Get answers to your charitable donation questions. If your question is not answered here, use the links at the bottom of the page to contact us. 

What are the types of recognition available?
There are several types of recognition available depending upon the type of donation given. These recognitions are mailed to the donor. Note that many countries may charge customs and VAT charges for the importation of Melvin Jones Fellowship plaques. These fees are the responsibility of the individual or club locally receiving the plaque.

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

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 when compared with Foundations of similar scope and size. We appreciate the opportunity to share more about our finances and programs with you. You may review our most recent Annual Report. For more details on the past year’s finances, view our Audit Financial Statement for 2010-2011. LCIF’s tax return (form 990) is available upon request by contacting Rebecca Daou, LCIF Division Manager at (630) 468-6916. 

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 and uniqueness (the only Lions Foundation that serves the world). In fact the Foundation was named the #1 NGO to partner with for these reasons by the Financial Times.

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 a new check from the donor.

How should donations 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. Checks should be sent to LCIF’s lock box address, not LCIF’s physical address. 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 donation forms. Fax or mail documentation to LCIF Donor Services.

Checks or bank drafts need to be made out to whom?
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. 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. Donations can also be made safely and instantly online.

Can a form of recognition such as a Melvin Jones Fellowship be sent out before a 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?
The types of reports available are listed online and can be requested from the Donor Assistance department.

How do I get more information about donations?
For inquiries on previous donations, making a new donation or requesting recognition, such as a Melvin Jones Fellowship, contact Donor Assistance.