LCI President’s Message-November 2026
President’s MessageRooted in Servicewith International President Mark S. Lyon |
Dear Lion,
Service is how we contribute to our communities — but let’s take it one step further. Let’s share our stories and make our clubs more visible through marketing and advocacy.
As you serve, tell others about the incredible work you do. When we show how our service impacts the community, we can expand our reach, attract more Lions and community partners, and serve even more people.
You and your club are changing lives through acts of service, big and small. So don’t keep it a secret! Let others know why it’s great to be a Lion and watch your club — and your service — grow.
In friendship and service,
Mark S. Lyon
International President
By Lion Peggy TobinDistrict LCIF Co-Chairs PDG Raleigh Peck & PDG Mike Tobin – November 26
Why Isn’t Your Club Taking Advantage of Grant Opportunities?
Here’s One Most Lions Don’t Even Know About!
Did you know that the District and Community Impact Grant (DCG) is available to every Lions club? And qualifying for it may be easier than you think!
For years, Lions clubs and individual members have generously supported Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF). Many clubs have made annual donations, and members have contributed individually because they believe in helping Lions make a difference around the world.
Now, there’s an opportunity to bring some of that money back home!
The new District and Community Impact Grant (DCG) program gives clubs the opportunity to receive a portion of their LCIF contributions back in grant funding to support projects right here in their own communities. In other words, you can continue supporting humanitarian projects around the world while also putting some of those contributions to work locally!
Here’s how it works: When your club reaches a minimum of $5,000 in combined donations to LCIF during a Lionistic year, your club can receive 15% of that amount back in a DCG grant to use in your own community.
The $5,000 is a group total. It includes donations made by individual club members throughout the year, along with donations made directly by the club itself.
Think about it. Many clubs make an end-of-year donation using leftover club funds. Add that amount to the individual contributions members make throughout the year, and reaching $5,000 may be surprisingly easy!
Let’s look at an example:
Imagine your club has 30 members, and each member donates just $10 per month to LCIF.
- 30 members × $10 per month = $300
- $300 × 12 months = $3,600 annually
- Add a $2,000 year-end club donation.
- Total annual LCIF donations = $5,600.
- 15% DCG grant = $840!
That’s $840 your club can put back to work right in your own community!
It’s a WIN-WIN! Your club continues supporting LCIF and helping fund humanitarian projects around the world, while also getting the opportunity to bring grant funding back home to make a difference locally.
Even better, the money doesn’t simply disappear if your club doesn’t reach the $5,000 threshold. According to the DCG program, as long as there are at least $10,000 in qualifying donations across SD37, those donations are still put to work at the district level, benefiting communities throughout Montana.
Getting Started Is Easy!
Encourage every club member to consider making a small monthly donation. Even $5 or $10 a month can make a tremendous difference when everyone participates.
Simply visit MontanaLions.org, click the Donate button, and select an amount that works for you. It could be $5, $10, $50, $100, or even $28.19. Every donation helps!
Enter your credit card information, set up your contribution, and you’re on your way to making a difference. It’s a simple way to support Lions around the world while helping your own club qualify for additional community funding. And don’t forget to use the credit card with the best rewards so you get a little something back for yourself, too!
So, make an effort to reach that $5,000 goal! Don’t let your club miss out on the opportunity to bring 15% back through a DCG grant.
And remember, this is just one of the grant opportunities available to Lions. It’s also one of the easiest ways to get started, even though the grant amounts may be smaller.
Watch this space in the coming months! We’ll be sharing information about other opportunities, including matching grants, diabetes grants, hunger grants, and much more.
Thank you for everything you do for LCIF, your communities, and Lions around the world!
If
you want more information or help with a grant, call PDG Mike Tobin
(406-450-2780) or Raleigh G Peck at 406-480-5000.
PDG Raleigh Peck , 1575 10th Ave SW., Sidney, MT 59270, 406-480-5000, [email protected]
PDG Mike Tobin – PO Box 408, Sunburst MT 59482, 406-450-2780, [email protected]
By LCIF CoordinatorsDates to Remember – November 2026
NOVEMBER CLUB ANNIVERSARIES
193 years of service!!!
