The Rotary Foundation is recognized as one of the most effective and well-managed charitable organizations in the world.
Bonnie Black, a member of Rotary Club of Plattsburgh NY since 1989, is serving as the chair of District 70040 Rotary Foundation Committee, 2021-2022. She spoke at the April 28th Stittsville Rotary meeting about Rotary Foundation (TRF) whose focus she described as “doing good in the world”.
The Rotary Foundation’s mission is to enable Rotarians to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education, and the alleviation of poverty. TRF is primarily committed to granting funds for projects which align with Rotary’s six areas of focus: promoting peace, providing clean water and sanitation, saving mothers and children, supporting education, growing local economies and fighting disease.
The TRF supports 3 funds:
a) PolioPlus - for the purpose of ending polio world-wide. Bill Gates Foundation matches donations of Rotarians.
b) Annual Fund - funds the grants program and supports current Rotary activities
c) Endowment Fund - will fund future activities of Rotary. Funds are managed professionally and only the earnings are spent.
Bonnie provided detailed information concerning the grants program available to clubs to finance their projects:
- District grants annually fund smaller local or international projects of clubs that are aligned with the Rotary mission, lasting 3 to 5 months and meeting defined criteria.
- Global grants are for international projects costing $30,000 or more for 3 to 5 years. The project must be sustainable and have measurable outcomes. A community assessment is required.
Bonnie presented information concerning Stittsville Rotary club donations to TRF over the years and concluded the presentation with the vision of the TRF: Together we see a world where people unite and create lasting change. For more information visit www.rotary.org