PURPOSE

Texas Lions Foundation (TLF) is an organization committed to filling humanitarian needs throughout the world. As a public, non-profit, tax-exempt corporation, its purpose is to promote human welfare by careful application of contributed funds.

TLF concentrates its efforts in two areas: humanitarian services and disaster relief. The Foundation strives to support projects that, while falling into one of these two categories, also have long-term and far reaching effects, and promote the objectives of the Texas Lions Foundation. Overall, the Foundation maintains a strong commitment to helping people achieve their own potential, and to implementing projects that make permanent and positive changes. Projects are favored that provide benefits to as many people as possible.

HUMANITARIAN SERVICES - Humanitarian Service grants can be issued in support of a broad range of projects designed to fill diverse needs. In general, projects designed to create or expand community programs or institutes are preferred.

DISASTER RELIEF - Disaster Relief grants are made in response to natural disasters that cause significant mortality, injury, and property damage and loss. Priority is given to projects aimed at creating or reconstructing public facilities and services.

ADVICE TO APPLICANTS 

ELIGIBILITY:

In reviewing grant applications, the Foundation's Trustees pay careful attention to service factors. Each should be thoroughly addressed in the grant application form.

1.        A need is being filled. Applicants should provide a detailed description of the current situation and how it will change after the project is completed.

2.        Long-term benefits. Projects are preferred that have long-term and far-reaching effects.

3.        Lions identification. The Trustees prefer projects which incorporate the word "Lions" in their name and/or provide immediate public recognition of Lions involvement in the project.

4.        Number of people served. Because of more favorable cost-effectiveness, projects serving many people are preferred.

5.        Promotional value. To help the Foundation publicize and promote its important work, projects  of high promotional value are preferred.

6.        District financial commitment. Grants are made to assist projects which are beyond the scope of traditional Club and District fund-raising. The Trustees look very closely at the extent of a District's financial contribution in support of the project. Projects initiated by a Lions Club must have the full support, including the financial support, of the District.

Texas Lions Foundation does not fund:

1.        Programs or services otherwise available through governmental, charitable or social welfare systems.

2.        Projects more appropriately the responsibility of Lions Clubs, Districts and other Lion units.

3.        Operating expenses of existing programs (except when those expenses represent a significant increase in services over those  previously offered).

4.        Any one project on a continuing basis.

5.        Programs of non-Lion organizations (except when they significantly contribute to TLF's service potential and exceed the capabilities of available Lions programs).

6.        Programs through which Lions and/or their families receive direct benefit, or in which they may have a proprietary interest.

SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION:

The Grant Application and all supporting documentation should be sent to the Texas Lions Foundation. A brief letter of acknowledgement will be sent to all applicants. A more detailed response will be sent upon completion of a preliminary review of the proposal. Applicants failing to respond to correspondence regarding their application within 120 days will be notified that the application will be withdrawn unless a response is received within 60 days of the date of that notice. Applications are considered for approval three times each year by the Foundation's Executive Committee and Board of Trustees. Applications must be received by the TLF office, in complete form, at least 30 days before a scheduled Executive Committee meeting in order to be placed on the agenda for that meeting.

EMERGENCY GRANTS

Emergency Grants are limited to $2,000.00.

ELIGIBILITY:

Note: Based on past experience the Trustees feel that Lions are usually better equipped to assess long-term needs, and that local interests are most often better served through Standard rather than Emergency grants.

Lion Districts are eligible to receive emergency grants only if immediate needs in the wake of a natural disaster are not being met by primary relief agencies. Grant funds are generally limited to the purchase of food, clothing, medical supplies, construction materials and blankets for disaster victims. They may not be used to provide direct financial aid to victims. Emergency Grant funds not used within 30 days of their receipt must be returned. Receiving an Emergency Grant does not necessarily preclude applying for a Standard Grant.

SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION:

To apply for an emergency grant, a District Governor or Trustee may contact the TLF office by telephone or telegraph. Requests for emergency assistance must include: (1) a description of the extent of damages, injuries and/or fatalities, (2) the specific amount of funding requested, and (3) a definite plan for the use of the funds.

Emergency Grants are issued upon the approval of the Foundation Chairman and Executive Committee. The District remains responsible for submitting a complete written grant application form as soon as possible and for a final report on the use of the funds.