Can my LCIF Facebook fundraiser donations apply towards my MJF/PMJF?

LCIF Facebook fundraiser donations are not automatically applied towards your MJF/PMJF or credited to the organizer of the Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) Facebook fundraiser, unless the donor contacts LCIF. For Facebook fundraisers you donate to, in support of LCIF, you will need to contact LCIF Donor Services at donorassistance@lionsclubs.org with a copy of your LCIF Facebook fundraiser donation receipt. If you are a supporter of someone else’s LCIF Facebook fundraiser and would like your donation to be applied towards your MJF/PMJF or applied to the organizer’s as credit, you will need to share with LCIF Donor Services at donorassistance@lionsclubs.org a copy of your Facebook donation receipt.

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 website.

What is the donation process? 

Donations can be made online at www.lcif.org/donate or they can be sent to LCIF.

All US checks drafted on a US bank should be sent to:
      Lions Clubs International Foundation
      Department 4547
      Carol Stream, IL 60122

Wires transfers should be sent to:
      JP Morgan Chase, N.A.
      10 S. Dearborn Street
      Chicago, IL 60603
      ABA Routing No. 021000021
      Account Name: Lions Clubs International Foundation
      Account No: 754487312
      Swift International Banking No: CHASUS33

In countries where LCI has bank accounts, funds may be deposited in local currency. Be sure to check the association’s official exchange rates, shown on monthly club statements. When submitting funds by local deposit, it is important to fax, mail or email to LCIF a copy of the bank deposit receipt and information regarding to whom the donation should be credited.
If funds meet the criteria for Melvin Jones Fellowship credit (donations made to general funds for supporting youth, meeting humanitarian needs, providing disaster relief, saving sight and the area of greatest need), MJF credit can be issued. Standard processing time for an MJF is two to four weeks. Many countries may charge customs and VAT charges on the importation of MJF plaques and other recognitions and awards. These fees are the responsibility of the individual or club locally receiving the items.

Do donations fund administrative expenses or do 100 percent of donations go toward program services?

Fiscal responsibility and transparency are important to LCIF. LCIF continues to ensure that all donated funds are used efficiently to help even more people. Donations fund short-term and long-term program expenses, including grants. Based on targeted investment returns, investment income is anticipated to be sufficient to cover projected administrative and development expenses.

How does LCIF compare to other charitable organizations?

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.

LCIF donors can be confident their donations are being used in support of the programs for which they are intended. Learn more about our Charity Navigator rating.

How can I learn more about LCIF's financial efficiency?

We appreciate the opportunity to share more about our finances and programs with you. You may view our most recent Annual Report. For more details on the past year’s finances, view our Audited Financial Statement, or LCIF’s tax return (form 990).

What are 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 plaques. These fees are the responsibility of the individual or club locally receiving the plaque.

Is it possible to designate a donation to a specific cause or project through LCIF? If so, can I receive Melvin Jones Fellowship (MJF) credit for the donation?

LCIF asks that donors give to the Empowering Service fund, which supports all of LCIF’s causes or the Disaster Relief fund, which is also a donation to LCIF, but reserved specifically for disaster relief. Unfortunately, LCIF is not able to accept donations to specific local projects. However, the foundation does support many Lions’ projects and initiatives through grant program for projects that meet the grant criteria.

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.

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 should be made out to whom?

Make checks or bank drafts payable to "LCIF." 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, American Express and Discover credit cards. Donations can be made safely and instantly online. We do not accept credit card donations over the phone. If you need assistance making your donation online, please contact Donor Assistance.

What is LCIF's current refund policy?

Refunds for donations are available for 30 days after the donation is processed. Refunds will be returned using the original method of payment with the exception that cash donations will be refunded via check. Donations made via credit card will be returned to the original credit card used. Please contact LCIF Donor Services for additional information at 630-203-3836 are by email at donorassistance@lionsclubs.org.