By Rowan McClean
First, let’s consider the pool.
The Rotary Foundation, to which worldwide Rotarians contribute, offers supplementary funding to enable us to pursue projects larger than our clubs can afford to fund.
There might be wealthy club members who are so impressed by a project concept and committed to see it go ahead that they will make personal donations. Not-so-wealthy members might also be prepared to help fund something they really care about.
There are a large number of private and corporate Australia-based and International Foundations that support “worthwhile” projects. These are often discrete grants that do not require any matching club contributions. The criteria they use understandably varies from one Foundation to the next, but they are generally receptive to initiatives that will provide sustainable benefits to needy recipients. Websites set out the criteria they apply and the application approaches they recommend.
Corporate sponsors are important to most Rotary clubs and enable more to be done than clubs could do on their own. They will be more inclined to sponsor projects where they will get publicity for being good corporate citizens, so clubs should pre-plan how that can be delivered. The local press, club newsletters, club social media and websites, and publicity at local community events are means of recognition. Some clubs have used “partnership” banners, and club events such as golf days or car rallies with sponsor signs might appeal to some sponsors.
Don’t overlook your local traders. Cafes, retail stores, nurseries, legal and accounting practices and real estate companies are often willing to provide vouchers that can be used in raffles or offered as prizes, or product or cash contributions.
Don’t be reluctant to ask potential sponsors for help. Whereas “for Rotary Projects” might have been a sufficient message in the past to justify support, it is much more competitive in 2021, especially after the economic impact of COVID-19. Clearly stating the specific project being the worthy cause and giving an assurance that 100% will go to the project can often differentiate Rotary: many other charities have no specific purpose and have hidden overheads. Showing people where and how their money will be used is much more likely to get the support you are seeking. Involving your sponsors in your club by inviting them to meetings, asking them to be a guest speaker, and including them, as well as acknowledging their support in your bulletins, other mail-outs, website and social media will also build the relationship and make them feel a part of Rotary’s work, and your club in particular.