District LCIF Co-Chairs PDG Mike Tobin & PDG Lary Garrison – February 2026
District LCIF Co-Chair Mike Tobin
Clubs of District 37, have you had a chance to look at your community and see what it’s needs are? One of our Clubs did. Fairfield did and they found that they needed help with their food bank to improve their ability to help feed the needy in their area. Not having the finances to do what was needed, the Club applied for a Hunger grant through LCIF to help achieve their financial goals.
I am proud to let everyone know that Fairfield’s grant was approved for $77,614.00! What could your club do for your community with that amount of money?? All you need to do is LOOK and APPLY.
There are so many different areas that you can apply for a grant. If you need more information, contact your LCIF Chairperson. We can come and visit with your club and maybe start that process. LCIF wants to HELP and so do Mike Tobin and Lary Garrison, your District 37 Chairpersons.
Yours in Lionism,
PDG Mike Tobin – PO Box 408, Sunburst MT 59482, 406-450-2780, [email protected]
PDG Lary Garrison , 703 Conway St., Billings, MT 59105, 406-855-6997, [email protected]
By LCIF Coordinators
District LCIF Co-Chairs PDG Mike Tobin & PDG Lary Garrison – January 2026
District LCIF Co-Chair Mike Tobin
Happy New Year District 37 Lions! Throughout 2025, Lions and Leos around the district have continued to serve Montanans, improving their lives and our communities through your generosity. LCIF grants have empowered our clubs in this district to reduce hunger, restore vision, help communities recover, rebuild after disaster, and so much more.
Thanks to your dedication and support, we are making strong progress toward our fundraising goals this fiscal year. As we move forward in 2026, please keep inspiring others to support LCIF and explore grant opportunities to expand your Club’s impact on your community. Remember to invite new donors to make their gifts to LCIF in recognition of Melvin Jones’ 147th birthday. Every donation makes a difference to someone in need and helps us leave our mark on our communities.
Now is the time to schedule a new recurring LCIF donation. Schedule an online monthly donation of $10 or more or a recurring annual donation of at least $120 to qualify for new recognitions available at the end of the Lion year.
Your contributions to LCIF bring us all closer to success!
https://www.lionsclubs.org/en/donate
Yours in Lionism,
PDG Mike Tobin – PO Box 408, Sunburst MT 59482, 406-450-2780, [email protected]
PDG Lary Garrison , 703 Conway St., Billings, MT 59105, 406-855-6997, [email protected]
District LCIF Co-Chairs PDG Lary Garrison & PDG Mike Tobin – December 25
GIVING TUESDAY – December 2nd
Giving Tuesday began in 2012 as a partnership between the 92nd Street Y and the United Nations Foundation to create a day of giving in response to the rise of commercialism after Thanksgiving. It was launched as a social media campaign to encourage people to ‘do good’ by donating to charities, volunteering , or taking other actions to support their communities, and has grown into a global movement.
The movement has grown significantly since it started in 2012, with billions of dollars raised for charities worldwide. In 2023, U.S. donors gave $3.1 billion in one day, and millions more donated goods or volunteered.
Your Lions Clubs International Foundation provides grant monies for Childhood Cancer, Hunger, Vision, Diabetes, Youth, Disaster Relief, Humanitarian Efforts, and the Environment. Your support does so much for so many in so many ways!
Judy and I each make a recurring monthly donation to LCIF. We both are members of the LCIF Legacy Society. We will both make a special Giving Tuesday donation to LCIF. Will you and your club members also give a $5-$10 donation toward Giving Tuesday, on or about Tuesday December 2nd.
If any member has, or will, make a recurring donation of $10 or more each month the Foundation will recognize you with a special pen as well as an annual pin showing your continued support to be sent out next Spring.
Donations can be made at: [email protected], or by calling 1-630-203-3836. Or send a check to LCIF, 300 W. 22nd St., Oak Brook, Il, 60523-8842 USA. Thank you for your previous and future support.
Feel free to contact us with any questions, or to schedule a club visit to showcase the many grant possibilities available from LCIF.
