Lions Clubs International Foundation – Funds from LCIF are for emergency grants (such as recent tornadoes across our country, flooding in foreign lands and closer to home, the Dexter Tornadoes of 2012). These grants support local projects beyond the scope that the District can provide, including the SPOT vision screening cameras and KidSight trailers to use in screening those from as young as six months to age 99.
Lions of Michigan Foundation – LMF provides grants for catastrophic medical emergencies, cataract surgeries and hearing aids. Project KidSight is now under the umbrella of LMF. They provide emergency grants for home fires and flooding. Lion Mints are available for fund raising efforts such as Candy Days and canisters throughout our communities. Mints for the Military are also available for our troops.
District Project (undesignated) – As indicated in the title, funds from here help supplement other district projects or committees, as the needs arise.
Michigan Youth Challenge Academy (MYCA) – This group of young men and women perform the duties as honor guard/color guard presentations at our various District functions. They also help in service to the Winter Camp for the Blind. This association with these young adults exposes them to service oriented programs.
Children’s Services – This fund has combined with Childhood Cancer for more flexibility in services. They provide funding for several special projects involving children which fall outside some of the other project guidelines. The committee is expanding the service opportunities for visually impaired and autistic children and opening doors for shared commitment to supporting our needy children
Diabetes – Diabetes is in epidemic proportions in this country. The Diabetic Committee goes to various public events to do testing, providing diabetic test kits, and bring diabetes awareness. They also provide learning opportunities for those affected with this disease.
Hearing and Speech – These funds assist in obtaining hearing aids for needy persons through the Affordable Hearing Aid Program. Eligible recipients are able to participate without worrying if their family or Lions Club can pay the fitting fees.
International Understanding – Monies are used to help fund travel for eye glass missions and expand international understanding via Youth Exchange.
Leos of Michigan (District) – This fund covers costs to allows the Leos to participate in the many District activities such as the Spring Leadership Forum and District Convention.
Peace Poster – The district provides awards for the top Peace Poster winners for either a poster or essay from Clubs within our District. Some funds go toward administrative expenses such as purchasing display boards and postage.
Sight Conservation – Promotes the preservation of sight and prevention of blindness plus any KidSight residual expenses not covered by LMF. Funds are used to augment purchasing glasses for the needy.
Youth Exchange – Monies are used to help with student traveling expenses. Though students do earn monies on their own, some fall deficient in raising enough monies.
Youth Outreach, Drug Awareness, and QUEST – Support schools with QUEST programs. Also used for youth activities which promote healthy lifestyles and decisions.
Winter Camp for the Blind – Over 50 visually impaired adult campers and helpers attend the Winter Camp the first weekend of February at the Battle Creek Schools Outdoor Education Center on Clear Lake in Dowling. Campers experience a variety of activities ranging from snowshoeing, horse driven wagon rides, nature hikes, bingo, cane repair, technology, and crafts. They have a talent show, meet up with old friends, and enjoy the opportunity to make new friends.
Bear Lake Camp – The camp aspires to provide a preeminent summer outdoor recreational/educational experience for children of special needs, visually impaired, and other conditions.
Leader Dogs for the Blind –The premier facility for training Leader Dogs and providing Orientation and Mobility instruction. They provide Leader Dogs at no cost to blind/visually impaired individuals.
Michigan All-State Band –Musicians from around the state gather to participate in the Lions Clubs International Convention parade. Normally students provide their own funding. These funds are to support the STAFF which must accompany them and assist students in need.
Michigan Braille Transcribing – This organization is now self funded but needs Lions support to maintain their non profit status.
Radio Reading Services – Provides special radios to listen to readings of newspapers and articles. Available to the blind at no cost to them. They are part of the PBS station in Lansing. Listening can also be done via their website, without the special radio.
Eversight Michigan – Originally the Michigan Eye Bank, they provide corneal transplants to patients in need.
Paws with a Cause – Provides service animals which are trained to assist in various services for clients with disabilities which enhances their independence and quality of life.
Penrickton Center for Blind Children – Provides day care and weekly live-in care for children with visual impairment and another disability at NO COST to the parents.
