Programs

Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) is the grant-making arm of Lions Clubs International. LCIF is Lions helping Lions serve others. It's the only Lions' foundation that serves the entire world and the nearly 1.35 million Lions. Working with Lions, LCIF prevents blindness. It provides food and clothing to victims of natural disasters. It also gives youth the tools to succeed through Lions-Quest, empowers the disabled through vocational training, and promotes health by equipping clinics and hospitals. LCIF is an efficient and effective charity. Administrative costs were 12.4 percent in 2004-2005, a very good ratio. Every dollar donated to LCIF goes to a grant. LCIF receives no club dues. LCIF has awarded US$375 million in grants since it began in 1968.

There are more than 60 Lions eye banks in 13 countries. Lions eye banks procure corneal tissue from eyes. Surgeons use corneal tissue to restore vision to persons who have injured or diseased corneas. Lions eye banks also provide corneal tissue for research and education.

SightFirst grants fight preventable and reversible blindness by building hospitals and clinics, training doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers, distributing medicine and raising awareness of eye disease. Lions districts work with their regional SightFirst technical advisor in developing SightFirst grant applications and project proposals. SightFirst fights the major causes of blindness: cataract, river blindness, trachoma, and, especially in developed nations like the United States, diabetic eye disease and glaucoma. Lions initially generously funded SightFirst with US$144 million.

Diabetes -

Strides: Lions Walk for Diabetes Awareness is an exciting and active method of informing the public about diabetes, the leading cause of new cases of blindness in adults. In 1984, the International Association of Lions Clubs adopted the Diabetes Awareness Program in an effort to reduce new cases of diabetic retinopathy.

Recycle for Sight -

Lions, Leos, and other volunteers collect used eyeglasses for donation to Lions Eyeglass Recycling Centers that are located throughout the world. The used eyeglasses are cleaned, repaired and classified by prescription. The eyeglasses are then distributed to those in need by Lion volunteers and other organizations hosting optical missions in developing countries.