Yours in Lionism,
PDG Lary Garrison, LCIF Co-Coordinator
PDG Lary Garrison , 703 Conway St., Billings, MT 59105, 406-855-6997, [email protected]
PDG Mike Tobin – PO Box 408, Sunburst MT 59482, 406-450-2780, [email protected]
LCIF Receives Prestigious Antonio Champalimaud Vision Award
From the November District Digest:
In September 2025, Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) was honored with the António Champalimaud Vision Award, one of the world’s foremost recognitions in the fight against blindness and vision loss. LCIF shares the 2025 distinction with the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness and The Fred Hollows Foundation. Presented annually by the Champalimaud Foundation, the award celebrates outstanding contributions to global eye health, with a particular focus on underserved populations in developing regions. As part of the recognition, LCIF shares a monetary award of 1 million euros with fellow recipients. This honor is the largest award in the field and LCIF will use the funds to expand work in vision worldwide.
Honoring a Global Legacy
LCIF’s recognition underscores decades of impact made through its SightFirst program, which, for more than 30 years, empowered Lions, healthcare providers and community partners to combat the major causes of preventable blindness. Through SightFirst, millions worldwide gained access to essential eye care, transforming lives and communities.
“This award celebrates decades of dedication by our Lions, partners and the communities we serve”.
Since its launch in 1990, SightFirst has impacted the lives of more than 544 million people worldwide. With LCIF funding, Lions, alongside local health authorities, eye care professionals and partner organizations, expanded access to vital eye health services in underserved communities, overcoming barriers to access and delivering high-quality, equitable care. Projects also created sustainable systems by improving infrastructure and training local personnel, offering advanced education and rehabilitation for individuals with vision impairments and raising awareness of the importance of eye health.
LCIF Chairperson Fabrício Oliveira accepted the award in Lisbon, Portugal, on behalf of the foundation. “LCIF is deeply honored to be named a recipient of this award, one of the most prestigious recognitions in global eye health,” Oliveira said. “This award celebrates decades of dedication by our Lions, partners and the communities we serve, and honors the countless volunteer hours, impactful collaborations and millions of people whose sight has been restored or saved.”
A Call for Future Action for Vision-Related Service
Oliveira emphasized that LCIF, together with Lions and Leos around the world, remains committed to carrying the legacy of SightFirst forward through its Vision Grant program. “While this award is a tremendous honor, we see it as a call to action to expand our reach, innovate further and ensure that every person, everywhere, has access to quality eye care,” he said.
Learn more about our work or how you can get involved at lionsclubs.org/vision.
District LCIF Co-Chairs PDG Lary Garrison & PDG Mike Tobin – November 25
District LCIF Co-Chair Lary Garrison – November 2025
This will be my last year as the Lions Clubs International Foundation Coordinator.
This has been one of my most satisfying positions serving Lions Clubs International. As I passed my 80th year on this planet it became clear that it was time to ensure the continued emphasis on District 37 receiving grants and supporting fundraising for OUR FOUNDATION! Please contact me with any questions or interest.
About 15 years ago our district supported LCIF moderately while also using grants sparingly. We occasionally received emergency grants as well as a few matching grants. With some emphasis on the variety of available grants clubs, District 37 started using them to remodel a Senior Center, purchase 100 state of the art readers used throughout Montana, purchase a state of the art ambulance, an emergency generator for a community shelter, a handicap fishing dock, youth diabetes camps, flood recovery, equipment for a food bank, and several Plus/Optix eye screeners.
District LCIF Co-Chairs PDG Mike Tobin & PDG Lary Garrison -October 2025
District LCIF Co-Chair Mike Tobin – October 2025
As humanitarians, we respond whenever and wherever the need arises. Grants from our global foundation enhance our service. I am proud to report that District 37 has one grant application in progress and another in the works. Both are matching grants to help their local food banks. Currently the LCIF Board of Trustees have approved 114 grants, totaling more than US$9.3 Million in this Lionistic year. What could you do for your community with that kind of money? All you have to do is find the need and apply.
This month we recognize Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and the way Lions, Leos and others, empowered by LCIF funding, raise awareness, promote early detection and support care. What do you think your community needs are towards this awareness? Just look – you might be surprised what you find. Then when you find the need, apply for the grant. The District can have up to seven grants at the same time.
