Governance — Original Reorganization Update
On November 21, 2008, the Board of Trustees for the Northwest Lions Foundation passed a resolution to change its organizational structure. The vote culminates several years of discussion and numerous Board meetings focused on how to implement change that will accomplish three goals:
- create an environment that promotes continued growth for SightLife;
- ensure continuous funding for regional Lions community programs through growth of an Endowment fund, and through SightLife;
- keep SightLife and the Northwest Lions Foundation aligned together in both Board structure and public perception.
The reorganization approved by the Board of Trustees accomplishes these goals at minimal legal and administrative cost by re-naming the Northwest Lions Foundation as SightLife, which will operate as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. The Northwest Lions Foundation will remain and have its own Board of Trustees focused on regional Lions charitable programs. Gifts to the Northwest Lions Foundation remain eligible for tax deductions. This Board will have representation on the SightLife Board.
As part of the reorganization, the board approved a funding mechanism that allocates a percentage of SightLife operating revenue to Lions community service programs operated by the Foundation. Growth by SightLife will increase revenue available to these programs. The existing Northwest Lions Endowment will continue to provide distributions for Lions Sight & Hearing programs as directed by the Lions Trustees. Long term goals include growing the endowment to provide more sight and hearing service via Lions Clubs.
"The Board specifically did not want to separate the two Boards into legal corporations," said Trustee Chair Diane Sabin. "This ensures the continuity of our Lions heritage and support for Lions community service programs."
Click here to download documents that explain the reorganization
in more detail, including answers to frequently asked questions.
Click here for video comments from Trustees.
For access to tax information, click here. (Note that you will need to set up an account with the GuideStar organization to access this information. A basic account is free and will allow you to access up to three years of IRS Form 990 from any nonprofit in the United States. Paid accounts may access older 990 forms as well.)
