Which grant should I apply for?
There are several types of grants with different criteria. Please read the grant comparison chart for additional information.

How do Lions districts and multiple districts apply for a grant?
For more information about applying for LCIF grant finding, contact LCIF first, then your District or Multiple District Coordinator for additional questions.Call LCIF at 630-468-6769 or e-mail LCIF lcif@lionsclubs.org. Applications and supplemental information are available online.

When should a grant application be submitted?
Most applications must be complete and submitted at least 60 days prior to review by the board/committee. SightFirst grant applications must be completed 90 days prior to review. View the grant application deadlines. Contact LCIF to verify application dates.

What qualities does LCIF look for in a grant application?
The project must address an important humanitarian need, serve a relatively large population, be cost effective and be beyond local fundraising capability. Also, the budget must show ample funding from local Lions' organizations, have a strong Lions' identity and involvement, and be endorsed by the district cabinet.

Is there grant money available for my individual club?
Most grants require the participation of a district or multiple district. The International Assistance Grant (IAG) program, however, allows a sponsoring Lions club or district to partner with a host club or district in the country where the project will take place. Even though grants to individual clubs are limited, a club can participate in any number of service projects.

Does LCIF provide grants directly to an individual?
No, there is no program that distributes grants to individuals. Instead, grants are awarded to Lions districts, multiple districts and clubs.

How do Core 4 Grants differ from Standard Grants?
Standard grants support a wide-variety of large-scale, Lions-led humanitarian initiatives where the primary funding needs are for equipment or capital construction. Standard grants are matching grants and a maximum of US$75,000 may be awarded.

Core 4 grants are limited to very specific funding priorities in four areas of service: sight, disability, health and youth. The Core 4 priority projects are pre-determined and a Core 4 grant request must fund a project related to the priorities. For a list of the current Core 4 funding priorities, please visit the LCIF Web site. Additionally, most Core 4 grants match Lions donations on a 3:1 basis. The maximum grant awarded is US$200,000 for most.

When are grant reports due and who is responsible for submitting them?
Grant reports are due once a project has been completed so that LCIF has proper accounting of awarded funds and are required in order for districts to be eligible for future projects. The grant coordinator or project administrator should submit these reports. The grant administrator is responsible for ensuring that these reports are submitted to LCIF in a timely manner. All reports should be reviewed and approved by the District Cabinet/Multiple District council before it is sent to LCIF.

How are LCIF grant programs funded?
The vast majority of grant funding is made possible by donations from Lions clubs and individual members worldwide. LCIF does not receive any portion of Lions membership dues. Gifts from foundations, corporations, governments, non-Lions and interest earned on investments also provide funding.

How are LCIF grant-funded programs monitored?
Technical advisors, external evaluators and LCIF staff conduct careful monitoring and evaluation before, during and after the project. International and district leadership are also involved throughout the application and review process.