Grant and Funding Programs Offered by Fondation des Clubs Lions du Québec (FCLQ)

The Fondation des Clubs Lions du Québec (FCLQ) is a provincially incorporated charitable foundation created in 1999 by the Lions movement in Quebec. Recognized as a registered charity by the Canada Revenue Agency, it pools donations from Lions clubs, members and the public in order to redistribute them as grants to eligible organizations. The foundation brings together around 150 Lions Clubs of Multiple District "U" in Quebec and the islands of Saint‑Pierre‑et‑Miquelon, representing more than 3,200 members.

The FCLQ’s mission is to support projects that improve quality of life for children, youth and their families, and to contribute to health care, particularly for people affected by blindness and deafness. Over the years it has built a fund approaching $900,000 in net assets and has awarded close to $500,000 in grants to numerous health, social service and community organizations across Quebec.

The core instrument of the foundation is its formal Grant Program. This program provides one‑time financial support to projects submitted by Lions clubs, zones and districts on the territory of Multiple District "U". Funding is primarily directed toward equipment and infrastructure needs—such as the purchase, construction, renovation or improvement of facilities and equipment—rather than ongoing operating costs.

Projects must be sponsored by a Lions club and carried out by qualified beneficiaries. Grants may be awarded to organizations recognized as charities by the Canada Revenue Agency, as well as to non‑profit corporations registered in Quebec or under the Canada Not‑for‑profit Corporations Act, provided they operate in line with the foundation’s objectives. Supported initiatives range from hospital and healthcare foundations, diabetes camps and services for people with visual or hearing impairments, to youth camps, family support organizations and community infrastructure projects.

The FCLQ sets an overall annual grant envelope (for example, $20,000) which is divided equally among the four districts of Multiple District "U". Each district therefore has a defined allocation, and unused amounts can be carried over one year for a later application. Clubs, zones and districts may submit up to two applications per year, within the limit of their district’s allocation, with grants generally capped at $5,000 per project.

Applications are assessed according to several criteria: alignment with the foundation’s mission; demonstration that other funding sources are insufficient; scope and impact of the project on the community; and the sponsoring Lions club’s own financial participation, which must at least match the requested grant. Priority is given to projects that serve a significant number of people and generate strong charitable impact and cost‑effectiveness. Grants are awarded on a "first come, first served" basis within the available budget.

To request funding, applicants must first review the published grant criteria and then complete the official application form provided by the foundation. Forms and supporting documents are submitted by mail or email to the foundation’s address in Laval. Requests must be received at least 30 days before a board meeting, typically held in September, November, February and June. The foundation acknowledges receipt and may contact applicants for additional information if needed.

The FCLQ is governed by a board of directors composed of three administrators elected by each district plus the immediate past president of the Multiple District "U" council of governors. Board members serve on a voluntary basis. The foundation holds an annual general meeting at which the activity report, audited financial statements and grant statistics are presented to members, ensuring transparency and accountability.

Through its grantmaking, the Fondation des Clubs Lions du Québec has supported a wide array of organizations, including hospital and mental health foundations, diabetes and youth camps, organizations serving people with hearing or visual impairments, food banks, municipal and school infrastructure projects, and community and family support centers. Detailed records of grants awarded by year, recipient and amount are made available on its website, illustrating the foundation’s sustained contribution to health, social services and youth development across Quebec.