilities are invited to Elk sponsored events. Last year the value of contributions to veterans exceeded $18 million. In Troy Lodge, on the fourth Thursday of most months, several of our members pay a visit to the local VA hospital. They take snacks and small prizes with them and provide veterans in the hospital with an evening of bingo, popcorn and ice cream.
• Christmas Charities is an in-lodge committee. Each year we appeal to the members for a donation. These monies are used to provide food to the needy in the area; cover the expenses of the veterans Christmas party, the Christmas party for the ambulatory residents of Van Rensselaer Manor, the Childrens’ Christmas party, the Special Peoples Christmas Party and the Van Rensselaer Manor summer picnic. In 2010, we even used monies to adopt-a-family; providing them with a complete Christmas.
• Bingo, Bell Jar, Vegas, and Queen of Hearts are our gaming projects that are used to raise money for charity and the lodge. A percentage of all monies raised this way must go to charity.

• In 1928, one man’s dream became a reality for all Elks and the communities we serve. Then National President, John F. Malley envisioned a plan that would “unite the forces of the Order into a mighty army for the service of mankind”. During the annual Grand Lodge Convention in Miamithat year, Malley’s call to service inspired delegates to take action by voting to establish the Elks National Foundation with an initial $100,000 grant. 
• Today, the mission of the Elks National Foundation is to help Elks build stronger communities. We fulfill this pledge by investing in communities where Elks live and work. We provide tomorrow’s leaders, or youth, with a healthy beginning; honor the Elks’ pledge to never forget our veterans; help the state Elks associations accomplish their charitable objectives; and fund projects that improve the quality of life in local Elks communities.
• Since inception, the Foundation has received more than $201.2 million in contributions and bequests. All unrestricted donations go into a permanent endowment fund, where each gift earns interest for lifetimes. Today we boast more than 100,000 active donors and an endowment fund valued at $465.2 million. The ENF has contributed more than $324.6 million towards Elks’ charitable projects nationwide. These funds support our three college scholarship programs, the Elks National Drug Awareness Program, the Elks National Hoop Shoot Free Throw Program, the Elks National Veterans Service Commission, the Community Investments Program and grants to State Elks Associations. Troy Lodge is an Honorary founder of the Elks National Foundation through its contributions of many thousands of dollars. 
• The college scholarship program includes three types of scholarships: the Most Valuable Student scholarship award, The Legacy Awards for children and grandchildren of Elk members and the emergency educational grant scholarship for children of deceased of totally disabled Elks. Scholarships are also awarded on a local, district and state level. The Most Valuable Student scholarship is open to all high school seniors. These scholarships are one of the ways the Elks invest in the future of our country.
• The Elks Hoop Shoot free throw program helps to provide youths with a healthy activity. It promotes integrity, hard work and good sportsmanship. It involves grade school and middle school youths in competition at a local, regional and national level. The winners of the national event have their names enshrined in the National Basketball Hall of Fame.
• Each year, members are asked to contribute $10.00 to the ENF. It is tax deductible. This is not a mandatory donation. It is left up to the members. Recognition is given by Grand Lodge to members who have given cumulative totals during their years as a member in increasing levels of $100, $250, $500, $1,000, $2,500 and up.