Hysham 11/04/1960
Havre 11/13/1952
Butte Mile-Hi 11/15/1925
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
UPCOMING DISTRICT MEETING DATES
MT Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation – January 16, 2027 – 10:00am – VIA ZOOM
District Cabinet Meeting – January 16, 2027 – Noon – VIA ZOOM
2027 District 37 Convention – April 16-17, 2027, Choteau, MT
LIONS CLUB INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION SCHEDULE
2027 Washington DC – July 2-6
2028 Singapore -June 23-27
2029 Minneapolis, MN – June 29 – July 3
2030 San Antonio TX – June 28 – July 2
2031 – Helsinki Finland – July 4-8
USA/CANADA FORUM SCHEDULE
USA/CANADA LIONS LEADERSHIP FORUMS CAN BE RELATED TO ALL AREAS OF YOUR LIFE – NOT JUST LIONS
2027 Huntsville, AB – September 16-18
2028 Grand Rapids, MI – September 21 – 23
2029 Shreveport, LA – September 13 – 15
LCI President’s Message-October 2026
President’s MessageRooted in Servicewith International President Mark S. Lyon |
Dear Lion,
One of the best things about being a Lion is our service. When we stay grounded in our service, we unlock our club’s full potential.
And while service is the most important thing, it’s also important that we help every Lion unlock their potential. Offering an inclusive, welcoming club environment, leadership opportunities and opportunities for personal growth helps attract new members and keep all members engaged and enthusiastic.
Lions is a place to serve and grow, and our clubs get stronger and our service gets better when all members make unique contributions based on their skills, interests and passions.
Keep up the great work as we stay Rooted in Service together.
In friendship and service,
Mark S. Lyon
International President
IP Mark Lyon Announces Int’l BOD Recommendation for Third Vice President in 2027
Dear Lion Leaders,
Certified and endorsed international third vice president candidates are interviewed, evaluated and considered for a recommendation by the International Board of Directors based on their knowledge of the association, understanding of the role of international president, support of LCIF, and their demonstrated leadership in the association and alignment with the association’s mission.
The board met earlier this week, and I am pleased to announce that the Lions Clubs International Board of Directors recommends Past International Director Vijay Kumar Raju from Multiple District 316 (India) as international third vice president for election at the 2027 Lions International Convention in Washington D.C., USA.
The international board was incredibly impressed with the dedication, vision and service of Past International Director Raju, including his recent role as a member of the LCIF Board of Trustees.
Past International Director Raju has also served as chairperson of the Membership Development Committee, Centennial Action Committee member, GAT area leader, Lions Clubs International Strategic Planning Committee member, LCIF constitutional area chairperson, and has served on a number of other local and international committees, all advancing the association’s mission and goals over his 30 years as a Lion.
Past International Director Raju works in the education field as a senior executive with a focus on governance, strategic direction and advisory leadership. In addition to his long-standing history of service to our association and foundation, he has been actively engaged with a wide range of civic, cultural and professional organizations, reflecting his commitment to both industry and community.
The 2027-2028 third vice president will be elected by certified delegates at the Lions International Convention in Washington, D.C., July 2-6, 2027.
Past International Director Raju is an exceptional leader and a long-serving Lion, making him the ideal choice to lead our great association forward.
On behalf of the international board, I would like to thank you for your support and your service.
In friendship and service,
Mark S. Lyon
International President
By PID Ben ApelandDistrict LCIF Co-Chairs PDG Mike Tobin & PDG Raleigh Peck – October 26
Clubs Can Benefit from LCIF Donations
Hello Montana Lions,
Well, here it is October already! School is in full swing and most all clubs have started having their meetings. This is also the time when Raleigh and I start our LCIF club visitations. As we visit with your club be sure to bring at least $10 so you can pick out your favorite number on our LCIF Melvin Jones Recognition boards. 100 slots = $1,000, and when all the slots are taken, a random number will be drawn and the winner will receive a Melvin Jones. If you don’t know what a Melvin Jones is ask your club President to invite Raleigh or myself to visit with your club so we can explain it to the entire club.
ALSO, if you are interested in free money for your club, have us come and visit to show you how your club can get this free money. We look forward to seeing you this year. Be the first to give us that call and get all the information.
Together, we can accomplish great things through service.
Yours in Lionism,
PDG Mike Tobin – PO Box 408, Sunburst MT 59482, 406-450-2780, [email protected]
PDG Raleigh Peck , 1575 10th Ave SW., Sidney, MT 59270, 406-480-5000, [email protected]
Dates to Remember – October 2026
OCTOBER CLUB ANNIVERSARIES
181 years of service!!!
Fort Benton 10/10/2005
Billings 10/20/1921 – 105 years!
