About / Mission
The Michigan Elks Charitable Grant Fund Scholarship, a trademarked and registered 501(c)(3) organization, is dedicated to supporting special needs students in their pursuit of higher education. This scholarship serves as the next step for students to transition into accredited colleges, universities, licensed trade schools, or vocational programs after high school. Special needs is defined by I.D.E.A. Special Education law, a 504 accommodation plan, or as approved by the Gold Key Commissioners.
EMPOWERING THE YOUTH OF TOMORROW
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Fast Facts
This year The Michigan Elks Charitable Grant Fund will be awarding $120,000 in scholarships to special needs young adults to further their education and become active members of todays society!
How to apply for Gold Key Scholarship
The Michigan Elks Association Charitable Grant Fund Scholarship Commission is incorporated in the State of Michigan as a nonprofit corporation.
The Gold Key Scholarship uses a quarterly application process to better serve students throughout the year.
Quarterly Application Periods:
- Quarter 1: Opens January 1 · Closes March 1
- Quarter 2: Opens April 1 · Closes June 1
- Quarter 3: Opens July 1 · Closes September 1
- Quarter 4: Opens October 1 · Closes December 1
New Applicants:
New applications are accepted during any open quarter.
Renewal Applicants:
Renewal applications open annually on April 1 and must be submitted by June 1.
Click here for more information on applications
Gold Key Commissioners
Name: Chuck Pankey-Fanning – (Mark Fanning)- Treasurer
Cell: 248.854.1626
E-mail: goldkeyme@mielks.org
Location: Ferndale Lodge #1588
Term Ends: May 2030
Name: Dawn Lambert- Sargent of Arms
Cell: 906-204-4484
E-mail: goldkeyup@mielks.org
Ishpeming #447
Term Ends: May 2032
Name: VACANT
Cell:
E-mail: goldkeyse@mielks.org
Location:
Term Ends:
Name: Dave Scott PER – (LuAnn)- Chaplain
Cell: 269.340.2799
E-mail: goldkeysw@mielks.org
Location: Dowagiac Lodge #889
Term Ends: May 2028
Name: Ami Edmonds DDGER – (T.J.)- Chair
Cell: 989-820-1299
E-mail: goldkeyne@mielks.org
Location: Tawas Area Lodge #2525
Term Ends: May 2029
Victoria Koteskey PER (Dave)- Secretary
Cell: 231.675.8468
E-mail: goldkeynw@mielks.org
Charlevoix Lodge #2856
Term Ends: May 2031
Executive Director:
Geno Grabinski / (Jani)
Plymouth-Ann Arbor Lodge #325
C: 248.417.6362
E: goldkey@mielks.org
PSP Advisor:
Stan Chubinski / Cheryl
Battle Creek Lodge #131
C: 269-420-4516
E: chubinskipsp@mielks.org
| District | Date | Golf Course |
|---|---|---|
| Southeast Franz Brenner | 5/30/26 | Wesburn Golf Course |
| Southwest | 6/14/26 | Dowagiac Elks |
| Upper Peninsula | 07/17/26 | TBA |
| Metro | 8/8/26 | Port Huron Elks Lodge |
| Northwest | 9/12/26 | Evergreen Golf Resort (Cadillac) |
| Northeast | 3/21/26 | Reverse Raffle (Tawas Area Lodge #2525)- Canceled |
2025 Winners 4th Qtr
Isabella Brazeau- Metro
Kendall Hollen- Metro
Leshawn Monger- Metro
Harper Miesch- Metro
Rashad Travis- Metro
Madelynne Crandell- NW
Cruz Anderson- SE
Barric Groholske- SE
Laila Harmon- SE
Sophie Knight- SE
Join the Michigan Elks Charitable Grant Fund Donor Program.
All donations and contributions to the fund are deductible for Federal Income and Estate Tax purposes in the manner and to the extent provided by law under section 501c(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
