Every Leo club is sponsored by a Lions club. Sponsoring Lions clubs maintain close rapport with Leo clubs.

A Lion is appointed as a Leo club advisor (or co-advisor). This Lion promotes communication between the two clubs. Through this club liaison, Lions and Leos often agree to work together on joint community service projects.

Lions clubs can present the Leo Club Completion of Service Certificate (LeoGrad) to Leos in good standing who leave the club. If invited to join a Lions club in the future, the certificate may be used by the former Leo to waive the US$25 international entrance fee or the US$30 charter fee assessed when a former Leo joins a newly formed Lions club.

The Leo Years of Service Transfer Program form (LeoTrans) allows Leos to include years of service on their Lions record. This encourages young people to continue serving their communities as Lions. To recognize their years of service, former Leos receive a tab which they can wear with their Lions member pin.