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News & Happenings

Club News, District News

Great Falls Lions Host Family Fun Fest

Club News, District News

Ennis Lions September Club News

Governance

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.

Club News

990/990EZ/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.

Club News, District News

Sidney Lions September Club News

Club News

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.

Club News, District News

Red Lodge Lions Serve the Fun Run

Newsletters

September 2024 Newsletter

District News

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.