Yours in Lionism,
PDG Mike Tobin – PO Box 408, Sunburst MT 59482, 406-450-2780, [email protected]
PDG Lary Garrison , 703 Conway St., Billings, MT 59105, 406-855-6997, [email protected]
District LCIF Co-Chairs PDG Lary Garrison & PDG Mike Tobin – September 2025
District LCIF Co-Chair Mike Tobin – September 2025
THANK YOU DISTRICT 37 LIONS!
* District 37 was #1 as a single district donor to LCIF!
- District 37 Clubs and Individuals donated $59,281.50 in 2024-25.
- District 37 finished 2 LCIF grants totaling $117,356 in 2025-25.
- 3 Clubs qualified for a total of over $2,800 in Community Impact Grants!
* Two questions:
- How are you and your club going to support LCIF in 2025-26?
- What does your community need that may qualify for an LCIF Grant?
* Answers:
- Your club can do a special fundraiser for LCIF.
- You as a Lion can make a single or monthly donation to LCIF.
- You as a Lion can become a Legacy Society Member.
- Go to lionsclubs.org, click on “Donate”.
- Mail a check to LCIF, 300 W. 22nd St., Oak Brook, Illinois USA, 60523-8842
Yours in Lionism,
PDG Lary Garrison , 703 Conway St., Billings, MT 59105, 406-855-6997, [email protected]
PDG Mike Tobin – PO Box 408, Sunburst MT 59482, 406-450-2780, [email protected]
District LCIF Co-Chairs PDG Mike Tobin & PDG Lary Garrison -August 2025
District LCIF Co-Chair Mike Tobin – August 2025
District 37 IS #1!!!!!
Congratulations District 37!! You did it!! Of the eight single Districts in CA1, we have ranked 4th in LCIF fund raising for the past several years and District 50 ( Hawaii) as always been 1st. However, this past Lionistic year, (2024-2025) WE RANKED FIRST!!
District 50 had a goal of $41,686 and District 37 had a goal of $46,172. District 50 raised $55,887, a 134% increase of $14,201. We raised $59,281, a 128.4% increase of $13,109, beating Hawaii by $3,394. This is the first time in the History of District 37 that we reached our LCIF fund raising goal!!
THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH to all the clubs that donated $5,000 to qualify for the Community Impact grant of 15% and all those that are making personal monthly donations – it all adds up!
I believe this next year will be even better. I look forward to visiting with each of you and all the clubs. You all do make a difference in the communities in our District.
Yours in Lionism,
PDG Mike Tobin – PO Box 408, Sunburst MT 59482, 406-450-2780, [email protected]
PDG Lary Garrison , 703 Conway St., Billings, MT 59105, 406-855-6997, [email protected]
District LCIF Co-Chairs PDG Lary Garrison & PDG Mike Tobin-July 2025
District LCIF Co-Chair Lary Garrison – July 2025
District 37 – #1?
Of the 8 single districts in the United States, Montana District 37 has been #4 for the last several years while Hawaii District 50 has been #1 every year. But that may change this year!
District LCIF Co-Chairs PDG Lary Garrison & PDG Mike Tobin-June 2025
District LCIF Co-Chair Mike Tobin – June 2025
WOW, if you didn’t attend the District 37 convention you missed a great one. Thank you Helena Lions Clubs. I want to thank all that attended and helped this District attain and exceed it’s Monetary LCIF Goal ($47,000) for the first time since we became a single District. Thank you all so much.
Lions Are There When Disaster Strikes
Natural Disasters can strike anywhere at anytime. Communities throughout our District rely on Lions to assist in recovery efforts. Lions provide FOOD, SHELTER and HOPE. We have a tremendous capacity to serve, whether that’s though direct service, training or funding through an LCIF Grant. Have a great summer.
Personal Notes: Why does it seem the atmosphere is always cooler now? Your LCIF Chairs put out a challenge at the 2025 Convention – and it was accepted.
Yours in Lionism,
PDG Mike Tobin, P.O. Box 408, Sunburst, Mt. 59482
406-450-2780, [email protected]
PDG Lary Garrison, 703 Conway St., Billings, Mt. 59105
406-855-6997 [email protected]
