Behind every LCIF grant, there’s a story filled with inspiration, impact and kindness.
Effective March 16, 2026, the charitable registration with the Canada Revenue Agency for the Lions of Canada Fund for LCIF will end.
Donations received on or before March 16 remain eligible for official tax receipting in accordance with CRA requirements. The Lions of Canada Fund for LCIF cannot issue charitable tax receipts for donations received after that date.
After March 16, the donate button will direct you to lionsclubs.org/donate, where you can make a donation to Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF). LCIF grants and programs are unaffected.
Success Story
Thanks to support from LCIF and Lions in Wellington County, Ontario, Canada, funds supported technology equipment for a Diabetes & Patient Education Centre at the Groves Memorial Community Hospital. The facility serves patients with type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes through educational programming to help patients learn about diabetes and what steps they can take to stay healthy, such as diet, exercise, and medication. The facility supports inpatient and outpatient services with individual appointments with registered nurses and registered dieticians who are certified diabetes educators.
A US$50,000 LCIF grant was combined with US$160,000 in support from the local Lions in District A-15, making the total contribution US$210,000 for the project. Grant funds supported audiovisual system for the education rooms, as well as computers for patient consultation rooms. Currently, the center supports two nurse offices, two dietician offices, one large consultation room for patients and group activities, and access to the gym as needed. The nine Lions clubs supporting the project include Ariss, Maryhill, Arthur, Belwood & District, Elora, Fergus, Grand Valley, Hillsburgh & District, Marsville & District, Rockwood & District.
Lions of Canada Fund
The Melvin Jones Fellowship (MJF) recognizes donations of US$1,000. It is the backbone of LCIF, providing 75 percent of the foundation’s revenue. As recognition of humanitarian work, an MJF is an honor presented to those who donate US$1,000 to LCIF or to people for whom a donation was made by others.
The Melvin Jones Fellowship recognizes donations of US$1,000 and contributions can be made by individuals (including non-Lions), clubs or districts, in one sum, or in installments. To obtain a fellowship recognition, Lions may download the MJF program application or request a form from the LCIF Donor Services department at 630-203-3836 or donorassistance@lionsclubs.org.
The MJF application can be included when submitting your donation.
An MJF plaque or Progressive pin will not be automatically sent upon a donation of US$1,000. A recipient must be identified and shipping information provided on the MJF form. Standard processing time for an MJF is two to four weeks from when the funds are recorded by LCIF.
Many countries may charge customs and VAT charges on the importation of MJF plaques and other recognitions and awards. These fees are the responsibility of the individual or club locally receiving the items.
The International Association of Lions Clubs
P. O. Box 2425, Station “A”
Toronto, Ontario
M5W 2K6
No, donations for a Melvin Jones Fellowship can be donated in Canadian dollars. However, the minimum required donation amount to obtain a Fellowship is US$1,000 or the equivalent in local currency. Be sure to check Lions Clubs International’s official exchange rates, shown on monthly club statements, before donating for a Melvin Jones fellowship.
Personal donations and any subsequent MJF credits are recorded under the individual donor.
LCIF recently earned its sixth consecutive 4-star rating from Charity Navigator for its effective fiscal management and its commitment to accountability and transparency.
Founded in 2001, Charity Navigator is the largest and most-utilized charity evaluator in the United States. Charity Navigator examines the financial health, accountability and transparency of charities to determine its ratings. Financial information is based on each charity’s 990 tax filing in the United States. Ratings show how well evaluated charities have sustained their programs and services over time.
LCIF’s 4-star rating indicates that it consistently executes its mission in a fiscally responsible way. Only 5 percent of the charities evaluated earn a sixth consecutive 4-star rating. This exceptional distinction means that LCIF outperforms most other charitable organizations in the United States. LCIF donors can be confident their donations are being used in support of the programs for which they are intended.
There are several recognitions available depending upon the type of donation given and recognitions are typically mailed to the donor. Please contact LCIF Donor Services at 630-203-3836 or by email at donorassistance@lionsclubs.org for additional information on our recognition programs. Additional information can also be found on LCIF’s website at lionsclubs.org/en/discover-our-foundation/mission.
Recurring gifts to the Lions of Canada Fund for LCIF were cancelled following a decision by the Canada Revenue Agency that the Lions of Canada Fund for LCIF no longer meets the requirements for charitable status in Canada. As a result, the charitable registration will end on March 16, 2026, and recurring donations to that entity cannot continue. Donations made after this date will not be eligible for a Canadian charitable tax receipt.
No. Recurring gifts to the Lions of Canada Fund for LCIF will not resume automatically. If you would like to continue supporting Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF), you may establish a new recurring gift at lionsclubs.org/donate or contact Donor Services at donorassistance@lionsclubs.org for assistance.
Yes. You can adjust your recurring gift amount or frequency at any time by contacting Donor Services at donorassistance@lionsclubs.org.
Visit lionsclubs.org/LCIF-FAQ to learn more about the donation process, giving methods, recognition and donor benefits, sustaining giving, administrative operations and expenses, and LCIF grants and programs.
Yes. You can continue supporting Lions Clubs International Foundation by making a gift at lionsclubs.org/donate.
The International Association of Lions Clubs
P. O. Box 2425, Station “A”
Toronto, Ontario
M5W 2K6
You can reach out to:
Name: Peter Oswald
Title: Administrator Lions of Canada Fund for LCIF
For more information email
For more information call
Mailing address: 22 Dundana Ave., Dundas, ON L9H 4E6
Name: PID Arthur Woods
Title: Board President Lions of Canada Fund for LCIF
For more information email
For more information call
Mailing address: 11 Nuthatch Pl. Elmira, ON N3B 3G8
Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF), is registered in the USA as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt public charitable organization and supports philanthropic projects around the world through Lions Clubs.
