How does a district apply for a Core 4 grant?
Contact LCIF at 630-571-5466, ext. 580 or e-mail us.

How much are Core 4 grants for?
Core 4 grants are awarded up to a maximum US$200,000 for projects that qualify under four program areas: preserving sight, combating disability, promoting health and serving youth. Core 4 grants typically support equipment and initial project operating costs, not capital construction and facility development.

Core 4 grants normally provide up to 75 percent of the project's cost, with the applicant Lions district required to raise the 25 percent balance. Unlike standard grants, the local matching funds for a Core 4 grant can be raised while the project is ongoing. In adopting criteria for specific Core 4 funding priorities, the LCIF trustees can set a higher percentage of local matching funds (i.e., more than 25 percent) and can lower the grant limit of US$200,000.

A district may have one Core 4 Grant application or approved Core 4 Grant in process at any one time.

When should a grant application be filed?
Applications must be in completed form at least 60 days before an LCIF Board of Trustees meeting. The board meets three times a year - October/November, March/April and June/July. Applications are reviewed as they are received.

Beginning in 2007, a separate Lions Quest Advisory Committee (LAC) will review all Core 4 Lions Quest grant applications. The LCIF Board of Trustees no longer assumes this duty. The LAC plans to meet three times per year in January, May and August to consider these grant applications. Applications should be received in the LCIF office in completed form at least 60 days before the LAC meeting. The first LAC meeting will be held in January 2007. The grant criteria and requirements remain unchanged by this committee re-assignment. Contact the LCIF Lions Quest Department for more information.

What qualities does LCIF look for in a grant application?
The budget must show ample funding from local Lions' organizations, have a strong Lions' identity and involvement, be endorsed by the district cabinet and involve at least two to three clubs. Furthermore, the project must address an important humanitarian need, serve a relatively large population, be cost effective and be beyond local fund-raising capability.

Is there grant money available for my individual club?
Most grants require the participation of a district, either single, sub or multiple. But the International Assistance Grant allows a sponsoring Lions club or district to partner with a host club or district in the country where the project will take place. Note that even though grants to individual clubs are limited, a club can participate in any number of service projects funded by grants. One such example is building homes in coordination with Habitat for Humanity. For information, contact LCIF at 630-571-5466, ext. 580 or e-mail us.

Does LCIF make grants directly to an individual?
No, there is no program for making grants to an individual; instead, LCIF grants are made to Lions districts, multiple districts and clubs.

How are the LCIF grant programs funded?
Grants are made possible by donations from Lions clubs and individual members worldwide. Interest on investments, gifts from corporations and the general public are also funding sources. LCIF does not receive any portion of Lions membership dues.

Why should Lions partner with LCIF?
LCIF is a necessary and vital tool for Lions, helping Lions serve others.

• LCIF helps LCI respond effectively to global problems.
• LCIF enables Lions to help others in times of disaster and natural calamity.
• LCIF funds projects too big for districts or clubs to do on their own.
• LCIF responds to the local needs of Lions and develops grant programs that serve community needs.