For many years, the Wisconsin Lions Foundation Board of Directors, along with their Auditing Firm, felt that the Wisconsin Lions Foundation Endowment Fund should be recognized as a separate non-profit organization. In 2011, the WLF Board retained a law firm who specialized in forming non-profit organizations to start the process; and on January 1, 2012, the Wisconsin Lions Birch-Sturm Memorial Fund, Inc. became a 501(c)(3) non-profit entity.

This sole purpose of this fund is to ensure the future of the Foundation. Only the interest and dividends earned from this Fund may be used for other Foundation projects/programs.

The Wisconsin Lions Birch-Sturm Memorial Fund, Inc. is under the supervision of its Board of Directors and reports to the Wisconsin Lions Foundation Board of Directors and Council of Governors.

The Birch-Sturm Fellowship
In 1990, the Wisconsin Lions Foundation recognized the need to establish a special commendation for those who demonstrated excellence in their service to others. The Birch-Sturm Fellowship was developed for this purpose. The Fellowship is named in honor of the only two Presidents of Lions Clubs International from Wisconsin, Frank Birch and Clarence Sturm. The Birch-Sturm Fellowship is one way for clubs to honor anyone, living or deceased, who has displayed dedication and commitment to the Lions’ motto “We Serve.” Individuals may also donate to the Foundation and become a Birch-Sturm Fellow.

To obtain a Birch-Sturm Fellowship, an individual/group must donate $1,000 to the Birch-Sturm Fund. Clubs are reminded that Birch-Sturm Fellowship donations should be above their Annual Donations to the Wisconsin Lions Foundation.

After the financial commitment has been met, the Birch-Sturm Fellow will receive a plaque, vest patch and a Fellowship lapel pin. Also, their name will be inscribed on the Birch-Sturm Fellowship Master Plaque, honoring all Birch-Sturm Fellows, located in the Foundation Office.

Applications are available online, by clicking here. If you need an application or have questions, please contact the Foundation Office at 877-463-6953.

Memorials
A donation may be given in memory of, or in honor of a person, persons, or a club and deposited into the Birch-Sturm Memorial Fund, unless otherwise specified. Donations are acknowledged and published in the Wisconsin Lion newspaper. Birch-Sturm Memorial packets are available by contacting the Wisconsin Lions Foundation Office at 877-463-6953.

Bequests
From time to time, the Foundation receives bequests from the estate of deceased friends and members. These bequests are deposited into the Birch-Sturm Memorial Fund, unless otherwise specified.