The Lions of West Virginia provide a major portion of the funds for the Foundation through service projects in their respective areas. Some funds are received as memorial gifts honoring deceased friends or loved ones. A donation of $100 by any individual will be awarded with a lapel pin and certificate to the donor. Each donor will be considered a Life Member of the Permanent Endowment Trust Fund. Only the interest from the trust fund can be used for Sight and Hearing related expenditures. The Trustees and Lions of West Virginia are proud of the fact that less than 3% of the funds received are used for administrative purposes.

Additionally, the Foundation has established a 100% Club Membership Participation patch. Clubs with 100% individual donations from their membership to the Permanent Endowment Trust Fund are entitled to recognition of a special patch for their club banner.

Lion Leonard Jarrett is recognized by the Lions of West Virginia as the founder of the West Virginia Lions Sight Foundation. In 1984 the Foundation established the Leonard Jarrett Award as its highest honor. A donation of $1,000 by a Lions Club or an individual can bestow this award to a Lion, or other worthy person, that has served the sight or hearing needs of others. Contributions can be made over a five year period. Many people have been honored with this award.

The Foundation has also established Progressive Awards. These honor those individuals who have had donations of $1,000 increments above the initial $1,000 contribution to be recognized. All of the funds generated from this program are used for sight related purposes.