Humanitarian
The humanitarian efforts of Lions have been notable and celebrated for more than 100 years. Working together, Lions identify the world’s most crucial needs and LCIF supports them in their efforts to provide humanitarian aid where it’s needed most.
Global Statistics
15% of the world’s population experience disability; prevalence higher for developing countries; ≤190M experience significant disability.
~20M people need hospice care annually ~3M receive it.
High social connectedness = 50% increased chance of longevity.
Sources: The World Bank Group, Worldwide Hospice Palliative Care Alliance, and World Health Organization Stanford Medicine
Humanitarian Focused
LCIF Awarded Grants
From July 2022 to May 2023, LCIF has awarded 726 humanitarian-related grants totaling US$14,178,979. View the grants empowering Lions to provide humanitarian aid where it’s needed most.
We Serve Humanity
Humanitarian spirit is at the core of every Lion. Helping Lions take this spirit of kindness to their communities is Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF), uniquely privileged to provide clubs and districts with grant funding to create a healthier, happier world. Since 1968, LCIF has funded service so Lions can deliver solutions.
Through LCIF’s Matching grant and District & Club Community Impact grant, Lions can support humanitarian activities in youth, health and wellness services, and community service initiatives. LCIF’s humanitarian services are also funding the purchase of measles or measles/rubella vaccines. Our partnership with Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance has procured more than 110 million doses of the measles vaccine.
LCIF’s diverse grant programs empower Lions to address the needs of at-risk, vulnerable populations and communities worldwide and carry out humanitarian service addressing unmet health and human needs. LCIF supports the humanitarian work of Lions which help people with disabilities lead more independent, productive and fulfilling lives. Our Impact below, features grant information, stories and partnerships which improve health, education, our environment, and all-inclusiveness. Through our humanitarian efforts we help continue to enhance in the day-to-day lives and emotional well-being for people around the globe.
About Matching Grants
Matching grants are large-scale humanitarian projects that address unmet needs. The project must serve a large population. Grants awarded are between US$10,000 and US$100,000.
Matching grants provide capital funding to help establish or expand Lions-initiated humanitarian service projects that address critical and diverse human and social needs around the globe. Funding is prioritized for the equipment and infrastructure needs of such projects. Humanitarian service projects are charitable in nature and include vital health and human service needs not adequately addressed by governments and other funding sources.
Project examples include but are not limited to:
- Projects impacting the lives of youth in developing countries, including schools, orphanages and centers for street children.
- Projects impacting the lives of the disabled, including physical rehabilitation and the provision of facilities and equipment to help address the specific educational and vocational training needs of the disabled.
- Projects that strengthen access to and improve the provision of medical care in communities, including expanding and equipping charitable or not-for-profit medical facilities.
- Projects to address the needs of at-risk and vulnerable populations in the community, such as expansion of nursing homes, hospices, facilities for the elderly, food banks, and clean water and sanitation installation in developing countries.
- Projects that support long-term disaster reconstruction of important public and community facilities damaged or destroyed by natural disasters after all other LCIF funding has been fully expended (such as major catastrophe grants and designated disaster grants).
The applications for matching grants are due no later than 90 days prior to the start of the Board of Trustees meetings, which take place in January, May, and August. Click here to view the next application deadline.
DCG Program
District and clubs qualifying for the program will have the option to use earned funds to carry out local projects and access those funds through the submission of a DCG Application or use them as part of the local matching funds component of other LCIF grant program applications.
Humanitarian Cause Area FlyerOur Impact
Ending Measles
In partnership with internationally renowned nonprofits and organizations, LCIF has been helping the effort to fight measles across the planet.
Special Olympics International Partnership
LCIF has awarded more than US$25 million to Special Olympics for activities that include Opening Eyes, family health forums, healthy hearing and inclusive sports.
Humanity Needs You
Every little bit helps. By donating today, you can be part of a true global force for good and positively impact countless lives around the world.
