Melvin Jones Fellows

The Melvin Jones Fellowship is the backbone of Lions Club International Foundation (LCIF), providing 70 percent of its revenues. A recognition of humanitarian work, a Melvin Jones Fellowship (MJF) is given to those who give US$1,000 to LCIF or to people for whom a donation was made by others. Melvin Jones Fellows receive an attractive lapel pin, a plaque and a congratulatory letter.

The Melvin Jones Fellowship Progressive program recognizes people who donate US$1,000 or more or people in whose name a donation had been made, beyond the initial MJF donation of US$1,000. Melvin Jones Fellows donating US$1,000 receive a one-diamond yellow gold lapel pin for the first level of the progressive program and additional recognition for subsequent donations.

For further Melvin Jones Fellowship contributions or inquiries, contact Donor Services at 630-203-3836 or  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . 

To apply for a fellowship or to learn more, please visit lionsclub.org. 

Contributions can be made by individuals (including non-Lions), clubs, or districts. Contributions can be made in one sum, or in installments of a minimum of US$100 over a five-year period.

Melvin was born on January 13, 1879, at Fort Thomas Arizona. At age 33 he was the sole owner of his own insurance agency in Chicago, Illinois and became a member of the local business circle. After two years, he felt that as influential businessmen, their talents could be better utilized in other areas of community life.

In 1917 after pursuing this thought for four years they formed what is now known as LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONAL with 27 clubs from around the United States. The Association became international in 1920, when the Lions of Detroit chartered the Windsor Ontario Lions Club, in Canada. In 1950, Melvin Jones was conferred the title of SECRETARY GENERAL of LIONS INTERNATIONAL for life. Since that time Lions organizations have grown to over 1.4 million members in over 45,000 clubs.

Melvin Jones the founder of this great service organization, died in 1961. His philosophy of life, "you can't get very far until you start doing something for somebody else," lives in our motto "WE SERVE."