Kiwanis International History
Kiwanis International was founded in 1915 in Detroit, Michigan, U.S. The organization was originally called the Supreme Lodge Benevolent Order of Brothers. A year later, the name changed to Kiwanis, which was selected by the organization’s founders based on their understanding that the word was translatable to “we build” from the Algonquian Native American language family. That same year, Kiwanis became an international organization with the founding of the Kiwanis Club of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
Initially focused on business networking, the organization changed its focus to service in 1919 — specifically service to children. Over the years, more clubs were created in the U.S. and Canada, and worldwide expansion was ultimately approved in the 1960s. Today, there are Kiwanis clubs in nearly 80 nations and geographic locations.
Kiwanis International
Kids need adults who care. That’s why people join Kiwanis clubs. They’re local groups of like-minded volunteers who make a difference. Friends. Neighbors. Anyone who loves serving together to change children’s lives. In fact, Kiwanians are part of a global network of clubs and members who partner with each other and with organizations whose missions align with ours. All around the world — and in communities like yours — Kiwanis International is serving the kids who need us most.
438,087
The number of Kiwanis family members around the world
1,600,000
Dollars (U.S.) granted by the Kiwanis Children's Fund in 2022
The number of Kiwanis family members around the world
1,600,000
Dollars (U.S.) granted by the Kiwanis Children's Fund in 2022
7,300,000
Service hours performed by the Kiwanis family each year
106
The average number of kids each Kiwanian reaches
Service hours performed by the Kiwanis family each year
106
The average number of kids each Kiwanian reaches