Frequently asked Questions

  What is the Australian Lions Foundation?

The Foundation was formed with three sole purposes:-

• To provide help and assistance for public relief, emergency aid and community welfare for persons in necessitous circumstances in Australia.

• To provide help and assistance for public relief, emergency aid and community welfare anywhere in the world and to foster a spirit of international
  understanding and cooperation.

• To provide help and assistance for public relief, emergency aid and community welfare in developing countries approved by the Federal Government
  from time to time.

  When did ALF start?

The Foundation was formed in 1981 by the Council of Governors of the day and this was formalised at the Multiple District Convention at Mt. Gambier in 1983.

  How does the Foundation operate?

By three Trust Deeds, and with approval of all State and Territory Attorneys – General and the Australian Taxation Office.

  What does ALF do?

Provides financial assistance and support, in times of Disasters/Emergencies and for Community Welfare Projects.

  Who manages ALF?

Six Trustees, representing each State and Territory.  Trustees are elected to serve for a three year term with two Trustees being elected each year at the Foundation's AGM, on a rotation system, to ensure continuity. Each Trustee has a specific portfolio to help the Foundation to carry out its operations, these include, Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, Emergency Grants Chairman, Promotions & District Liaison Chairman, Awards Chairman and Grants Chairman.

  Where do the funds come from?

Gifts are received from Lions, Lioness and Leo Clubs, Zones, Districts other Lions Groups, Individuals and Interest from Investments.

  Is recognition given for gifts to ALF?

Yes. All gifts are acknowledged and through the ALF Award Program, Clubs, Zones, Districts and other Lions Groups can recognise individuals or groups from within the community and the Lions Family.

  What are these awards?

William R Tresise Fellow Award                       $2000 gift

Ian M Stockdale Humanitarian Award              $1000 gift

James D Richardson Honour Award                   $500 gift

Sponsor Club Banner Patch                               $250 gift

AWARDS CANNOT BE GIVEN FOR GIFTS TO SPECIAL APPEALS

eg. BUSHFIRE, DROUGHT, FLOODS, etc. 

  Who are these Awards given to and why?

There is no restriction on the donor as to who they can recognise. Many Clubs, Zones, Districts and other Lions Groups recognise a member or members for such things as, years of service or because the member has completed a project of some consequence or has been a very active member of the club or of our organization or community. Some Clubs each year recognise others in their community for their outstanding contribution. eg, Mayor or Shire President, SES groups, CWA members, Meals on Wheels helpers, Voluntary Ambulance and Fire Fighting members, Youth Leaders, etc. These are just a few examples.

  How do we apply for these Awards?

Application forms are available from your District ALF Chairperson, the Secretary of the Foundation and all Trustees.

Application forms can be downloaded from the Australian Lions Foundation Website (www.lionsclubs.org.au/alf).

Make sure all details on the application are correct. Please check all spelling and dates and in particular that all details are legible. Ensure that the recognition wording is kept to a minimum, as long descriptions detract from the overall appearance of the Award. Check the address the Award is to be forwarded to and that it is not the Award recipient’s address. You should normally allow four [4] weeks or more for delivery. Mail the application form together with your cheque to the ALF Treasurer.

  Can an Award be paid for in instalments?

Yes. All Awards (except the Sponsor Club Banner Patch) can be paid for in two equal instalments over two years provided that when the first instalment is made you denote it as an Award payment for the Award required. There is no need for the recipient to be named at this time.

  What are the guidelines for Grant Applications?

The Foundation will not consider the following:

• Playgrounds, Sports Grounds, Lookouts, Monuments, Gazebos, Rotundas.

• Research Projects, Purchase of Land, Payment of Salaries or Interest.

• Fuel, Fodder, Fencing.

• Medical or any other equipment that could give a financial benefit to individuals or groups.

• Sponsorship or Scholarships.

• Support of other Foundations.

• Projects that have commenced or have been completed.

• Bereavement Expenses.

Funding from the Australian Lions Foundation must be for specific items and not for general or central funds.

  Where can you get Grant Application Forms?

These are available from the Website (www.lionsclubs.org.au/alf), all District ALF Chairpersons and ALF Trustees and the ALF Secretary. The Grant Application Form clearly sets out the Instructions and Conditions.

  When are Grants considered?

The Trustees meet four times a year and consider all applications received for assistance at those meetings. The Trustees meet in February, May, August and November. All applications for Grants must be lodged with the ALF Secretary no later than the last day of the month preceding those meetings, (see the ALF News Page for further details). No applications are considered outside of these meetings unless they are of an urgent nature.

NOTE

The Applicant Club or District is expected to provide the majority of the funds.

The maximum grant from ALF is $15.000.

  How do you apply for an Emergency Grant?

In the first instance by telephone to the Emergency Grants Chairman. Details of the contact person and telephone number appear in the current Multiple District Directory, under the Australian Lions Foundation Listing.

Thank you for taking the time to read this information.

Please urge your Club, Zone or District to support ALF
&
The Australian Lions Foundation  Awards Program

For further information contact Australian Lions Foundation Secretary or State Trustee
Address details are in the current issue of the Multiple District Directory