When residents of Cullman County open their wallets to donate or when city and county entities contribute significant funds to local organizations, there’s an expectation: that these funds will be used responsibly, and that donors will be informed about where their money goes. Many organizations in our community proudly announce how much they’ve raised and detail the impact of those funds. However, one notable exception is the Cullman Lions Club.
For decades, the Lions Club has served Cullman County, raising money primarily through the annual Cullman County Fair. According to their mission, these funds support community projects and provide vital eye care assistance. Yet, when it comes to revealing the total amount raised from their largest fundraiser, the Lions Club remains tight-lipped.
A meeting scheduled for Dec. 2, at the Cullman County Commission on Aging was meant to discuss the organization’s finances. However, upon notifying County Treasurer Barry Willingham of my intent to attend, I was informed the meeting would be closed to the public. In an email last Friday, Willingham explained, “I’m an open book, I really don’t care and I don’t know why it’s always been a closed meeting but members have always been told to keep the finances within the club.”
This raises several questions. First, if finances are meant to stay “within the club,” how does the organization ensure transparency with donors, especially the wider community supporting them? Second, how is the club fostering full participation when financial discussions are reportedly off-limits to some of their own members, like the Cullman Lions Branch Club? Without inclusive discussion and transparency, it’s unclear whether all stakeholders are equally informed or engaged.
For a nonprofit, trust is everything. Donors contribute in good faith, believing their money will make a meaningful impact. Organizations that refuse to disclose how much they’ve raised—and how those funds are used—risk undermining this trust. Some may argue that releasing fundraising totals could deter future donations, particularly if the amounts seem significant. But the opposite is often true: transparency builds confidence, encouraging even greater community support.
This issue isn’t just about the Lions Club; it’s a broader question of accountability in community organizations. Donors have every right to ask: Where does the money go? How is it being used? And most importantly, why is this information not being shared?
Until the Lions Club can provide clear and open answers, I—and perhaps many others—will have reservations about supporting their efforts. Transparency isn’t just a good practice; it’s a responsibility. And for those asking us to trust them with our hard-earned money, it’s the least they can offer in return.
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