Accolades

LCIF has received numerous awards for its dedication to humanitarian service and outstanding work with partnership organizations. Below are just a few of the awards bestowed upon LCIF.

An updated review on Charity Navigator, an independent charity evaluator, in September 2009 awarded LCIF four stars, the highest ranking a charity is able to receive. More than 5,400 of America’s largest charities are ranked on the Web site, where LCIF received higher rankings than both the Red Cross and Feeding America. The four star ranking demonstrates LCIF’s commitment to using funds as effective and efficiently as possible, and remaining committed to serving those in need.

The Department of Health in the Philippines presented a Plaque of Appreciation in June 2009 to thank local Lions, LCIF and Johnson & Johnson Vision Care for their collaborative efforts to screen school-aged children throughout the country, as well as Asia, through the Sight for Kids program.

The Gift of Sight statue was formally dedicated by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter at Lions Clubs International Headquarters in January 2009. Carter and Lions Clubs International President Albert Brandel cut the ribbon during a dedication ceremony, which was attended by more than 50 representatives from LCIF's partner organizations. Presented to LCIF by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter during the July 2007 Lions Clubs Itnernational Convention, the statue depicts a child leading a blind man, a common sight in Africa. The statue is in recognition of LCIF's river blindness control efforts.

In May 2008 LCIF was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter.

In July 2007, Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) was ranked number one among non-governmental organizations (NGOs) worldwide. From 34 global organizations, LCIF came in first for its execution of programs, demonstrated accountability, communications internally and externally, program adaptability to the surrounding community, and understanding the goals of its corporate supporters. The ratings were compiled by the Financial Times in association with the Dalberg Global Development Advisors and the United Nations Global Compact. The assessment was published in the Financial Times' Corporate Citizenship and Philanthropy special report.

Batey Relief Alliance (BRA) presented a Special Recognition Award to LCIF during their 10-year anniversary celebration festivities in 2007 in Cinco Casas in the province of Monte Plata, Dominican Republic. LCIF has awarded the organization grant funding for the construction of the Dominican Republic's first modern medical center inside the bateyes and purchase a new mobile clinic.

Retinitis Pigmentosa International awarded Lions Clubs International with the Agrama Harmony Gold and Light Award at the annual Vision Awards on June 16, 2007. LCIF Chairperson Jimmy Ross attended the event in California, USA to accept the award.

Lions Clubs International received the prestigious Trachoma Gold Medal 2006 from the International Organization Against Trachoma. The award was presented in February in Sao Paulo, Brazil, at the World Ophthalmology Congress, attended by 8,000 ophthalmologists and other eye care personnel from 100 countries. The current International President, Dr. Clement Kusiak, accepted the award on behalf of Lions.

In 2003, LCIF received the Dr. Nathan Davis International Award for Outstanding Global Health Initiative from the American Medical Association Foundation for our SightFirst Program.

The National Eye Health Education Program awarded Lions Clubs International the Outstanding Achievement Award on April 11, 2002 for extraordinary leadership in eye health education on behalf of all Americans.

In appreciation of LCIF's contributions to the Jimmy Carter Work Project in 1999, LCIF received the Habitat for Humanity Award.