Lions Den Guidelines for Potential Beneficiaries
This event is intended to acknowledge the needs of the community in the area covered by Loddon Valley Lions. The geographical area includes the following established settlements: Tadley, Kingsclere, Silchester, Aldermaston, Bramley, Sherborne St John, Sherfield on Loddon, Mortimer, and any smaller settlements in between these boundaries, Please Click Here to see map.
The Loddon Valley Lions Club raises funds in the geographical area above by use of a number of methods, and in accordance with the purposes and ethics of Lions Clubs International, as laid out in the charter of Loddon Valley Lions Club. These funds are distributed throughout this area, occasionally further afield and are intended to provide benefit to the local community.
The Loddon Valley Lions Club have decided to hold a 'Dragons Den' style event, at The Ambrose Allen Centre, Franklin Avenue, Tadley RG26 4EU on Saturday 9th November 2024. Closing date for receipt of applications is Wednesday 6th November 2024. The purpose is to distribute funds in keeping with the guidelines above. We are particularly keen to hear from those with whom we have not had previous contact, especially smaller groups.
For the purposes of this document, the following definitions shall be used:
- The Panel is the group of Lion members present, there to make a decision on whether or not any funds raised by Loddon Valley Lions Club shall be presented to needy causes in the area
- The potential beneficiary is the group who will be presenting at the event in order to attempt to secure funds from Loddon Valley Lions Club.
The beneficiaries must submit a written application requesting funds and, if they are successful at this stage, will be invited to attend the event and present to the panel.
- The meeting between the panel and the potential beneficiary shall consist of a presentation by the charitable cause of approximately 10 minutes, followed by questions from the Lion members present, of up to 5 minutes. There will then be some discussion between the panel members in private, and ultimately a decision as to whether or not the charitable cause concerned should receive any or all of the funding requested. The representatives of the cause will be told at the event how they will be made aware of the panel's decision. The time limits are not negotiable, and will need to be rigidly adhered to, to ensure fairness to all parties concerned.
- A maximum of 2 people may present to the panel. These 2 must be able to answer all questions from the panel.
- Any beneficiary that applies to attend this event must be able to produce costings for the proposed use of the money. We are looking to encourage new ideas that provide a tangible benefit to a person or persons in accordance with our aims and objectives.
There will be four Lion members on the panel. The decision of the panel over the awarding of any grant is final.
- It is likely that the maximum grant available to any one charitable cause on this occasion is £500, although the panel will have discretion to exceed this sum if they feel it is warranted. Bank details of successful applicants will be requested, to enable electronic transfer of funds. All funds must be transferred to the beneficiary group's bank account and cannot be transferred to an individual person's account.
- The potential beneficiaries that attend this event may also be provided with a forum to speak about their work with other groups in the area, however each group will present to the panel individually.
- There may be enquiries from Loddon Valley Lions Club at a later time to ascertain how the money has been used. This may require receipts, or other written significant evidence, to be produced.
- There may be photographers present at the event. If this happens, it would be appreciated if photographs could be taken with Lion members and representatives of the cause, for use as publicity material by Loddon Valley Lions Lions Club.
- Loddon Valley Lions Club pledge to treat any contact details submitted for the causes and representatives involved in this event with confidentiality. They will not be passed on to any third party, and will solely be used for the duration of this event, unless agreed that it is in both parties interests to maintain communication subsequently.
- There will be no facility on the day to present to the panel electronically, using PowerPoint or other such technological aids. This is due to time constraints. Photographs and use of visual displays that are able to be arranged within a couple of minutes are encouraged.
- We are not able to support religious or political groups – this contradicts the purposes of Lions Clubs International
- We are unlikely to support national charities, unless they are running a project locally for the benefit of the area served by Loddon Valley Lions Club.
- No correspondence, electronic, telephonic, postal or otherwise, will be entered into regarding the panel's decision.
To download a copy of these Guidelines, Please Click Here
To return to the main Lions Den Page, Please Click Here
