How does a district apply for a standard grant?
Contact LCIF at 630/571-5466, ext. 580 or e-mail us. Or download How to Apply for an LCIF Standard Grant (LCIF-109) and Standard Grant Application/Criteria (LCIF-27).

When should a grant application be filed?
Applications must be in completed form at least 60 days before an LCIF Board of Trustees meeting. The board meets three times a year - October/November, March/April and June/July. Applications are reviewed as they are received.

Grant programs meetings and deadlines:

• August 27, 2008 application deadline for review at the October 2008 board meeting
• January 9, 2009 application deadline for review at the March 2009 board meeting
• April 29, 2009 application deadline for review at the June 2009 board meeting

How much are standard grants for?
Standard grants cover up to 50 percent of a project's total cost and can be up to US$75,000.

What is a typical project covered by a standard grant?
Typical standard grant projects include mobile health units, hospices, nursing homes, medical units, street children's homes, blind and disabled centers, eye clinics, research centers and schools in developing countries.

What qualities does LCIF look for in a grant application?
The budget must show ample funding from local Lions' organizations, have a strong Lions' identity and involvement, be endorsed by the district cabinet and involve at least two to three clubs. Furthermore, the project must address an important humanitarian need, serve a relatively large population, be cost effective and be beyond local fund-raising capability.

Is there grant money available for my individual club?
Most grants require the participation of a district, either single, sub or multiple. But the International Assistance Grant allows a sponsoring Lions club or district to partner with a host club or district in the country where the project will take place. Note that even though grants to individual clubs are limited, a club can participate in any number of service projects funded by grants. One such example is building homes in coordination with Habitat for Humanity. For information, contact LCIF at 630-571-5466, ext. 580 or e-mail us.

Does LCIF make grants directly to an individual?
No, there is no program for making grants to an individual; instead, LCIF grants are made to Lions districts, multiple districts and clubs.

How are the LCIF grant programs funded?
Grants are made possible by donations from Lions clubs and individual members worldwide. Interest on investments, gifts from corporations and the general public are also funding sources. LCIF does not receive any portion of Lions membership dues.

Why should Lions partner with LCIF?
LCIF is a necessary and vital tool for Lions helping Lions serve others.

• LCIF helps LCI respond effectively to global problems.
  
• LCIF enables Lions to help others in times of disaster and natural calamity. LCIF funds projects too big for districts or clubs to do on their own.
  
• LCIF responds to the local needs of Lions and develops grant programs that serve community needs.