Since 1917, Lions have offered people the opportunity to give something back to their communities. From involving members in projects as local as cleaning up a park or as far-reaching as bringing sight to the world's blind, Lions clubs have always embraced those committed to building a brighter future for their community. Today with more than 1.4 million members in 190 countries and geographical areas, Lions have expanded their focus to help meet the ever-increasing needs of our global community. We are the world's largest service organisation and our programmes are continually changing to meet new needs and greater demands, but our mission has never wavered: "We Serve."

Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) is the grant-making arm of Lions Club International and it is through grants from LCIF that the Lions Eye Health Programme LEHP is made possible. Through gifts to LCIF, Lions can serve a community larger than their own. Lions have reached out across the world to prevent river blindness in Nigeria, to help children with cardiac problems in Romania and to assist victims of earthquakes in El Salvador, India and Turkey.

Since its founding LCIF has approved more than $315 million in grants. This includes grants for its SightFirst program, humanitarian services, disaster relief and vocational assistance.

LCIF is a powerful vehicle for Lions to make a difference in the world. The foundation harnesses the support of Lions and others, reaffirming the strong belief that many people working together can achieve more than people working alone.