2026-2027 Excellence Awards updates
These prestigious awards are available at four levels—club, zone, region and district.
Clubs must earn a Club Excellence Award as a prerequisite for Excellence Awards at the zone, region and district level.
Applications will not be necessary for the 2026-2027 award cycle. Awards will be distributed by Lions International to clubs that meet the updated criteria and eligibility requirements. You will find these listed below. *New clubs chartered after January 1, 2027, are not eligible for the award.
Club Excellence Award criteria
The Club Excellence Award acknowledges the dedication and legacy of service within individual clubs and is the foundation for excellence awards presented to zone chairpersons, region chairpersons and district governors.
Membership
- Achieved a net growth of two (2) members or 10% or more members, whichever is greater. (Reinstated members and charter members above the minimum 20 members will qualify.)
- Or sponsor a new Lions club or club branch.
Service
- Report a minimum of four (4) service activities. Three (3) must align with our Global Causes around Youth, Vision and Environment (one in each Global Cause); these service projects can be completed throughout the 2026-2027 Lion year.
Leadership
- Clubs in Good Standing: not in Status Quo or Financial Suspension. Club dues paid and no unpaid balance with Lions International greater than US$50 outstanding 90 days or more.
- Report newly elected club officers for the 2027-2028 Lion year in the Lion Portal by May 15, 2027 of the current Lion year.
- Club officers (President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer) to attend instructor-led club officer training (in person or virtual), organized and reported in Learn by GLT coordinator, between March 1, 2026 – October 31, 2026.
- The club president for the current Lion year must not have served more than two consecutive terms.
- A minimum of 10% of the club’s members complete any three (3) courses in the Lions Learning Center.
Donations
- Contributed to LCIF a minimum of the club’s membership total at the start of the 2026-2027 Lion year multiplied by US$20.
Zone, region and district criteria
Earning the Club Excellence Award is key to becoming eligible for the Zone, Region and District Excellence Awards. These awards will be distributed based on meeting criteria for each category.
Zone Excellence Award
The Zone Excellence Award recognizes outstanding Zone Chairpersons who cultivate growth and excellence within their clubs. To qualify, 50% of the clubs within the zone must earn the Club Excellence Award.
Region Excellence Award
The Region Excellence Award honors exceptional Region Chairpersons and regional success. To qualify, 50% or more of the clubs within the region must earn the Club Excellence Award, highlighting commitment to fostering high-performing, service-driven clubs.
District Excellence Award
The District Excellence Award recognizes District Governors who drive exceptional growth, leadership and community impact. To qualify, 50% or more of the clubs within the district must earn the Club Excellence Award, demonstrating commitment to Lions International core principles.
The road to excellence
Increase your chances of earning an award by increasing your level of service through engagement in activities that promote Lions excellence.
Participate in the Global Causes
Amplify your club’s impact by participating in the Service Journey. It is an approach to making a difference people can see and feel. Learn more about the global causes and what your club can do to support Youth, Vision and Environment.
Invite new friends
New members are critical to the club’s success, so spread the word about why you love being a Lion. Whether it’s the community, sense of belonging or joy of helping others, serving as a Lion is always more fun with a friend. Plus, every time you invite a new member, you are helping us reach our MISSION 1.5 goals so that we can serve even more people!
Empower service around the world
With 100% of donations going towards grants and programs, your generosity to LCIF allows us to serve people in need. Please consider donating to the Lions Clubs International Foundation today and thank you for your support!