Lions Clubs International District 105SW Foundation (CIO)

Lions Clubs International District 105SW Foundation (CIO), established in May 2020 as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation, unites Lions Clubs in south west England to serve communities in Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, and Somerset. Rooted in the global Lions movement since 1917, its mission focuses on supporting the elderly, disabled, and disadvantaged through community-led action, fostering better places to live and work while responding to national and international needs. Core values of service, empowerment, compassion, fellowship, integrity, inclusion, and environmental stewardship drive its partnership-driven approach, empowering local Lions Clubs as catalysts for lasting change via robust governance on safeguarding, finances, and risks.

The foundation prioritises health initiatives like screenings, medical equipment, and research; youth programmes including reading schemes, leadership awards, and school projects; humanitarian aid for food banks, disaster relief, and emergency responders; and environmental efforts such as tree planting and clean-ups. Beneficiaries include disadvantaged children, vulnerable elderly, disabled individuals, disaster-affected communities, and local groups, with support for one-off projects, equipment, events, and mentoring—primarily through Lions-identified needs rather than unrestricted or core funding.

Eligible entities are UK-registered charities, community groups, schools, and academic institutions serving the specified counties, with a preference for small to medium organisations (typically under £500,000 annual income) connected via local Lions Clubs; unsolicited applications are not accepted—external groups must approach a local club as a conduit. Typical grants range from £250 to £5,000 (often £500–£3,000), awarded on a rolling basis with quarterly trustee meetings in March, June, September, and December; decisions take 2–3 months. Distinctively, it blends global Lions resources with hyper-local networks for collaborative, tangible impact on crises, wellbeing, and youth in the south west.