What is a Melvin Jones Fellowship?
The Melvin Jones Fellowship is recognition of a commitment to humanitarian work. (It is not an award in the tradition of Lions awards presented for specific accomplishments.) The fellowship is an honor given to individuals who contribute the equivalent of US$1,000 to LCIF, and persons for whom such donations are made by others. The fellowship is the foundation's highest honor and represents humanitarian qualities such as generosity, compassion, and concern for the less fortunate. Melvin Jones Fellows receive a lapel pin and a personalized wall plaque in honor of their commitment to helping others.

When did the fellowship originate?
Created in 1973, the fellowship is named for the founder of Lions Clubs International, Melvin Jones.

Is the fellowship for Lions only?
The fellowship is not limited to Lions clubs members. It is open to non-Lions to whom identical recognition is presented.

May the fellowship be presented posthumously?
Yes, the fellowship may be given in memory of a deceased individual. In those cases, the plaque is inscribed, "in memory of" and is presented to the individual named by the donor to receive them. (Often the plaque, pin and letter are presented to a close relative of the deceased.) When filling out the application, please provide all of the information requested for the person to whom the recognition will be presented (the family member). That information is required to prepare an appropriate letter for presentation with the plaque.

Who can contribute toward a Melvin Jones Fellowship?
Contributions can be made by individuals including non-Lions, clubs, or districts in one sum, or in installments of a minimum of US$100 over a five-year period, but only individuals can receive fellowship recognition.

Is it possible to make a donation and choose the MJF recipient later?
Yes. You must tell us that the donation is to be applied toward an unnamed fellowship at the time it is sent in. Complete the Melvin Jones Fellowship application.

Write "Melvin Jones Fellow to be named later" on cheque or bank draft.

When an individual's or group of individuals' personal donation(s) are accumulated for a club's use to select a Melvin Jones Fellowship recipient, we require documentation of the consent of the original donor(s) in writing, signed by each individual. When a club's donation(s) are accumulated for a fellowship recipient to be selected by the district, LCIF requires signed documentation of the consent of the club. Please include such documentation with the completed MJF application that is sent to LCIF Donor Services.

Can LCIF be authorized to charge a club's account with LCI for a donation for a Melvin Jones Fellowship or other type of recognition?
No, LCIF cannot charge a club's account for any type of donation.

I lost my MJF lapel pin. How can I get a replacement pin?
Replacement pins are available from the LCIF office for US$10. If you are authorized to charge your club, please include the club number and your complete address when ordering the pin. Checks should be payable to "LCIF."

Will my club get an award if I become a Melvin Jones Fellow?
A club receives a Melvin Jones Fellow banner patch and chevron for the first member to receive MJF recognition. For each subsequent year a member is inducted as a fellow, the club receives a chevron.

When all current club members are Melvin Jones Fellows, the club receives a 100 % Melvin Jones Fellowship banner and is recognized during the MJF Luncheon during convention. In addition, a Certificate of Distinction is presented to a club representative at the Lions Clubs International Convention.

More Information
More information on the Fellowship can be found online.