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Grant Application Process

What should be considered when applying for the Core 4 Grant?
The Core 4 Grant is a three to one matching grant in which multiple districts match up to $66,000 for a total LCIF match of up to $200,000 paid over a three-year period. The funds are to be used as seed money for the establishment of a multi-district on-going program. The grant application explains the requirements in detail, while the grant report form is used by grant recipients to request funds.

Brief Summary of Grant Guidelines

Screening Goal: Early detection and treatment of the most common vision problems that could cause amblyopia. 

Screening Device: Until recently the LCIF programs have used the PhotoScreener. Some programs are currently transitioning to the Welch Allyn SureSight autorefractor. The SureSight detects refractive problems that can lead to amblyopia and poor vision in young children. Vision problems detectable by the screening devices include hyperopia, myopia, astigmatism, and anisometropia.

Screening Method: Local Lions clubs conduct the vision screenings in their communities and send results to the coordinating center for data entry and analysis. 

Age Range: Volunteer Lions begin the screening process by establishing a screening site with children in the appropriate age range of one year through five years (up to, but not including age 6). Treatment of vision disorders that can lead to amblyopia for children in this age range is easier and more successful than for older children. Therefore, establishing and retaining the age range limit of the children is a critical component of our program. Additionally, the cost effectiveness of screening children older than age five diminishes drastically. Much less expensive and more accurate methods of testing directly for amblyopia, rather than problems that may cause amblyopia, exist for older children.

Training Protocol: A program coordinator trains volunteer lions to organize screenings, use the screening instrument, and return results to the administrative office. The training protocol consists of an in-class training session as well as an in-the-field training. Results are monitored to assure appropriate screening takes place. Re-training takes place when necessary. As a statewide program, protocol must be followed and supported uniformly throughout the state. Fortunately the Lions structure and ability to work within and between districts makes the task a reality. Participation in successful states has been phenomenal.

Program Implementation:

• Funding: Statewide programs cost between $100,000 and $200,000 per year, dependent on the size of the state and the screening technology. Program costs include two full-time staff managing volunteers and follow-up for screening up to approximately 35,000 children. Marketing and fundraising provides financial support from individual Lions clubs as well as a steady stream of motivated volunteers to conduct vision screenings. Clubs should make handsome several-year pledges in support of program operations. 
• Excellent Lions organizational and administrative structure, agreement, and participation throughout the program.
• Full time salaried outreach director, staff, and facility to work from.
• Method of recruitment, training, and supervision of volunteers.
• System of contacting and gaining support from a referral network of ophthalmologists and optometrists in the state.
• Partnership with a pediatric ophthalmologist and a medical center.
  Partnership planning can take years before program inception. Plans should be shared with clubs throughout the state in order to elicit their support. The organizational support of the Lions and the cooperation amongst districts is crucial for the program’s success. 
• Well-designed database to track results