Elks creating endowment for rehabilitation in Idaho

The Idaho State Elks Association announced a new focus for its state major project following the Elks board's approval of an agreement with St. Luke's Health System.

The Elks organization will continue its charitable mission by creating an endowment to support the work of not-for-profit physical rehabilitation providers, educators, and researchers throughout Idaho.

The endowment will be named "Idaho Elks Rehab System." Owned and operated by the Idaho State Elks Association, the endowment will provide an opportunity for the Association to continue its ongoing commitment to rehab patients in Idaho.

The endowment will seek applications from community rehab providers across the state to enhance their rehab programs and meet the needs of rehab patients in their communities.

Annual grants will be awarded to applicants for state-of-the-art equipment, program development and staff education that would not be possible without Elks support. Initial endowment grants of more than $2 million will be awarded in 2015.

The original source for funding rehab provider grants will come from Elks Rehab reserves. Additional funding will be generated from investments and donations.

Joseph P. Caroselli, the former administrator of Elks Rehab Hospital, Inc., will serve as the administrator of the Idaho Elks Rehab System. Grant Jones, the former director of development, will serve as the organization's Elks liaison, fundraiser and volunteer coordinator.

The new corporate office will be located at 100 State St. by June 2015. An interim office will be located on the second floor of the Elks Rehab Hospital building, at 600 N. Robbins Road, beginning October 2014.