Reminder to Club Secretary and Treasurers: District Dues
As October approaches, it’s important for all secretaries and treasurers within District 37 of the Montana Lions Clubs to prepare for the upcoming assessment of district dues. Here’s everything you need to know to ensure your club is ready and compliant.
Key Date & Membership Basis
The district dues are assessed on January 1st based on the membership as recorded in the Lions Portal on November 1. This means that your club’s dues will be calculated based on the number of members listed in the portal on this date. Ensure your membership records are up to date by then to avoid any discrepancies.
Dues Structure
The dues are set at $25 per member. This fee is divided into two main parts:
- District Operations: $24 of the dues collected from each member goes towards the district’s operational costs. This supports the various activities, programs, and administrative needs of District 37.
- Friendship Committee: $1 from each member’s dues is allocated to the district’s Friendship Committee. This committee plays a crucial role in fostering camaraderie and support within the district, making it a vital part of our community.
What to Do Next
- Update Membership Records: Double-check and update your membership records in the Lions Portal before November 1. Ensure all new members are added and any changes in membership status are accurately reflected.
- Communicate with Your Club: Remind club members about the upcoming dues assessment.
- Prepare Financially: Ensure that your club’s finances are in order to cover the dues based on your current membership count. Budgeting for these dues can prevent any last-minute financial strains.
Timely and accurate dues assessment is crucial for the smooth operation of our district. By keeping your records up to date and preparing your club financially, you help maintain the integrity and efficiency of our district’s operations.
If you have any questions or need assistance with updating your records, please reach out to me or District Administrator Peggy.
By Lion Steve Dogiakos990/990EZ/990N IRS Filing Reminder
Author’s Note: I am re-sharing this reminder from Lions Club International to amplify the message – if your club’s fiscal year ended on June 30th, get your IRS paper work in order! If you had under $50,000 in gross receipts you only have to file the 990N. The original can be seen here.
Club Treasures and Secretaries: Please remember that all Lions clubs, districts and multiple districts that have annual gross receipts of less than US$50,000 and do not have to file Forms 990 or 990-EZ must file the e-Postcard (also known as 990-N). If your Lions club, district or multiple district has a foundation, which is a separate legal entity, the appropriate form will need to be filed as well.
All filers must register at IRS.gov prior to filing their next Form 990-N. This is a one-time registration if the designated Lion files annually. If the designee changes from a prior year, the new designee must register with the IRS.
Please refer to the following chart regarding annual filing requirements:
| 2023-2024 Tax Year* | Form to File |
|---|---|
| Gross receipts normally $50,000 or less | 990-N |
| Gross receipts greater than $50,000 and less than $200,000, and total assets less than $500,000 |
990-EZ or 990 |
| Gross receipts $200,000 or greater or total assets $500,000 or greater | 990 |
The e-Postcard is due by the 15th day of the fifth month after the close of your tax year. Lions clubs operate on a fiscal year, July 1-June 30, and the e-Postcard is due by November 15 each year. Please note that an organization cannot request an extension for filing the Form 990-N.
If you do not file, you risk losing your tax-exempt status. Any Lions club that fails to meet its annual reporting requirement for three consecutive years will automatically lose its tax exempt status. A club may apply for reinstatement of its tax exemption even if it originally fell under a group exemption.
Every club and/or district (single, sub- and multiple) must have an employer identification number (EIN), even if it will not have employees. The EIN is a unique number that identifies the organization to the Internal Revenue Service. To apply for an EIN, you should obtain a Form SS-4 and its instructions from the IRS. You may also apply for an EIN online, by telephone (1-800-829-4933) or by fax (fax number at
the location accepting applications from your state). It is important that clubs and districts use the correct EIN for their annual filing.
