November is a month to think about and in many cases to act in support of The Rotary Foundation. The Rotary Foundation is sometimes called the engine that drives Rotary’s efforts to create lasting change in our communities through grants. We just finished the month of October where we focused on our efforts to eliminate Polio for the globe which is another action our Foundation funds. I use the term ‘our Foundation’ as it truly belongs to every Rotary club, every district and every Rotarian.
I am including the following information from the Rotary International’s website which helps explain more about how your contributions to our Foundation can help clubs at the local level.
“Your gift to the Annual Fund helps Rotary and Rotaract clubs take action today to create positive change in communities close to home and around the world. Your contributions help us strengthen peace efforts, fight disease, provide clean water and sanitation, save mothers and children, support education, grow local economies, and protect the environment.
The Rotary Foundation’s Annual Fund includes SHARE, the World Fund, and our areas of focus funds. The Every Rotarian, Every Year initiative asks all members to donate to the Annual Fund each year and take part in at least one Foundation project or program each year.
Through the SHARE system, contributions to The Rotary Foundation are transformed into grants that fund local and international humanitarian projects, scholarships, vocational training teams, and more. At the end of every Rotary year, contributions directed to the Annual Fund-SHARE from all the clubs in the district are divided between the World Fund and the District Designated Fund (DDF), after 5% is deducted for operating expenses.
At the end of three years, your district can use the DDF to pay for Foundation, club, and district projects that your club and others in the district choose. Districts may use up to half of their DDF to fund district grants. The remaining DDF may be used for global grants or donated to PolioPlus, the Rotary Peace Centers, or another district.
Support the Annual Fund year-round by making a recurring gift. You choose how often and how much you want to give. It’s a simple and secure way to make a big impact.
A monthly, quarterly, or annual gift option is available for all online contributions. You can enroll at the Rotary Direct page, return a completed Rotary Direct enrollment form, or enroll by phone at +1-866-976-8279.
To update your recurring donations, sign in to My Rotary and, under your name, choose My Donations. Or write to rotarydirect@rotary.org or call +1-866-976-8279. For security reasons, please make any changes to your credit card information online or by phone. Do not send credit card information by mail or email.”
If you or your club would like to learn more about our Rotary Foundation you can contact me or our District Foundation Chair, PDG Ben Nelson. You can find his contact information on our new district website, Rotary District 5400
Lastly, thank you to all of you who continue to support The Rotary Foundation with your contributions. If you are not currently making donations, please consider a monthly donation in any amount to support our efforts to make lasting change in our communities, locally and across the globe.
