The Foundation is governed by a board of directors composed of a trustee from each Lions District in Texas, who is appointed by the District Governor for a two-year term. The board elects its officers each year for a one-year term. All donations to the Foundation go into the Trust Fund and only the earnings are used for operating expenses and charitable grants. In general, projects which create or expand community programs or institutes are given preference. Disaster Relief grants are made in response to natural disasters that cause significant mortality, injury, and property damage and loss.
Priority is given to projects aimed at providing or reconstructing public facilities and services.
Projects for which Humanitarian Grants are sought must be sponsored by or joint projects of the Lions district and approved by the executive committee and board of trustees of the Foundation. These grants must be submitted through the district governor or foundation trustee and may be approved by the executive director and executive committee of the Foundation. Checks can usually be delivered in just a few days if approved. Revenue of the Foundation is provided by voluntary contributions and from various fund raising activities. The Texas Lions Foundation is on each District Governor's list of charities which their clubs are asked to support each year.