To be or not to be a Model Club? That is the question. The answer? A resounding “Be a Model Club!”
If you’re ready to help your club become a Leader among Leaders, read on to learn why being a Campaign 100 Model Club is the answer.
We’ve pulled together five must-knows about Model Clubs. Not familiar with them yet? This post shares the details, and shows you how one club now “thinks big” because of its Model Club efforts.
Being a Model Club helped us think big.
What to do next? Explore more in our Model Clubs Frequently Asked Questions. Or commit to being a Model Club now!
#1: A Model Club is a leader among clubs, whose members:
- Champion all Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) cause areas, which address a world in need.
- Broadly and proudly promote the impact of Lions, LCIF and Campaign 100.
- Collectively (and often individually) support LCIF and the campaign financially. Donating is easy!
#2: Through awareness-building and fundraising efforts, Model Clubs vastly expand all Lions’ capacity to bring about much-needed change in the world. For this, clubs are recognized for each Per-Member-Average (PMA) milestone reached. Here’s how:
#3: Funds raised from an average-size Model Club can make big impacts, helping to:
- Provide 300 sight-restoring cataract surgeries
- Deliver Lions Quest curriculum to 1,500 classrooms for an entire year
- Provide immediate relief for 600 people in the wake of a natural disaster
- Vaccinate 15,000 children against measles
- Screen 2,700 people at risk for diabetes
- Purchase equipment to help 1,200 children suffering from cancer
- Provide food for 2,100 hungry people
- Give 2,100 people access to life-sustaining clean water
Not many charitable organizations can say they’ve earned eight consecutive 4-Star Charity Navigator ratings illustrating their efficiency, transparency and accountability. LCIF can! All donations to LCIF (whether from Model Clubs, individual Lions or partners who know we’re mission-driven, fiscally responsible, and humanity-focused) directly support life-altering service projects with such impacts.
#4: Financial goals for Model Clubs vary because Lions clubs vary in size. What doesn’t change is that each Model Club strives toward a minimum club contribution to LCIF calculated like this:
[Number of Club Members] x US$500 = Model Club Minimum Financial Goal in US$
DO THE MATH: A club with 30 members strives to collectively raise US$15,000 (30 x US$500 = US$15,000). The figure doubles to US$30,000 for a club with 60 members.
#5: There’s plenty of time for Model Clubs to raise funds for our foundation! Keep these things in mind as you and your club members discuss whether to become a Campaign 100 Model Club or strive to become a higher level Model Club:
- Clubs have until 30 June 2023 to raise and donate funds to LCIF. After all, it takes time to arrange a club fundraiser, build relations, and get those in your networks to understand the world of good Lions, LCIF and Campaign 100 create.
- Many clubs are already on their way to achieving Model Club status. All funds donated directly to LCIF from declared Model Clubs since 1 July 2017 count toward the minimum Model Club financial goal. Is your club ready to declare your Model Club intent?
- Lions are some of the most resourceful and tenacious people in the world.
There’s a saying in the English language — “strength in numbers” — meaning together, a group can accomplish far more than an individual can alone. You can do this — together!
Returning the Favor… One Model Club’s Story
“Being a Model Club helped us think big,” said Past District Governor Pramod Chandak, a long-standing member of Lions Clubs of Calcutta Greater, a five-time recipient of LCIF grants totaling hundreds of thousands of U.S. dollars.
Clubs and Lions in the district have made a life-altering difference for local children through their Vidya Mandir school project. “As part of our Model Club work, we helped raise US$1,500,000 from friends and members. The school is the toast of the district, with 2,500 students and plans to expand because of never-ending demand. Being a Model Club provided the opportunity to return the favor of support LCIF has shown us so many times. At the same time, funds raised by being a Model Club mean we’re helping enable Lions worldwide to do other important projects.”
Email campaign100@lionsclubs.org to connect with an LCIF Development specialist who can help you learn more about Model Clubs. Already a Model Club? Share your story.
Caryn Lerner is senior content specialist for Lions Clubs International Foundation.
