PENNSYLVANIA LIONS FOUNDATION
The Foundation is a public, non-profit, tax exempt corporation, as described in Section 501 (C ) (3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1954. The Foundation was incorporated as the Charitable arm of the Pennsylvania Lions.
The “Mission” of the Foundation is to assist those afflicted with sensory impairment, particularly thoserelating to vision and hearing. To award grants in support of meritorious projects and programs for the sensory impaired and to join with individual Lions Clubs in responding to local community, and regional needs in Pennsylvania.
The Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors comprised of one member from each sub District of Lions MD 14 (Pennsylvania). The Directors are appointed to serve a 3 year term. The Eye Research Foundation and Hearing Research Foundation each have a member appointed to the Board of Directors.
The Lions of Pennsylvania Foundation raises funds through a variety of activities carried out by thousands of individual members of Lions Clubs throughout the Commonwealth. The Foundation is funded by the following programs:
“The Lions of Pennsylvania Fellows Program”
“P.I.P Joseph L. Wroblewski Award”
Memorial Programs – Club Recognition Programs
Mint Program and Candy Day
Grant Requests to Corporations
The Foundation seeks out and recognizes the excellent work of meritorious programs and organizations throughout Pennsylvania. It also responds to individual needs and emergencies when such assistance is consistent with its Mission. In its good works, the Lions of Pennsylvania Foundation seeks the advice of an outstanding committee of practicing professionals in the areas of education, medicine, community support and human development.
The Foundation will award grants in support of meritorious projects and programs to assist the sensory impaired. In addition the Foundation may endorse fund raising efforts of such organizations and provide a source or matching grants to encourage philanthropy relating to sensory impaired individuals. The Foundation may make grants to organizations in support of research that may alleviate sensory impairment.
The Foundation will join with individual Lions Clubs in responding to local, community and regional needs that are appropriate to the missions of Lions International.
The LIONS OF PENNSYLVANIA FELLOW PROGRAM
This is a program where a Lions Club may recognize a Lion, Lioness or Leo for years of Service to Lionism. They may also recognize an individual within their community who has served the community well. It is also an avenue where-by individual Lions may help the foundation reach their goals to help those in need.
A minimum contribution of $500.00 is required to qualify as a “Lion of Pennsylvania Fellow.” The gift levels are as follows:
Level 1 Gift (Initial) $500 Lions of PA Pin & Bevel Plaque
Level 2 (Additional) $250 1 – Diamond
Level 3 (Additional) $250 2 – Diamond
Level 4 (Additional) $250 3 – Diamond
Level 5 (Additional) $250 4 – Diamond
Level 6 (Additional) $250 5 – Diamond
One Time gift of $1,000 after initial $500 would receive 5 DIAMONDS
The Foundation realizes that while some can write a check for $500, others can not. Therefore, a $100 down payment and the balance payable over 3 years would be acceptable. The Foundation’s objective is that all who aspire to become a Lion of Pennsylvania Fellow, should have the opportunity to achieve this honor. The funds received from the LIONS OF PENNSYLVANIA FELLOWS PROGRAM is held in a trust fund and the interest derived from that is how grants are awarded.
For more information on how your Club can apply for a Fellowship Award please contact the District 14-B Foundation Board Member PDG Sylvan Lang. PDG Sylvan Lang can also be arranged to speak to your Club about the Foundation. If you need this cabinet chair’s information please use our CONTACT FORM and it will be EMailed to you.
PAST INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT JOSEPH L. WROBLEWSKI AWARDThe State Council of Governors, during the year 2004-05, approved an award to honor Past International President Joseph L. Wroblewski.
The Wroblewski Award may be given only by a Club or District, and is only available to an Outstanding Lion, Lioness, Leo or a Community Leader who holds a “Pennsylvania Fellows Award.”
On behalf of the Lions of Pennsylvania we are honored and proud to be part of this legacy to a Lion who has and is living his theme — “We Serve Better Together.”