Saving Sight (Missouri Lions Eye Research Foundation)

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $60,000+ in charitable grants
• Success Rate: Invitation-only (not publicly available)
• Decision Time: Annual review at June board meeting
• Grant Range: $2,000 - $41,500
• Geographic Focus: Missouri, Kansas, and central Illinois

Contact Details

Address: 10560 N Ambassador Dr, Suite 210, Kansas City, MO 64153

Phone:

• Main Line: (816) 421-4933
• Toll-Free: (800) 753-2265

Website: www.saving-sight.org

Overview

Founded in 1960 as Missouri Lions Eye Research Foundation (EIN: 43-1036995), Saving Sight has coordinated eye donation and distribution of corneas for transplant across Missouri, Kansas, and central Illinois for over 60 years. The organization has grown to become one of the nation's leading eye banks. In 2021, Saving Sight's board of directors established a board-designated quasi-endowment fund to support charitable grants given to vision-related organizations with a similar mission. The organization operates with approximately 124 employees and annual revenue of approximately $33.5 million from its core eye banking operations.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Saving Sight awards annual charitable grants through its board-designated quasi-endowment fund. Recent grants include:

• KidSight: $30,000 - $41,500
• Missouri Lions Eye Mission Foundation: $13,000 - $16,500
• Mid-South Lions Sight and Hearing Service: $9,500
• Show Me Lions Eyeglass Recycling Program: $2,000 - $7,500

Priority Areas

• Children's vision screening programs
• Eye care equipment and medical supplies
• Eyeglass collection and recycling programs
• Vision care services for low-income individuals
• Programs serving Missouri, Kansas, and Illinois residents

What They Don't Fund

• Organizations outside the vision care sector
• Programs without direct impact in Missouri, Kansas, or Illinois
• General operating expenses unrelated to vision care

Governance and Leadership

Tony Bavuso, Chief Executive Officer: With over 26 years at Saving Sight, Bavuso has led the organization's evolution. "Children see to learn, parents watch their children grow and older adults maintain independent lifestyles thanks to the vision made possible through corneal transplants each year."

Board Leadership: The board is comprised of Lions Clubs International members who actively participate in planning and monitoring organizational performance.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. Saving Sight operates on an invitation-only basis. Organizations are invited to apply rather than accepting unsolicited applications. During the first round of funding in 2021, three organizations were specifically invited: KidSight, Mid-South Lions Sight and Hearing Service, and ShowMe Eyeglass Recycling Program.

Getting on Their Radar

Given the invitation-only structure and strong Lions Clubs International connection:

• Lions Clubs Network: Build relationships with Missouri, Kansas, and Illinois Lions Clubs, particularly in District MD-26
• Vision Service Community: Ensure visibility within the regional vision care network
• Demonstrated Track Record: Establish proven programs before potential invitation
• Geographic Alignment: Focus on Missouri, Kansas, and central Illinois

Decision Timeline

Grant decisions are made annually at the June board meeting for the fiscal year beginning July 1. Recipients submit reports demonstrating impact before renewal decisions.

Success Rates

Not publicly available due to invitation-only structure. The organization maintains long-term relationships with effective partners and has gradually expanded from 3 to 4+ grant recipients since 2021.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - organizations are invited to apply. Existing recipients appear to be reviewed annually for renewal.

Application Success Factors

Since Saving Sight operates by invitation only, success factors based on current recipients include:

• Exclusive focus on vision-related services
• Measurable community impact (KidSight screened 43,000+ children)
• Connection to Lions Clubs network
• Service to Missouri, Kansas, and Illinois populations
• Efficient use of funds for equipment and capacity building
• Strong reporting on specific metrics and outcomes

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Invitation-only structure - focus on relationship building rather than unsolicited proposals
• Lions Clubs connection critical - organizations with existing Lions relationships have better positioning
• Vision care exclusivity - only organizations with direct eye health impact considered
• Long-term partnerships valued - annual renewals for effective partners
• Geographic focus required - must serve Missouri, Kansas, or central Illinois
• Measurable impact essential - specific metrics demonstrating effectiveness required
• Grant amounts may grow - strong performance can lead to increased funding

References

• Saving Sight Official Website - Various pages - https://saving-sight.org - Accessed March 4, 2026
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Missouri Lions Eye Research Foundation - Accessed March 4, 2026
• Charity Navigator - Missouri Lions Eye Research Foundation Rating - Accessed March 4, 2026