Service has been the hallmark of Lions Clubs International since it was founded in 1917. Lions Clubs International Foundation was begun in 1968 to take that service to new levels by tackling global problems as well as assisting Lions with large-scale local humanitarian projects. Through LCIF, Lions meet the needs of their local and global communities.
Since the first grant of US$5,000 in 1972 for flooding, the Foundation has awarded US$680 million in grants to improve the lives of people worldwide. From modest beginnings, LCIF has evolved to become an internationally recognized humanitarian organization and the largest blindness prevention organization. The majority of funding comes from Lions. LCIF is able to leverage its funds by partnering with other non-governmental organizations and corporations that share a common mission. The Foundation grants, on average, $30 million annually.
LCIF is particularly proud of it SightFirst program, launched in 1990 to reduce and eliminate the causes of preventable blindness worldwide. Lions have raised over $346 million for this initiative. Through SightFirst, Lions are restoring sight and preventing blindness on a global scale. SightFirst targets the major causes of blindness: cataract, trachoma, river blindness, childhood blindness, diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma.