Lions International
For more than 100 years, Lions have exemplified extraordinary kindness, prioritizing the needs of our neighbors, communities, and the world. Through the remarkable efforts of our Lions and Leo members, along with the backing of our association and global foundation, we are united in serving a world in need.
Our association comprises 1.4 million members across 49,000 clubs, working with dedication to serve communities in almost every country around the globe. Each year, our Lions and Leos provide assistance to hundreds of millions of people.
Our mission is to empower Lions clubs, volunteers, and partners to enhance health and well-being, strengthen communities, and assist those in need through humanitarian service and impactful grants that change lives worldwide, fostering peace and international understanding. We live this mission daily, everywhere we serve.
History
With every project we complete and every person we serve, we continue to make history. Although we've been around for over 100 years, our story is far from finished—and that's just how we like it. Our narrative is being written by helping hands, shovels breaking ground, donations being made, and lives and communities being uplifted across more than 200 countries and regions around the world.
1917: The beginning
In response to the social challenges brought on by World War I and rapid industrialization, a Chicago businessman named Melvin Jones called a meeting of business clubs from across the United States. It was at this gathering that the Association of Lions Clubs was formed.
1920: Lions go international
Only three years after its founding, the Association of Lions Clubs became international with the establishment of the Border Cities Lions Club in Windsor, Canada. At that time, Lions were active in 23 U.S. states, with a total membership of 6,400.
1925: Becoming "Knights of the Blind"
Helen Keller addresses the Lions at the International Convention in Cedar Point, Ohio, USA, where she famously challenges them to become "knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness." This marks the beginning of a century-long mission that has impacted hundreds of millions of lives through vision-related initiatives.
1945: Uniting Nations
Lions and representatives from 46 nations convene to help establish the NGO section of the United Nations (UN), emphasizing Lions International's dedication to achieving a "certain and lasting peace for the world." Today, Lions continue to collaborate with the UN through the annual Lions Day with the United Nations event.
1957: Leos are introduced
The Leo program was created to offer young people around the world opportunities for personal growth through volunteering. Today, there are 200,000 Leos globally.
1968: Establishing our foundation
Lions Clubs International Foundation is established with the mission to "support the efforts of Lions Clubs and partners in serving communities locally and globally, providing hope and making a difference through humanitarian service projects and grants." To date, our foundation has awarded over $1.2 billion in grants.
1973: Celebrating 1 million members
Lions achieve a historic milestone by welcoming our millionth member, Barney Gill from Virginia, USA. Today, our global membership exceeds 1.4 million.
1985: Disaster relief support expands
LCIF grants its first Major Catastrophe Grant of US$50,000 for earthquake relief in Mexico. Today, we continue to respond to crises by providing grants to support our disaster relief efforts.
1990: Launching SightFirst
Lions initiate a global campaign to restore sight and prevent blindness. Over the past 30 years, this effort has impacted more than 488 million people worldwide.
2017: Lions turned 100
The 100th anniversary of serving local communities and the world is celebrated at the Lions Clubs International Centennial Convention in Chicago, Illinois, USA—the very city where the association was founded.
2022: Campaign 100 goal exceeded
LCIF surpasses its goal for Campaign 100: LCIF Empowering Service, raising a total of US$325 million—the organization's most ambitious fundraising effort to date.