Please note that Lions Clubs International is not authorized to provide guidance regarding your club’s filing. For frequently asked questions about tax issues and regulations affecting Lions clubs and leadership, visit the Lions Tax FAQ. Visit www.irs.gov/eo for complete details and to sign up for Exempt Organization’s free email newsletter, EO Update, to receive up-to-date information posted on the charity pages of irs.gov. For specific questions please contact a local tax professional or the IRS.
Legal Division
Lions Clubs International
* Prior to December 31, 2010, gross receipt limits for filing the 990-N was $25,000.
Celebrating Lion Bob Nauck’s 101st Birthday with the Choteau Lions Club
The Choteau Lions Club recently gathered to celebrate a truly special occasion—the 101st birthday of their beloved member and District 37 Hall of Famer, Lion Bob Nauck. Known for his decades of dedication and service, Nauck has become a cornerstone of the Lions Club and a cherished figure in the Choteau community. To honor this incredible milestone, the club came together at Benefis Teton Medical Center to celebrate with pizza, ice cream, and heartfelt gratitude for the legacy he has built.
Lion Bob Nauck’s birthday celebration was filled with joy, laughter, and camaraderie. His unwavering commitment to the Lions’ mission of community service has been inspiring to all who have had the privilege of working alongside him. The celebration wasn’t just about honoring his longevity, but about appreciating the many years he has spent contributing to the betterment of the Choteau community. The event was a reflection of the deep respect and affection the club holds for Nauck, whose energy and spirit remain as strong as ever.
Introducing District Treasurer Steve Dogiakos: A New Era of Financial Stewardship
Greetings, Montana Lions! My name is Steve Dogiakos, and as of the start of the ’24’-25 Lionistic Year, I am honored to serve as your new District Treasurer for Lions Clubs District 37 Montana. I am thrilled to embark on this journey with each of you, supporting our incredible clubs and their vital work in our communities.
First and foremost, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all of you for your unwavering dedication and service. It is your hard work and commitment that keep our clubs thriving and making a positive impact. As District Treasurer, my primary goal is to support you, ensuring our financial processes are smooth, transparent, and effective.
I am here as a resource and a partner. My aim is to assist you in any way possible, whether it’s answering questions, providing guidance, or simply being a friendly ear. Together, we can strengthen our district, making it more efficient and allowing us to focus on what we do best: serving those in need.
I believe that open communication and collaboration are key to our success. Please feel free to reach out to me anytime with questions, ideas, or just to say hello! You can contact me via a message on the District website. I am eager to get to know each of you better and to work together to achieve our common goals.
As we move forward, my vision for District 37 includes fostering a culture of financial transparency and accountability. I am committed to implementing best practices and ensuring that our financial processes support our mission effectively. By working together, we can make our district stronger and more resilient.
Thank you again for your dedication and for welcoming me into this role. I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and confident that, together, we can make this year a fantastic one for District 37. Let’s continue to build on our successes and strive for even greater achievements.
District Treasurer Steve Dogiakos’ introduction marks a new era of financial stewardship and collaboration within Lions Clubs District 37 Montana. With a commitment to transparency, support, and partnership, Steve is poised to lead our district’s financial operations with excellence. His dedication to open communication and teamwork will undoubtedly contribute to the continued success and growth of our clubs. Welcome, Steve, and let’s make this year remarkable for District 37!
FAQs
Who is Steve Dogiakos? Steve Dogiakos is the District Treasurer for Lions Clubs District 37 Montana, dedicated to ensuring smooth and transparent financial operations within the district.
When did Steve Dogiakos become District Treasurer? Steve assumed the role of District Treasurer on July 1st, 2024.
What are some of Steve Dogiakos’ goals as District Treasurer? Steve aims to foster a culture of financial transparency and accountability, supporting clubs with guidance and ensuring effective financial processes.
How can members contact Steve Dogiakos? Members can reach Steve by sending a message via the contact page for questions, ideas, or just to say hello.
What is Steve Dogiakos’ vision for District 37? Steve envisions a district that is financially strong, transparent, and collaborative, focusing on enhancing the effectiveness of financial operations to support the Lions Clubs’ mission.