Joliet 10/22/1971
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
UPCOMING DISTRICT MEETING DATES
District 37 6th Annual Leadership Retreat – October 2 – 3 2026, Lewistown, MT
MT Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation – October 17, 2026 @ 10:00 Jefferson High School, Boulder MT
District Cabinet Meeting – October 17, 2026 @ noon, Jefferson High School, Boulder MT
2027 District 37 Convention – April 16-17, 2027, Choteau, MT
LIONS CLUB INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION SCHEDULE
2027 Washington DC – July 2-6
2028 Singapore -June 23-27
2029 Minneapolis, MN – June 29 – July 3
2030 San Antonio TX – June 28 – July 2
2031 – Helsinki Finland – July 4-8
UPCOMING USA/CANADA FORUMS
USA/CANADA LIONS LEADERSHIP FORUMS CAN BE RELATED TO ALL AREAS OF YOUR LIFE – NOT JUST LIONS
2027 Huntsville, AB – September 16-18
2028 Grand Rapids, MI – September 21 – 23
2029 Shreveport, LA – September 13 – 15
LCI President’s Message-September 2026
President’s MessageRooted in Servicewith International President Mark S. Lyon |
Dear Lion,
Being “Rooted in Service” is about more than just the service others see us do. It’s about who we are at our foundation. Our roots in service are strong, and they run deep.
Lions are often the first to answer the call, find a solution or identify a need. And when we do, we step up. We help. We serve.
This year, work with your club to create service projects that are engaging, impactful and aligned with what your community needs. And if you want to make them even more fun, invite your family and friends to serve with you.
True impact starts with one act of service, big or small. I can’t wait to see what you do!
In friendship and service,
Mark S. Lyon
International President
IP Mark Lyon Announces Int’l BOD Recommendation for Third Vice President in 2027
Dear Lion Leaders,
Certified and endorsed international third vice president candidates are interviewed, evaluated and considered for a recommendation by the International Board of Directors based on their knowledge of the association, understanding of the role of international president, support of LCIF, and their demonstrated leadership in the association and alignment with the association’s mission.
The board met earlier this week, and I am pleased to announce that the Lions Clubs International Board of Directors recommends Past International Director Vijay Kumar Raju from Multiple District 316 (India) as international third vice president for election at the 2027 Lions International Convention in Washington D.C., USA.
The international board was incredibly impressed with the dedication, vision and service of Past International Director Raju, including his recent role as a member of the LCIF Board of Trustees.
Past International Director Raju has also served as chairperson of the Membership Development Committee, Centennial Action Committee member, GAT area leader, Lions Clubs International Strategic Planning Committee member, LCIF constitutional area chairperson, and has served on a number of other local and international committees, all advancing the association’s mission and goals over his 30 years as a Lion.
Past International Director Raju works in the education field as a senior executive with a focus on governance, strategic direction and advisory leadership. In addition to his long-standing history of service to our association and foundation, he has been actively engaged with a wide range of civic, cultural and professional organizations, reflecting his commitment to both industry and community.
The 2027-2028 third vice president will be elected by certified delegates at the Lions International Convention in Washington, D.C., July 2-6, 2027.
Past International Director Raju is an exceptional leader and a long-serving Lion, making him the ideal choice to lead our great association forward.
On behalf of the international board, I would like to thank you for your support and your service.
In friendship and service,
Mark S. Lyon
International President
District LCIF Co-Chairs PDG Raleigh Peck & PDG Mike Tobin – September 26
LCIF: Helping Lions Make Their Communities Better
I just returned from my first LCIF Coordinator training in New Orleans, and what a great learning experience it was! I’m very glad I decided to become the LCIF Coordinator for the Eastern part of Montana.
Working alongside Mike Tobin, who serves the Western part of Montana, we will be reaching out to all of our clubs to see how we can assist you. We would love the opportunity to come to your club and make a personal appearance, sit down with your members, and go through the many ways LCIF can help your club make an even greater impact in your community.
So, start thinking about this question:
What is it that would make your community an even better place to live?
Maybe it’s helping children or supporting our elderly population. Maybe it’s disaster relief, helping food banks, improving community facilities, or making gathering places more accessible. Whatever the need, LCIF may be able to help turn your club’s vision into action.
One of the things that stood out to me during my training is the importance of starting with the strengths, resources, and ideas already present in our communities. Lions know their communities better than anyone, and our job is to help you connect those local needs and ideas with the resources available through LCIF.
Our goal is simple: to help you make your community — and ultimately our world — a better place to live.
Please know that I am happy to help in any way I can. Whether you have questions about LCIF, want to explore a project idea, or would simply like someone to sit down with your club and talk through the possibilities, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Mike and I would love to hear from you and work with your club.
Thank you for all you do for your communities and for the service you provide every day.
PDG Raleigh Peck , 1575 10th Ave SW., Sidney, MT 59270, 406-480-5000, [email protected]
PDG Mike Tobin – PO Box 408, Sunburst MT 59482, 406-450-2780, [email protected]
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