Kiwanis International Inc

Kiwanis International is a significant nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of children and communities worldwide. Founded in Detroit, Michigan, in 1915 by Joseph C. Prance and Allen S. Browne, the organization was originally known as the Supreme Lodge Benevolent Order of Brothers before adopting the name Kiwanis, which means "we build" in the Algonquian Native American language family[3][4][5].

Mission and Vision

The mission of Kiwanis International is to serve the children of the world through community-based service projects. The organization envisions a future where all children have the support and opportunities needed to thrive. Kiwanians focus on projects such as fighting hunger, improving literacy, and offering guidance to young people[1][4].

Structure and Membership

Kiwanis is structured into four levels: International, District, Division, and Club. The international level comprises 50 districts worldwide, with each district further divided into divisions that are led by Lieutenant Governors[2]. As of recent data, Kiwanis has more than 550,000 members in over 80 countries and geographic areas[1]. Members include various age groups, from K-Kids (for elementary school-aged children) to Key Clubs (for high school students) and adult Kiwanis clubs[1][3].

Service Projects and Impact

Kiwanis members engage in numerous service projects annually. The organization typically hosts around 150,000 service projects each year, contributing over 18 million volunteer hours to benefit communities worldwide. Kiwanis clubs also raise more than $100 million annually for community causes and the Kiwanis Children's Fund[1][3].

Programs and Initiatives

Several notable programs under Kiwanis include:

• The Eliminate Project: A global initiative to eliminate maternal and neonatal tetanus.
• Young Children: Priority One: Focuses on improving maternal and child health, child care, development, and education.
• Key Leader: Encourages leadership and team-building skills among teenagers.
• Kiwanis One Day: A coordinated international day of community service[2][3].

History

Initially established for business networking purposes, Kiwanis shifted its focus to community service in 1919, emphasizing children's needs[4][5]. The organization began accepting women as members in 1987 and has since expanded globally, establishing clubs in nearly 80 nations and geographic locations[3][5].

Financial and Governance

Kiwanis International is governed by an International Board of Trustees, which sets long-range plans and directs program development[2]. The organization maintains an endowment and receives significant annual revenue to support its activities[3].