District Cabinet Meeting – July 2024: Key Highlights
The Montana Lions District 37 Cabinet convened on July 13, 2024, at the Great Falls School for the Deaf and the Blind. District Governor Raleigh Peck presiding. With a blend of in-person and virtual attendees, the meeting covered significant developments, financial updates, and new initiatives for the year.
District Governor’s Vision
District Governor Raleigh Peck emphasized his mission for the year, focusing on Club Branches, which require only five members to start. This initiative aims to boost membership and club activity across the district.
Financial Health and Recommendations
Cabinet Treasurer Steve Dogiakos presented the financial report, revealing that the district is in a decent financial position. However, there is a budget shortfall of about $24,000 for the current year. The team discussed strategies to balance the budget, including adding a line item for the Global Extension Team. Funds will be moved from Stockman Bank to 1st Bank of Montana in Choteau for better local access. The financial report and the resolution for banking were unanimously approved.
Grant Updates and Club Health
Past District Governor and current Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) District Co-chair Mike Tobin reported on various grants, including closing out the Plus Optix Grant and new grant applications from Glendive for ADA-compliant pool bathrooms and food bank appliances. The district’s giving to the LCIF is up by 25% compared to the previous year. The Club Health Assessment indicated a positive trend for the district.
Club Officer Training & Leadership Development
Efforts to enhance club officer training are ongoing, with new video resources for using the new Lions Clubs International Portal and training sessions planned for the upcoming convention in Helena.
A Leadership Retreat is scheduled for September 20-21 in Choteau, aiming to bolster leadership skills across the district. Contact PDG Mike Collins for information or to refer prosepctive attendees.
New Initiatives and Policies
A significant update to the district’s policies was the introduction of a 3rd Vice District Governor position, funded with $1,500 from reserves as a pilot program. The Cabinet also approved amendments to the endorsed projects and enhanced the security measures for the district’s website directory by removing email information and implementing contact forms.
Around the District: Community Projects & Reports
Zone Chairs provided updates on various community projects, including Columbia Falls’ summer concerts and Heritage Days, Eureka’s playground installation, and Choteau’s parade and concert sponsorships. Clubs are actively engaged in local events, demonstrating the Lions’ commitment to community service.
Future Events & Conventions
Plans for the 2025 District Convention in Helena are underway, with $3,000 in seed money allocated. The event will feature International Director Anthony Paradiso from New York. Additionally, the collection of eyeglasses was established as a district project, ensuring continued support for this important initiative.
Next Meeting and Adjournment
The next Cabinet meeting is scheduled for October 12 at the Great Falls School for the Deaf and the Blind, with Zoom available. All Region and Zone chair, and Club Presidents and Secretaries are invited.
The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn at 1:00 PM, marking the end of a productive session focused on the growth and the betterment of District 37.
2024 Leadership Retreat in Choteau! 9/20
We are thrilled to announce that this year’s Leadership Retreat will be held in beautiful Choteau, September 20-21! If you haven’t had the chance to attend one of our trainings before, now is the perfect time to join us. Our retreats are a fantastic opportunity for personal growth, leadership development, and networking with fellow Lions.
We believe in nurturing and empowering the leaders within our clubs, and this retreat is designed to provide you with the tools and inspiration needed to make a greater impact in your community.
This training is for everyone! Whether you’re a new officer, a newly inducted Lion, a Lion who isn’t currently an officer but aspires to be one day, or someone who wants to provide leadership in your club without holding an official title, this retreat is designed for you. It’s also an excellent opportunity for Lions who may be considering service at the District or Region level. No matter your current role or future ambitions, this training will equip you with the skills and inspiration to make a significant impact in our community and beyond.
If you or someone in your club is interested in attending (we love referrals!), please request an invitation by contacting the District. We want to ensure that all of our future leaders have the opportunity to participate and benefit from this enriching experience.
