Charitable Trust

Your Legacy. Our Community. A Better Tomorrow.

Some gifts make a difference today. Others continue making a difference for generations.

The Dalles Lions Club Charitable Trust helps turn generosity into lasting community improvements. Through legacy gifts, estate donations and other contributions, donors can help fund projects that strengthen our community, improve public spaces and support the places and services that make The Dalles a great place to live.

As Lions, our motto is We Serve. The Trust gives that commitment a way to continue serving our community long into the future.

A Legacy That Keeps Giving

The story of our Charitable Trust began with one woman's generosity.

In 1988–89, The Dalles Lions Club received the remainder of the estate of local businesswoman Loy Leidloff, valued at approximately $165,000. Loy's connection to our community and her interest in its future helped create an opportunity for her generosity to live on.

Lion John Byers, who had served as Loy's accountant for many years, was named trustee. In the 1960s, he had taken the time to show her Thompson Park and share plans for its future. Her eventual bequest helped establish a legacy that would benefit The Dalles for decades.

With the help of Lion Steve Lawrence, a second-generation member of The Dalles Lions Club, the club's Charitable Trust was formally established after the funds were transferred to the club.

Today, the Trust operates with its own board of Lions members and independently supports community projects.

The remarkable result? More than $238,000 has been invested back into community infrastructure, while the original principal of the Trust has never been spent and has continued to grow.

One gift has helped create a lasting source of support for the community. Imagine what your legacy could do.

Your Gifts at Work in The Dalles

The Trust focuses much of its giving on capital projects that improve public spaces, recreation facilities and community infrastructure. These are investments people can see, use and enjoy for years to come.

Sorosis Park

One of The Dalles' most treasured public spaces has benefited from decades of Lions support.

Early 1990s: $22,000 toward restroom renovations.
Early 2000s: $17,500 toward reroofing the shelter.
2020: $22,000 toward restoring the Vogt Fountain and landscaping the rose garden as part of a $42,000 community project.
2026: $20,000 toward rebuilding the steps, ramps and apron at the park shelter.

From preserving park facilities to improving accessibility, these investments help keep Sorosis Park welcoming for future generations.

Make a Difference in the Way That Matters to You

Every donor has a different vision for the future. The Trust offers opportunities to support community needs while honoring your personal priorities.

Community Projects

Support significant public projects, from parks and recreation facilities to community spaces and infrastructure improvements.

Designated Giving

You may request that your donation support a particular project or purpose. Specific requests can be discussed with the Trust to determine whether they fit its charitable purpose and applicable requirements.

Lions Service and Community Impact

Donations may also support eligible public-service activities through the club, including appropriate transfers of funds for public purposes. Funds donated by the public must be used for the public and cannot be used for private or members-only benefits.

Disaster Relief Fund

Help provide immediate emergency assistance and long-term recovery support following natural disasters and other crises.

Matching Grants

Your gift may also help the Trust or club pursue matching grant opportunities through Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF), potentially increasing the impact of available resources. Eligibility, matching requirements and approval depend on the specific grant program.

Leave a Legacy Through Planned Giving

A legacy gift is an opportunity to make a difference beyond your lifetime. Through an estate gift, bequest or other planned contribution, you can help ensure that future generations continue to benefit from the generosity of those who came before them.

You do not have to be wealthy to leave a meaningful legacy. What matters is the desire to make a lasting difference.

Consider the example of Loy Leidloff. Her generosity continues to benefit The Dalles decades after her passing. The Trust has supported important community projects while preserving its original principal, allowing that initial gift to remain a resource for the future.

Your legacy could help improve a public space, support recreation, strengthen community services or provide resources for future Lions projects.

A planned gift can be a meaningful way to reflect your values, recognize a community that has mattered to you and help ensure that its future remains bright.

Are Donations Tax-Deductible?

The tax treatment of gifts to the Trust depends on its specific legal and tax status, the nature of the donation and the donor's circumstances. Please consult your tax professional or estate-planning attorney before making a gift, particularly when considering an estate bequest or other planned donation. We encourage prospective donors to contact the Trust to discuss giving options and confirm the appropriate recipient for their intended gift.

The Dalles Lions Club Charitable Trust is a 501(c)(3), our tax ID number 38-3941849. This is distinct from The Dalles Lions Club, which is a 501(c)(4) social welfare organization. Donations to a 501(c)(4) organization generally are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes.

Help Build the Next 100 Years

As The Dalles Lions Club celebrates a century of service, we are reminded that the strongest communities are built by people who care about what comes next.

The Charitable Trust is one way that commitment can live on. Every thoughtful gift has the potential to become something lasting: a place where families gather, a facility where children play, a community space people enjoy or a resource that helps meet future needs.

Your generosity can become part of The Dalles' story for generations to come.

Whether you are considering a planned estate gift, a contribution to a specific project or a donation to support future community needs, we welcome the opportunity to talk with you.

Interested in making a lasting difference?

Contact The Dalles Lions Club to learn more about the Charitable Trust, legacy giving and ways to support our community.

The Dalles Lions Club Charitable Trust
The Dalles Lions Club
We Serve.

Let’s Work Together

Get in touch so we can continue making a difference in our community