Recognition

For Kiwanis clubs looking to plan their 2025-2026 goals this Summer, please reference the 2025-2026 Distinguished Criteria document.

2024-2025 Distinguished Criteria

Sponsor at least two (2) new members during the administrative year. (REQUIRED)
Participate in at least two (2) projects of your home club. (REQUIRED)
Attend at district, regional or Kiwanis International convention (REQUIRED)

Earn at least 100 points to reach distinguished status.
Be in good standing with Kiwanis International and the district by the end of the administrative year (September 30).
Be at least at charter strength in membership by the end of the administrative year (October 10).

Membership & Engagement (max points 60)

Develop a membership plan that includes at least one recruitment event. Kiwanis International provides an online membership form that is accessible to the lieutenant governor. 2024-25 membership plans are due by October 31, 2024. – 5 points
Recruit at least four (4) new members into the club. – 15 points– 5 points
Achieve a net gain of at least two (2) members. – 20 points
Sponsor or co-sponsor a new Kiwanis club. – 10 points
Appoint a club membership chairperson at the start of the administrative year. Membership chair should be submitted on the club election report. – 5 points
Complete at least one Achieving Club Excellence (ACE) tool. Self-reported. – 5 points

Leadership & Education (max points 20)

Club president, secretary, treasurer and membership chair participate in Club Leadership Education or similar training coordinated by division, district or international educational leaders prior to taking office in 2024-25. – 10 points
Members attend the 2025 district, regional or international conventions. Self-reported. – 5 points
At least one members participates in Kiwanis Amplifiy. – 5 points

Community Impact (max points 30)

Submission of a club signature project in the 2025 Kiwanis International Signature Project Contest. – 5 points
Continue or start a new club annual signature project. Self-reported. – 5 points
Sponsorship of one or more Kiwanis Service Leadership Programs (Aktion Club, Builders Club, Circle K International, Key Club, K-Kids) or one of the following programs: Terrific Kids, Bring Up Grades or Key Leader. – 15 points
Support (through service or donation) another local organization focusing on the needs of children. Self-reported. – 5 points

Financial Viability (max points 20)

Donate at least US$10 per member to the Kiwanis Children’s Fund or national/district Kiwanis Foundation. – 10 points
Donate at least US$20 per member to the Kiwanis Children’s Fund or national/district Kiwanis Foundation. – 5 points
Complete a club fundraising project to support the club’s annual financial goals. Self-reported – 5 points

Branding & Image (max points 20)

Establish or maintain an active partnership with an official Kiwanis partner or a local partner. Self-reported. – 5 points
Receive positive media coverage (print, television, social media) for a signature or other service project. Self-reported. – 5 points
Complete Youth Protection Guidelines educations. – 5 points
Appoint a club public relations chairperson at the start of the administrative year. Public relations chair should be submitted on the club election report. – 5 points

At least 66% of the clubs in the division achieve distinguished club status.
Special qualitative assessment by the Kiwanis president and/or district governor.