Lions Clubs International District 105N Foundation

Lions Clubs International District 105N Foundation, a Charitable Incorporated Organisation established in 2019, channels funds raised by approximately 70 autonomous Lions Clubs across Yorkshire, North East England, and Scotland to advance the global Lions ethos of 'We Serve'. Its core mission delivers sustainable public benefit through four principal areas: preserving sight, serving youth, disaster relief, and broader humanitarian efforts. Governed by trustees including district officers, it emphasises community solidarity, voluntary action, local engagement, and effective stewardship, pooling club donations for district, national, and international impact without direct public fundraising.

The Foundation funds projects aligning with its priorities, including sight preservation (e.g., Sightsavers), youth empowerment (e.g., district youth funds, camps, sports for disabled via Activity Alliance), health and hospice support (e.g., Martin House Sanctuary, St Johns Hospice, Children's Cancer), disaster relief, and international development (e.g., Mwereni School, Gift for Living Uganda, Water Aid). Beneficiaries span children, youth, elderly, people with disabilities, and vulnerable communities, supporting equipment, infrastructure, activities, and major appeals for lasting benefit.

It does not accept unsolicited applications; external organisations must partner with a District 105N Lions Club to propose projects, considered at quarterly trustee meetings with 1-3 month processing. No geographic base is required, though priority goes to regional projects with international exceptions; no income/size restrictions or religious limits apply. Eligible entities include charities of all sizes, occasionally individuals.

Typical grants range £1,000-£10,000 (up to £20,000+ for major appeals), focusing on project/capital costs rather than core funding. Distinctive for its Lions network integration, it offers agile, needs-led grantmaking amplifying local efforts, excluding direct public approaches or misaligned activities.