Giving & Grants

August 2014 | Take action to create positive change locally and globally

GIVING UPDATES

A record-setting year

Owing to the leadership and financial support of Rotarians around the world, 2013-14 was a record-setting year for our Annual Fund. Preliminary results suggest that more than $250 million was contributed to help change lives locally and in communities around the world. Thank you!

New year and new goals

Has your club set Foundation giving goals for 2014-15? If not, there is still time to evaluate your club’s fundraising efforts last year and submit goals for this year in Rotary Club Central. With your help, we can achieve our worldwide Annual Fund goal of $123 million by 30 June.

New Foundation funding model

The Rotary Foundation Trustees have approved a new model for funding the Foundation's operating costs. Effective 1 July 2015, the Foundation will direct 5 percent of Annual Fund donations to administrative and fund development expenses and to build a strong operating reserve. The Foundation will also draw on other funding sources, including 5 percent of cash contributions for global grants. Most not-for-profit organizations allocate a percentage of their contributions to support future fundraising efforts. Looking ahead, the Foundation will continue its strong record of financial accountability and transparency. Read more about the new funding model.

GRANT UPDATES

Packaged grants to be phased out

Despite some successes with packaged grants, an evaluation revealed significant differences between the grants’ goals and the actual experience of Rotarians. Therefore, the Trustees decided to allow options with the Foundation’s strategic partners to expire at the end of their current terms. Packaged grants will end when all active grants are closed.

Grant terms and conditions updated

Grant terms and conditions are periodically updated for the sake of clarity and to incorporate policy changes. Most recently, the eligibility guidelines for district grants were expanded. District grants can now fund youth programs (including Youth Exchange, RYLA, Rotaract, and Interact), construction (including low-cost shelters), travel for staff of cooperating organizations, scholar orientation seminars, grant management seminars, and activities primarily implemented by an organization other than Rotary. See the current version of grant terms and conditions, which includes these changes.

Return of funds

If you need to return unused funds from your global or district grant, make sure to provide one check per project, and clearly indicate the project identification number on the check (or wire transfer). Also alert your district’s regional grant officer. Note that funds returned to the Foundation without identification are recorded as a contribution to the Annual Fund. Email questions to grant.payments@rotary.org.

Year-end grant statistics

Rotarians worldwide enthusiastically participated in the new grants during 2013-14. The Foundation approved 492 district grants, 858 global grants, and 18 packaged grants.

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

Orientation for Rotary grant travelers

If you are you sponsoring a Rotary scholar, vocational training team, or Rotary Peace Fellow, remind these travelers to review the orientation course in Rotary’s Learning Center before they leave. The course will teach them about Rotary, help them get pre-departure plans in order, and provide strategies for a successful trip, including how to handle issues while traveling and after they return home.

Resources & reference

Rotary Foundation Reference Guide
Ways to Give Brochure
Every Rotarian, Every Year club presentation
Paul Harris Society brochure
New funding model frequently asked questions
Rotary grants page
Rotary ideas

Giving & Grants is a quarterly publication that offers information to help you support Rotary's work through your contributions and grant-funded activities. Formerly Rotary Grants and Every Rotarian, Every Year.

Send questions and comments to contact.center@rotary.org.