How your foundation serves the children of the world

Your International Foundation is constantly growing and expanding its efforts to benefit young children around the world. It is actively engaged in supporting major programs which capture the imagination and enthusiasm of the entire Kiwanis family and reflect the international scope of Kiwanis worldwide service.

More than $70 million dollars have been raised or pledged through the Foundation to eradicate iodine deficiency disorders throughout the world. Over the years, your International Foundation has funded other grants in excess of $15 million to needy organizations around the globe.

It provides the opportunity by which all Kiwanians can assist worldwide programs by helping to finance those that are beyond the scope of Kiwanis clubs, divisions, or districts.

What has your Kiwanis -International Foundation done in Europe?

• Bulgarian Orphanage & Medical Relief Fund – Grant purchased and shipped medicines & vitamins for 840 children in orphanages.
   

• The Albania Committee of Norway – Grant transported humanitarian aid to establishments assisting needy families and their children in mountain villages.
   

• Olympic - St. Petersburg in Russia – Grant distributed to children’s orphanages in direct need of funding for supplies and basic necessities.
   

• Kiwanis club of Ruhr in Germany – Grant funded the refurbishment and remodeling of a vessel to be used as classroom & social center for hundreds of children whose parents operate transport ships.
   

• Kiwanis District of Norden – Grant funded the purchase and installation of machinery for the creation of dolls for distribution to children in hospitals.
   

• Kiwanis District of Iceland – Faroes – Grant funded to support victims in a small village in Iceland hit by an avalanche.
   

• Floating Hospital for Children, former Yugoslavia – Funds to help maintain hospital which specializes in child health care.
   

• Children of the World, Bucharest, Romania – A grant to provide health care for children with infectious diseases.

Robert P. Connelly Medal for Heroism
This originated on September 23, 1966 as Kiwanian Robert P. Connelly, 34, attempted to rescue a handicapped woman who had fallen in the path of an oncoming train. Before he could pull the woman from the tracks, both were killed. The medal honors those who risk death or physical harm in saving or attempting to save the life of another.
Nominations are submitted by Kiwanis clubs and presented to the Foundation Board of Trustees for approval. More than 400 Robert P. Connelly Medals for Heroism have been presented since its inception in 1968.

Tablet of Honor
Was established in 1968. A division, or district honors a Kiwanian or another who has exemplified dedicated service to Kiwanis. Contributions may be designated for the WSP/IDD campaign or to the KIF Endowment Fund. Recipients are honored at a reception at the International convention, in the Honors Booklet, and on a permanent donor recognition display at the International office. Recipients receive a custom inscribed plaque, a pin, and a crest to be worn at special Kiwanis functions. One can only receive a tablet of Honor by donations from another individual, club, division, or district. An individual cannot purchase this award for themselves.

George F. Hixson Fellowship
Was established in 1983 and honors the first president of Kiwanis International. Membership is obtained trough a (US)$ contribution. Only individuals are eligible for membership in the George F. Hixson Fellowship. Contributions may be designated for the WSP/IDD campaign or to the KIEF Endowment Fund. Members are honored at a reception at the International convention, in the Honors Booklet, and on a permanent donor recognition display at the International Office. Members receive a personalized plaque, a medallion with ribbon, and a pin. Additional contributions of (US) $ 1000 each qualifies for a diamond-level Hixson Fellowship, and members receive a new Diamond -Hixson pin and number tab.

Annual Club Gift Campaign
Is conducted between October 1st and March 31st each year. Funds contributed are used to award unrestricted grants on a worldwide basis. The annual Club Gift Campaign is the Foundation’s primary source of unrestricted income and helps determine which projects the Foundation can support each year.