Fact Sheet on Donations

Fact Sheet on Grants

Fact Sheet on Major Projects

Fact Sheet on Resources

LCIF has awarded US$604 million in grants since the foundation began awarding grants in 1972. In fiscal year 2006-2007, it awarded US$33.7 million in grants. LCIF's SightFirst program has awarded US$211 million since it began in 1990.

LCIF often returns to countries in the form of grants as much or more than was donated to LCIF by that country.

There are several types of grants:

SightFirst grants fight preventable and reversible blindness by supporting eye health care delivery systems, training and infrastructure development. Lions districts and multiple districts work with their regional SightFirst Technical Advisor in applying for a grant.

Standard grants are the grants Lions are most likely to be involved with. Standard grants provide matching funds up to US$75,000 for large-scale projects that address important humanitarian needs.

International Assistance Grants fund partnership projects between Lions clubs in at least two countries. Grants are available for amounts between US$5,000 and $30,000 on a matching basis to fund smaller-scale development projects in needy countries, such as medical missions, primary health care, food-self sufficiency, aid for disability organizations and clean water initiatives.

Core 4 grants fund innovative projects that target urgent needs under Lions' core areas of concern: preserving sight, combating disability, promoting health, and serving youth. Grants are available for amounts up to US$200,000 on a three-to-one matching basis.

Emergency grants are awarded in amounts up to US$10,000 immediately following natural disasters to fund distribution of relief aid.

Major Catastrophe grants are awarded in amounts of US$50,000 and above to help fund longer-term reconstruction projects following major calamities.

Designated grants represent funds donated to LCIF restricted for specific activities and projects.

Frequently Asked Questions About Grants

How does a district apply for a grant?
Contact LCIF at 630-571-5466, ext. 580 or e-mail LCIF. Or download How to Apply for an LCIF Standard Grant (LCIF-109) or Standard Grant Application/Criteria (LCIF-27).

What type of grant should we apply for?
It depends on the type of project. Districts can apply for a standard grant, a Core 4 grant, an emergency grant and an international assistance grant. Districts also can seek a major catastrophe grant, a designated grant and a SightFirst grant (upon working with a SightFirst technical adviser).

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.

How much are grants for?
That depends on the type of grant. Standard grants cover up to 50 percent of a project's total cost and can be as much as US$75,000. International assistance grants are between US$5,000 and $10,000.

What is a typical project covered by a grant?
Again, that varies depending on the type of grant. Typical standard grant projects include mobile health units, hospices, nursing homes, medical units, street children's homes, blind and disabled centers, eye clinics, research centers and schools in developing countries.

What qualities does LCIF look for to approve 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. 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 (IAG) 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.

What is the relationship between LCIF and my local Lions' foundation?
Both provide valuable services to communities. The difference is that LCIF is the only Lions' foundation to serve the entire world community. Because of our size, we can initiate more ambitious projects than a local foundation.

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.

How are operating expenses paid?
By ruling of the board of trustees, all administrative and promotional expenses must be paid from interest on investments. Donated funds are never used to cover these costs.

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.