This is the symbol of the Florida Lions Foundation for the Blind, Inc. It is more than just a coincidence that it is a very vital, effective force, in its Lionistic program to preserve and restore sight. To continue the fulfillment of the Foundations program for the visually handicapped, a more thorough understanding is necessary. Remember this symbol. It stands for the combined efforts of the Lions of Florida, to offset the possibility of blindness. In order to better serve the Lions of Florida and to supply a forum of communication between Lions Eyesight committees and their Foundation contacts this site is formed. We hope that through its use we, as Lions, are better able to serve our communities needs.

The Florida Lions Foundation for the Blind was founded in 1958 to assist the clubs of Multiple District 35 in providing individual sight care to needy persons within their individual communities. Later, the scope of operations for the Foundation was expanded to include grants to aid Lions-sponsored or Lions-associated sight care related agencies within the Multiple District.

The original purpose of sight care to needy persons remains a prime objective of the Foundation. This assistance is given only through requests from individual Clubs and their affiliated organizations within MD35 and approved by the Foundation Projects Committee.

Funds to support this eye care program are received only by club donations, interest from a trust fund, grants and wills that are left to the Foundation.

Eye care for the needy, and support of the MD35 major projects is limited only by the generosity of the Lions and friends of the Foundation who believe in the Foundation's work to save and restore sight by those less fortunate.

Why It Deserves Support       Custodian Fund        Guest Book
Foundation Membership         General Fund    
Projects                                  Conclusion
Fund Drive                             Officers

YOUR FLORIDA LIONS FOUNDATION FOR THE BLIND
WHY IT DESERVES YOUR SUPPORT

The Florida Lions Foundation for the Blind (a "not for profit" Corporation) became a Florida Lions entity by vote of the Delegates at the 34th Annual State Convention, Sarasota, Florida, May 20, 1958. Since then members of the Lions organizations statewide have testified to the effectiveness and integrity of the Foundation. Requests have come in from many other states for advice on forming a similar Foundation.

FOUNDATION MEMBERSHIP                                    Top of Page

All active members in good standing of Florida Lions Clubs are automatically Active members of the Foundation. A non-Lion may become a member by making a donation. The Foundation charges its members no dues or assessments. All members are invited to attend Foundation meetings as announced in "Florida Lions" and other mailings. All members have voting privileges at the Annual Foundation meeting each May.

PROJECTS                                                                        Top of Page

Sooner or later, by way of the Sight Conservation Chair (SCC) or other alert member, a Lions Club gets news of a local citizen who qualifies as lacking fund sources and needs an expensive eye procedure. That may be cataract surgery, corneal transplant, etc. The Club Treasurer determines that their budget falls short of the fee. The SCC looks up the Foundation's District Project Chair in the District Directory and makes contact. Our State Projects Chair helps with the paperwork, studies the medical report(s), confers with the prospective patient and his/her family, case worker, medical provider(s), and so on. He persuades the doctor to reduce the fee, usually to less than half of the original. The club may (but is not required to) provide a "co-payment" depending on the health of its budget. At the next Foundation Board meeting (or immediately in case of an emergency) the Directors approve the case. The patient gets the procedure, the Foundation pays the bill. Some cases are more complex but most follow the above pattern.

FUND DRIVE                                                                    Top of Page

Each year the Foundation runs its State Fund Drive from May 1 through April 30 (the "current year"). District Drive Directors canvas their clubs by mail and personally, signing up Life Members and logging in other donations. Contributions from clubs and non-Lions go into the General Fund; Life Memberships, Memorials and Bequests go into the Custodian Fund. By policy, in any year, the Foundation spends only money raised the previous year.

CUSTODIAN FUND                                                        Top of Page

This fund was set up as a Trust - no withdrawals of principal are permitted. It generates interest and dividends that are the basis for the annual budget from which the Foundation pays for projects or makes grants to other organizations. All other Florida Lions entities started with substantial grants from the Foundation.

GENERAL FUND                                                                Top of Page

This fund accrues interest, and the principal is withdrawn and spent. It pays operating expenses and contingencies, and is applied to projects as needed.

CONCLUSION                                                                       Top of Page

The Foundation keeps expenses extremely low. There are no offices, no inventory, no loans to pay off. There is only one paid position, and the salary and expense allowances are modest. The overhead rate, consistently less than ten percent, is lower than most charities.

Your contributions to the Foundation work extra hard for your sight projects.

Florida Lions Foundation for the Blind
4111 10th Place, Ocala, Florida 34471-7878

OFFICERS                                                                                Top of Page