Members Matter is the 2026–2027 Ohio District Governor’s Project, bringing Kiwanians together to expand our ability to serve children, strengthen our clubs, by growing our membership in communities across Ohio.

Members Matter

2026–2027 Ohio District Governor’s Project

Stronger Membership. Stronger Clubs. Greater Service.

Kiwanis exists because people choose to come together to serve children and strengthen their communities.

But right now, Ohio Kiwanis is facing a challenge we can no longer ignore.

Over the past five years, membership in the Ohio District has declined by nearly 11%.

When we lose members, we lose more than numbers. We lose people who could be serving children in their communities.

That's why, this year, we're doing something different.

Members Matter is the 2026–2027 Ohio District Governor's Project, a partnership between the Ohio District of Kiwanis and the Ohio District Kiwanis Foundation.

Our goal is simple: Grow Kiwanis so we can grow our impact.

This project will provide financial incentives to clubs that grow their membership, charter new clubs, and create new opportunities for people to serve.

Because membership isn't just about having more Kiwanians.

Membership means more people serving more children in more communities.

Your Donation Can Help Kiwanis Grow

Every donation to Members Matter will support the incentive grants designed to encourage membership growth throughout the Ohio District.

Your generosity can help provide:

$1,000 Members Matter Grant

New Kiwanis clubs, including Voices clubs, chartered between October 1, 2026, and September 30, 2027, will recieve a $1,000 Members Matter Grant.

These funds will help new clubs begin serving their communities right away.

$500 Mini-Members Matter Grant

Existing clubs that are below charter strength will earn a $500 service grant when they grow to at least 15 members by September 30, 2027.

The funds will be used to strengthen and expand service projects in their communities.

$100 Reimbursement Grants

Clubs that sponsor a new Voices club during the 2026–2027 Kiwanis year will receive a $100 Reimbursement Grant to help offset the required sponsorship fee.

A Celebration of New Members

Membership growth deserves to be celebrated. Funds from Members Matter will also help support a special reception at DCON 2027 honoring new members, their sponsors, and clubs that help grow Kiwanis.

Help Us Reach Our Goals

This year, the Ohio District has set an ambitious goal:

7 New Kiwanis Clubs

2 New Voices Clubs

We also want to see struggling clubs rebuild their membership and return to charter strength.

Those goals won't be achieved by one person, one club, or one donation.

They'll be achieved by Kiwanians across Ohio working together.

And your financial support can help make it possible.

Will you help us invest in the future of Kiwanis?

Click Here to Donate to Members Matter Project

Why Members Matter

Membership is about more than the size of our organization.

It's about what happens when people come together.

More members can mean:

More volunteers.
More ideas.
More service projects.
More communities reached.
More children helped.

Every new member represents another person who has the opportunity to make a difference.

Every stronger club has greater potential to serve.

Every new club brings Kiwanis to a community where children can benefit from our service.

When Kiwanis grows, our ability to serve grows.

Be Part of Members Matter

Whether you're a Kiwanian, a Kiwanis club, a Foundation supporter, or someone who believes in the work Kiwanis does for children, you can help.

Your donation will help provide the incentives that encourage clubs to grow and expand their ability to serve.

Members Matter.

Kiwanis Matters.

And the children we serve matter most.