Lions Specialty Club Netherlands for Armenia has applied to the Tax Authorities for designation as a Public Benefit Organization, known as an "Algemeen Nut Beogende Instelling" or ANBI. If the application is approved, tax rules regarding donations, inheritance, and the deduction of gifts will apply to this designation. Institutions designated by the Tax Authorities as ANBI can benefit from various tax advantages.
This ANBI recognition is also significant for those who support Lions Specialty Club Netherlands for Armenia. Donors to an ANBI are allowed to deduct their gifts from income or corporate tax within the applicable rules. We will update this page once we receive notification regarding the application.
An ANBI must adhere to certain rules, including the publication of specific information on a website. This information is provided below.
Name and RSIN/tax identification number:
Lions Specialty Club Netherlands for Armenia is registered with the Chamber of Commerce under number 92661513.
The RSIN number: 866131760
Mailing address
Havikstraat 52
3362 EH Sliedrecht
Email address
Objective
Lions Specialty Club Netherlands for Armenia aims to:
Provide assistance to those in need in general, particularly to extremely needy children, elderly individuals, and families in Armenia facing dire circumstances. This includes disabled individuals, abandoned children, orphans, and children from single-parent families, with the universal human rights as a guiding principle. The core themes include hunger, blindness/eye diseases, childhood cancer, sustainable living environment, diabetes, youth, disaster relief, and humanitarian aid. Engage in all further actions related to or conducive to the above in the broadest sense.
This objective is documented in the association's articles of incorporation.
Policy Highlights
The policy of Lions Specialty Club Netherlands for Armenia focuses on achieving its objective. With its objective, the association aims to serve the general public, especially in youth and elderly care and development cooperation. Lions Specialty Club Netherlands for Armenia is a non-profit organization with no profit motive.
Activities of the Association
For the upcoming period, the Association will focus on the realization of the project "Help Overcome Hunger." Below is a brief explanation of the project; for more details, you can visit the project page.
In September 2023, Azerbaijan launched a military aggression against the peaceful population of the Republic of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh), forcing 120,000 people to flee their historical homeland. This military aggression followed a nine-month blockade by Azerbaijan that began in December 2022, leading to the isolation of these people from the outside world and, for some, even starvation.
People were displaced within minutes, leaving behind their homeland and lives: houses, belongings, clothing, jobs, etc. Today, they live in Armenia in dilapidated (rental) houses, often without jobs, receiving their benefits late, and with dwindling food supplies. These families need everything: food, clothing, daily household items, jobs, psychological support, and more.
Beneficiaries:
For the project, 50 families with many children (369 people in total) have been selected, who were expelled from three settlements in Artsakh. Families with many children registered as the most vulnerable in their communities were chosen. Within these families, 227 minors are being raised.
Objective:
The project aims to support Artsakh-Armenians in addressing their main problem, the food issue. The project will help the breadwinners of 50 families earn a living through their own work. They are eager to do this to independently and dignifiedly care for and raise their children. The goal is to alleviate the stressful and challenging socio-economic and psychological situation for these families and realize the breadwinners' desire to work.
Assistance:
Considering the displaced people's capabilities, it has been decided to provide them with:
- Farm animals (sheep, pigs, rabbits, chickens, etc.),
- Tools for professions such as welder, carpenter, plumber, builder, auto mechanic, electrician, (pastry) baker, manicurist, tailor, hairdresser, and
- Training costs (5 families).
After assessing each family's needs and studying the prices in Armenia for various tools, animals, and training costs, it has been determined that a total of EUR 17,500 is needed for the implementation of the assistance. This averages EUR 350 (AMD 150,000) per family. The detailed breakdown of this calculation is available on the project page.
Implementation:
To carry out the project, contacts have been established with various parties and organizations specializing in livestock breeding and the sale of tools. The project implementation will be done remotely to avoid additional costs and is scheduled for March-June 2024. Assistance will be provided as soon as funds are raised, prioritizing families with the most children and families where the male breadwinner has died due to the war.
The raised funds will, depending on the specific situation, either go to the beneficiary for the respective purchase or directly to the selling party/organization. All transactions will be documented in writing.
Fundraising and Management of Funds
To carry out the activities and achieve the objective, the association requires funds. The association acquires these funds through sponsorship, donations, collecting, subsidies, and fundraising. The latter includes the sale of second-hand or handmade items, selling homemade pastries (at church services), and organizing local charity events where the proceeds are dedicated to realizing the association's objectives.
Management and Allocation of Assets
Lions Specialty Club Nederland for Armenia maintains only the necessary funds reasonably required for its activities. The acquired funds are utilized for activities contributing to the realization of the association's objectives.
As per the statutes, no individual or legal entity has the authority to dispose of the association's funds as if they were personal assets.
The board is responsible for the careful management of the funds. The association's secretary maintains the administration, and the treasurer prepares the financial reports.
Remuneration Policy
Lions Specialty Club Nederland for Armenia does not have any paid staff, and the board members perform their duties on a voluntary basis.
According to the provisions in the founding statutes, board members of Lions Specialty Club Nederland for Armenia do not receive remuneration for their services. Expenses incurred in the performance of board duties are reimbursed, provided they are not excessive.
The Board
The board of Lions Specialty Club Nederland for Armenia is composed as follows:
- Chairman: L.A. Shahinyan
- Secretary: E. Manukyan
- Treasurer: A. Arakelyan
- Vice-Chairman: A. Tairjan
- Chairman of the Events and Communication Committee: M. Tsatryan
- Chairman of the Fundraising Committee: S. Ghukasyan
- Chairman of the Aid Committee: A. A. Yeghiazaryan
Report on Conducted Activities
An up-to-date report on conducted activities is regularly presented on this website under the News section.
Financial Accountability
An ANBI is required to publish a financial accountability report within 6 months after the end of the financial year. This report includes the balance sheet, the statement of income and expenses, and an explanatory note.
The association's financial year runs from July 1 to June 30 of the following year, as stipulated in the founding statutes. The financial accountability report will be available below.