Celebrating Leadership and Service: Your Guide to the Lions Club Excellence Awards 2025-2026

The Lions Club Excellence Awards recognize clubs and leaders who show outstanding leadership, membership growth, impactful service, and humanitarian contributions. These awards highlight the dedication and achievements of Lions clubs worldwide. For the 2025-2026 cycle, the awards will be distributed directly by Lions International based on updated criteria, without requiring applications. This guide explains the award levels, eligibility requirements, and how clubs can earn these prestigious honors.

Understanding the Award Levels

The Lions Club Excellence Awards are presented at four levels:

• Club Level

• Zone Level

• Region Level

• District Level

  
  

To qualify for awards beyond the club level, a club must first earn the Club Excellence Award. This award serves as the foundation for recognizing leadership and service at higher levels, including Zone Chairpersons, Region Chairpersons, and District Governors.

Club Excellence Award Criteria

The Club Excellence Award honors the commitment and legacy of service within individual clubs. Clubs must meet specific criteria in four key areas: membership, service, leadership, and donations.

Membership Growth

Clubs must demonstrate growth by either:

• Inducting at least two new members or 20% of their membership (whichever is greater). This excludes transfers, reinstated, or charter members. The membership count is based on the club’s size as of June 30th of the previous Lion year.

• Sponsoring a new Lions club.

  
  

This requirement encourages clubs to expand their reach and bring fresh energy into their communities.

Service Activities

Clubs need to report a minimum of four service activities to Lions International. Among these, three must show participation in each of the three International Weeks of Service. These weeks focus on global service efforts and provide clubs with opportunities to engage in meaningful projects that benefit their communities.

Leadership Development

Strong leadership is essential for club success. Clubs must:

• Report newly elected club officers in the Lion Portal by May 15 of the current Lion year.

• Ensure at least 10% of members complete any three courses in the Lions Learning Center.

• Have a club president who has not served more than two consecutive terms.

• Have at least two club officers (including the president) complete Club Officer Training between May 1 and December 31. Training can be online through the Lions Learning Center or in-person as reported by a Global Leadership Team coordinator.

  
  

These requirements promote continuous learning and leadership renewal within clubs.

Donations to LCIF

Clubs must contribute to the Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) an amount equal to their membership total (as of June 30th of the previous Lion year) multiplied by US$20. This financial support helps fund humanitarian projects worldwide.

Why These Awards Matter

The Excellence Awards celebrate clubs that excel in multiple areas, not just one. They encourage clubs to grow their membership, lead with strong officers, serve their communities actively, and support global humanitarian efforts. By meeting these standards, clubs build a stronger foundation for lasting impact.

For example, a club that inducts new members, participates in international service weeks, trains its leaders, and supports LCIF demonstrates a well-rounded commitment to Lions’ mission. This balanced approach benefits both the club and the communities it serves.

What Clubs Should Do Next

Since applications are not required for the 2025-2026 cycle, clubs should focus on meeting the updated criteria throughout the Lion year. Here are practical steps clubs can take:

• Track Membership Growth

Keep accurate records of new members and consider sponsoring a new club if possible.

• Plan Service Activities

Schedule and report at least four service projects, ensuring participation in the three International Weeks of Service.

• Invest in Leadership Training

Encourage members to complete courses in the Lions Learning Center and ensure officers complete required training.

• Support LCIF

Organize fundraising or direct contributions to meet the donation requirement.

By focusing on these areas, clubs position themselves for recognition and contribute meaningfully to the Lions community.

Final Thoughts

The Lions Club Excellence Awards highlight the power of leadership, service, and community growth. They motivate clubs to maintain high standards and celebrate their achievements. Clubs that meet the criteria for 2025-2026 will receive awards automatically, reflecting their dedication without the need for applications.

This system encourages clubs to focus on continuous improvement and impactful service. Clubs that embrace these goals not only earn recognition but also strengthen their ability to make a difference locally and globally.

Take this opportunity to review your club’s progress, plan for the year ahead, and aim for excellence in every area. The Lions Club Excellence Awards are more than honors—they are a call to action for stronger leadership and deeper service.