Denver Lions Foundation

A nonprofit organization

The needs, especially for eye exams, eye glasses and eye surgeries in the greater Denver metro area is tremendous. With more resources, the Denver Lions Foundation could reach more people. The same is also true for hearing improvement, youth engagement and social services. The Denver Lions Foundation has the capacity to administer significantly more funds. The Foundation has very low administrative expenses and all staff are volunteers so well over 95% of any contribution will serve the community. In addition, many of the grants are implemented with volunteers from the Denver Lions Club which increases the impact in the community.

Testimonials

The Denver Lions Foundation provided a PCI Reading Program for braille students to the Vision Department of Denver Public Schools. This is a scientifically designed program for teaching reading to the disabled. One of the teachers who works with the visually impaired at Denver Public Schools recently commented as follows:

"I wanted to let you know that a student using the PCI program has made great gains in reading, and is on Lesson 62! He was reading at a Pre-Kindergarten level when we started and has moved up to Kindergarten level. I am working with an 8th grader who is losing his vision and has not been able to learn braille. Since the PCI program is a sight word program, it is being used as a 'last ditch effort' to have him become a fluent reader. He is enjoying the program and proud of his success. I am so grateful that the students have these materials accessible for them. Please thank the members of the Lions Club once again for me."

The Denver Lions Foundation often receives letters from individuals that have received assistance. A recent letter goes as follows:

"Dear Lyon Club Members,

My name is [left blank for privacy reasons] and your club recently mailed me a voucher so I can get a pair of glasses. I'm homeless and I just got out of an abusive relationship so I'm at a point in my life where I'm picking up the pieces and starting over. My eyesight is bad and not being able to see didn't help me have the confidence I needed to go to job interviews or even to take the bus. Your gift has changed my life, I have recently found a job and my outlook on life is now a positive one. Thank you from the bottom of my heart and you are all in my nightly prayers. Thank you, thank you for being there for me.

All my love,"

Recently, the Denver Lions Foundation made an $8,000 grant to the Colorado Lions Camp which provides camping opportunities for the disabled. Present at the check presentation was a young man who had been to camp last summer and his father. The young man was not able to verbalize his experience, but he showed his appreciation with body language. His father also explained that while children like his son are having such a great experience at camp, it also provides a respite for the caregiver parents.

Mission

To serve as a vehicle to empower Denver Lions to serve their communities with both time and treasure in order to meet humanitarian needs, encourage peace and promote international understanding.

Background Statement

The Denver Lions Club was chartered in June 1917 and is one of the original 23 Lions Clubs that created the Lions Clubs International Association later that same year. The Denver Lions created the Denver Lions Foundation in 1952 to be the charitable arm of the Club. The Foundation provides for separation of funds dedicated to community service from funds to administer the affairs of the Club. The Foundation is operated by Lion volunteers in order to maintain very low overhead. Since 1952, the Foundation has provided an estimated $ 2.5 million dollars in community service activities. There is a complete history available at www.DenverLions.org.

Organization Data

Summary

Organization name

Denver Lions Foundation

Year Established

1952

Tax id (EIN)

84-6025314

Category

Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking Foundations

Organization Size

Small Organization

Address

1373 Grant Street
Denver, CO 80203

Service areas

Denver County, CO, US

Phone

303-653-8780

Social Media