News

Foundation News Update

Relief for Chile

Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) is providing relief for Chile, following the devastating 8.8 earthquake on February 27. The Foundation has awarded US$40,000 in emergency grants. Read the latest news on how LCIF is helping.

New Look for LCIF

Lions Clubs International Foundation has just launched a new look, which includes an updated logo and repositioned brand image. This refined image is compelling and helps to clearly and effectively communicate the value of the Foundation to both the external community and the Lions. Read more about the new image for the Foundation.

Relief for Haiti

Lions Hope for Haiti has mobilized more than US$2.8 million to date. Following the devastating earthquake, Lions around the world responded generously and quickly to the LCIF designated fund for this disaster. Donations are continuing to pour in from individuals, clubs and districts. LCIF is working directly with Lions of Haiti as well as Lions in neighboring countries to assess the immediate needs and also develop a long-term reconstruction plan. Donors can assist area Lions and Lions Clubs International Foundation in responding to this disaster with a designated donation to the "LCIF Haiti Earthquake Relief" Fund.

Transmission of River Blindness Halted in Ecuador

Ecuador has become the second nation in the Americas to halt the transmission of onchocerciasis, according to a press release from the Carter Center, the Atlanta-based sponsoring agency for the Onchocerciasis Elimination Program in the Americas. The Onchocerciasis Elimination Program in the Americas is a community-based partnership that includes volunteers in the endemic countries of Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico and Venezuela. Lions Clubs International Foundation supports the partnership effort through funding as well as grassroots volunteer efforts to provide education about the disease and distribute medication in the endemic countries. LCIF has supported 131 million Mectizan treatments to control and eliminate the disease.

SightFirst Publication Now Available

The recent edition of ForSight, the SightFirst bi-annual magazine is now available online. The current issue highlights a screening program in India, clinic built with partner support in Democratic Republic of Congo, SightFirst Long Range Plans, Training Programs and other stories. Also, SightFirst has created an Executive Summary document that outlines the program's funding priorities to assist Lions in the grant application, as well as explain the program to anyone.

Memorial Kits Now Available

Celebrate loved ones commitment to service by ensuring those in need worldwide will continue to be helped. Making a memorial gift to LCIF is the perfect way to honor loved ones committed to Lions and humanitarian service when they pass away. LCIF now has memorial donation kits available for memorial services, which include memorial donation forms. For more information about LCIF memorial donation kits, please contact Donor Services.

Growth for Lions Quest

This year marks the 25th anniversary of Lions Quest, and Lions are celebrating by implementing the program in new areas worldwide. With grants awarded at the January Lions Quest Advisory Committee Meeting, three new countries were approved to implement the program, including Bulgaria, Mauritius and the Philippines. Additionally, the program recently expanded into Chicago Public Schools (CPS), one of the largest school systems in the United States. To date, more than half a dozen high schools in CPS use Lions Quest, demonstrating the continued growth of the program. Now is the perfect time to become involved with Lions Quest and your local schools! To find out more, visit the new Lions Quest Web site, which launched in February.

Annual Report Available Online

The 2008-2009 LCIF annual report is now available to download online, in English only at this time with all languages available in March.

First Ever Teacher of the Year Award

Lions Quest is hosting its first-ever Lions Quest Educator Award. This award seeks to recognize teacher's creativity, initiative and success in implementing Lions Quest curricula in an educational setting. We welcome every Lion to take an active role in identifying teachers in their local schools who have truly lived the Lions Quest program in their classroom. If you or other Lions in your community know of a leading Lions Quest teacher and would like to nominate them for the Lions Quest Educator Award, please contact Lions Quest.

Learn More about LCIF

Make a resolution this year to learn more about the great work of your Foundation. You may be aware of the recently created LCIF District Coordinator position. This individual in your district has been trained on the types of grants and programs available as well as how to submit funds or Melvin Jones Fellowship applications. Please invite them to your club meeting or district convention to educate others about LCIF. E-mail the LCIF Development Department with the date of the event, and they will help put you in contact with your local coordinator.

LCIF Tabletop Exhibit Available for Lions Conventions

The LCIF tabletop exhibit is available for Lions to book for local and state conventions, community fairs or other events to promote the foundation. Please contact LCIF Communications to book the display for your upcoming event.