Our general fund is an excellent choice for those who want to support our cause and first responders but prefer to leave the allocation to us. General donations enable us to fund a variety of community-focused events that promote wellness and safety, such as our annual fundraising banquet, the Wild Child Triathlon, and seasonal activities like Crabbing with Tia, Bicycle Safety, Water Safety, Boating Safety, Wine Tastings, Golf Cart Safety, and more. Additionally, the general fund helps us provide meaningful support to our first responders, from back-to-school gift cards for their children to holiday ice cream treats, safety training for the IOPPD and IOPFD, and much more. At LENS, we believe in the power of generosity to make a difference.

Donations to the LENS Education Scholarship Awards Program support scholarships for members of the Isle of Palms Fire Department and Police Department, along with their school-aged children and spouses, who need financial assistance to pursue primary and secondary education. Your contribution helps us promote the value of education, provide monetary awards, and ease the financial burdens faced by our first responders and their families, ensuring they have the opportunity to build a brighter future.

Donations to the LENS Hardship Requests Fund make a profound impact on the lives of those facing unexpected challenges. This fund provides vital financial assistance to first responders and community members in need, covering costs for medical bills, temporary housing, and other emergencies. In 2022, the fund supported an officer's family during a medical crisis, offered child support for a single parent in the fire department, provided safe shelter for a family involved in a domestic abuse case, and helped a family grieving the loss of a young daughter. Your generosity enables us to respond quickly to these urgent needs and continue making a meaningful difference in our community.

The LENS Endowment was established to ensure the long-term sustainability of our mission to support the Isle of Palms Police Department (IOPPD), Fire Department (IOPFD), and the broader community. The Endowment aims to provide annual financial support, distributing 5% of its funds each year, or more in extraordinary circumstances, as determined by the LENS Selection Panel and Oversight Committee. It supports a range of initiatives, including hardship awards, community-based programs, special requests from IOPPD and IOPFD, and other approved projects. By contributing to the Endowment, you help us continue to serve those in need within our community and support our local first responders.

Donations to the LENS Leadership Series help us bring together a diverse range of inspiring speakers who share their expertise and experiences with our community. Your support allows us to host these engaging events, fostering meaningful conversations and ongoing learning among residents and first responders. Contributions ensure we can continue offering these unique opportunities for personal and professional growth, keeping the series accessible to all who wish to participate.

Donations to the LENS Lieutenants Fund support our mission to involve young families in community-based service efforts. By contributing $50 annually, families gain a voice in shaping future programs that enhance neighborhood safety, enrichment, and development. Your support enables us to collaborate with strategic partners and offer meaningful events like National Night Out, the SIES Father-Daughter Dance, and bike safety programs. Additionally, donations help us plan future initiatives, such as water safety, golf cart safety, first aid, and babysitting training, ensuring our community thrives through active participation and engagement. Join us today to make a difference in your community!

Donations to the LENS Firefighter Founders Fund allow us to extend our support to the Isle of Palms Fire Department (IOPFD), complementing our ongoing commitment to the Isle of Palms Police Department (IOPPD). By becoming a Firefighter Founder with a tax-deductible donation of $500 or more, you help us provide vital wellness initiatives, educational support, and hardship relief for the dedicated firefighters who bravely respond to emergencies and protect our community. Your contribution enables us to address critical needs, enhance safety and prevention programs, and ensure our first responders receive the resources they deserve. Join us in supporting these heroes who stand by us in times of need.