FOUNDATION GIVING RISES!
After a few years of decline, it is my pleasure to report that Foundation giving is continuing to rise in our District. This means that we are truly doing good in the world, including right here in our own communities.
The month is not quite complete so what I’m providing are not final numbers for 2016-17, but they are very close since I’m writing this on June 27. 42 of our 48 clubs entered goals for Annual Fund and PolioPlus. The clubs’ combined goals for PolioPlus totaled $42,522. To date, $34,947 has been given, somewhat lower than last year. However, with the District’s commitment of an additional $12,873 from the global side of our District Designated Fund, the total rises to $47,820. I’m still hoping that some late donations will increase our total from the clubs. Overall, however, a job well done.
The Annual Fund has a huge impact both locally and internationally. As of this date, our clubs’ Annual Fund giving total is $166,288, compared with the clubs’ combined goal of $126,328. Fantastic! We are very close to Rotary International’s benchmark goal for us of $175,500 (based on an average of $100/member and 1,755 members as of July 1, 2016). As your District Foundation Committee Chair, I am tremendously gratified by the commitment Rotarians in District 6420 have made to The Rotary Foundation.
In 2017-18, we will focus on encouraging every club to develop a strategic plan for foundation giving. I’m going to brag a bit about my own Rock Island club. They are developing a plan that includes setting objectives, identifying action steps to achieve the objectives, identifying measures of success, who is responsible, timeline, and progress. Objectives include working toward an objective of 100% annual participation by club members. Additional objectives could include increasing the number of Paul Harris Fellows, Paul Harris Society members, Benefactors, and Bequest Society Members. I encourage each club to engage in a similar review and develop your own plan as you look to a bright future. An aside - we have one club with 100% participation. The Savanna club under the leadership of Ann Murphy made this commitment a few years back, and has held strong to that commitment. Thanks Savanna, and thanks Ann!
As we begin this new year, please consider having at least two programs focused on your Rotary Foundation. In addition, World Polio Day is fast approaching on October 24. Plan some activity within your club and community that focuses on polio eradication and shines a spotlight on Rotary’s remarkable accomplishments. Last year, the clubs in Sterling and Rock Falls partnered for a combined walk in that area. What a great opportunity for members of these two clubs to get together, do something fun, wear their polio t-shirts, and be visible in their communities! Plan now for what you can do on or about October 24.
The annual Foundation Dinner will be held this year on November 4. Mark your calendars. More information coming soon, and we hope to see all of you there.
Members of the District’s Foundation committee are willing and able to provide programs for your club meetings. Don’t hesitate to invite us.
I thank you for all the support you generously provide to The Rotary Foundation, its global programs, and our own clubs’ global and local programs. It is my pleasure to be working with you again to accomplish even more in 2017-18!