Charitable Donations

I am interested in making a charitable donation to LCIF. What are the possibilities?
LCIF has many forms of recognition and awards. Charitable donations can be made by an individual or in the name of another person. For information on the types of donation and recognition programs, visit the Donations section of the Web site.

I want to give a charitable donation directly to a humanitarian project and not have it be used for administrative purposes. Can I be assured of that?
Absolutely. By ruling of LCIF's Board of Trustees, all of LCIF's administrative and promotional expenses must be paid from interest on investments. Donations are used solely for grants.

How does LCIF compare to other charitable organizations in terms of financial efficiency?
Quite well. LCIF's administrative costs over the last 10 years average 13.7 percent, a very good ratio.

How effective is LCIF as a charitable organization?
LCIF prides itself on its longstanding record of quality projects. LCIF stands for quality (effective programs with excellent follow-up), efficiency (every dollar donated is for grants; very low administrative costs) and uniqueness (the only Lions' Foundation that serves the world).

Should contributions be accumulated and periodically sent to LCIF?
Funds should be forwarded without delay. Doing so ensures prompt crediting of the donor's record and issuance of LCIF recognition and awards. In addition, checks held for an extended period become dated, sometimes requiring that we request a new check from the donor.

How are donations to be sent?
In the U.S., it is best to send personal or bank checks. Checks sent from outside the U.S. should be in U.S. dollars drawn on U.S. banks, which expedites processing and reduces costly international bank collection charges. In countries where LCI or LCIF has bank accounts, funds may be deposited in local currency in amounts equivalent to the required U.S. dollars, using the association's official exchange rate shown on monthly club statements. A copy of the bank deposit receipt must be sent to LCIF along with completed Contribution/MJF Application form (LCIF-42). Fax or mail documentation to LCIF Donor Services.

How are checks or bank drafts to be made out?
Make checks or bank drafts payable to "LCIF." If the gift is restricted for a specific purpose, write the name of the account to be credited on the face of the check and on related documentation. For example, "El Salvador Earthquake Relief."  For unrestricted donations, write the purpose of the donation, such as "Melvin Jones Fellowship/recipient's name," "club plaque,"  "36 contributing memberships," "toward Melvin Jones Fellowship," etc.

May I charge my donation to my credit card?
LCIF accepts charitable donations charged to Visa?, MasterCard? and American Express?credit cards. You will find a space for credit card donations on the Contribution Form/MJF Application form (LCIF-42) and Melvin Jones Fellowship brochure (LCIF-24). Be sure to show which credit card you want us to charge, give the account number and expiration date, and fill in the amount to be charged. Sign your name as it appears on your credit card in the space provided on the donation form.

Can a form of recognition such as a Melvin Jones Fellowship be sent out before donation is received by LCIF?
LCIF board policy requires that donations must be received at headquarters before recognition can be sent. To ensure accurate and timely processing and the prompt issuance of recognition, please include necessary documentation such as a completed Melvin Jones Fellowship application form.

Are there donor reports available from LCIF?
Yes, LCIF provides district governors, multiple district & district LCIF chairs with a quarterly recap of donations and several other reports. These officers can use the reports to provide information on charitable organization donations and Melvin Jones Fellowships to all Lions. To obtain this list, e-mail donorassistance@lionsclubs.org.

How do I get more information about donations?
Contact LCIF at lcif@lionsclubs.org. We respond to all inquiries as quickly as possible.