Lions Club Facts

Lions are everywhere. We’re active men and women in more than 210 countries and geographic areas.

Lions have a dynamic history. Founded in 1917, we are best known for fighting blindness – it’s part of our history as well as our work today. But we also volunteer for many different kinds of community projects – including caring for the environment, feeding the hungry and aiding seniors and the disabled.

Lions give sight. By conducting vision screenings, equipping hospitals and clinics, distributing medicine and raising awareness of eye disease, Lions work toward their mission of providing vision for all. We have extended our commitment to sight conservation through countless local efforts and through our international SightFirst Program, which works to eradicate blindness.

Lions serve youth. Our community projects often support local children and schools through scholarships, recreation and mentoring.

Our Leo Program provides the youth of the world with an opportunity for personal development through volunteering. There are approximately 191,788 Leos and 7,700 Leo clubs in more than 150 countries worldwide.

Lions award grants. Since 1968, the Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) has awarded more than US $1.3 Billion with over 20,000 grants to support Lions humanitarian projects around the world. LCIF was also ranked the number one nongovernmental organization in a 2007 study by The Financial Times.

Together, our Foundation and Lions are helping communities following natural disasters by providing for immediate needs such as food, water, clothing and medical supplies – and aiding in long-term reconstruction.

Lions are active. Our motto is “We Serve.” Lions are part of a global service network, doing whatever is necessary to help our local communities.