Kiwanis International was founded January 21, 1915, in Detroit Michigan, by Allen Simpson Browne and Joseph G. Prance. Mr. Browne was a Moose Lodge organizer, and Mr. Prance was a tailor.

Kiwanis is an organization that is devoted to the principle of service, the advancement of individual, community and national welfare and to the strengthening of international goodwill. The Objects of Kiwanis were adopted at the international convention in 1924.

Kiwanis membership spans the globe. There are more than 300,000 members in more than 8,000 clubs in 79 countries. On average, the membership gives $70 million and 6.5 million volunteer hours for community service each year.