Joan Tilton: The Rotary Foundation
Thank you to Joan Tilton for presenting to our Club regarding her insights into The Rotary Foundation (TRF), Foundation month, and our goals for the 2023-24 period. Joan emphasized the importance of the work her committee has been doing, and gave thanks to George Bowden, Barney Petersen, and Bob Campbell for their commitment to the foundation committee.
Joan wants to encourage gifts to the Foundation, especially during the month of November, as there are more matching opportunities available to members. She shed light on the diversity of projects covered by District Designated Funds (DDF) and the pivotal role of District Grants in supporting smaller local or international initiatives. Furthermore, she highlighted Global Grants as a means to sponsor large humanitarian and educational projects, fostering international collaboration.
Joan provided a comprehensive overview of The Rotary Foundation, emphasizing its separate legal entity status to maintain charitable tax status. The Foundation is managed by a 15-member Board of Trustees nominated by the Rotary International President and appointed by the RI Board. The mission of TRF is to enable Rotarians to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through health improvement, support for education, and poverty alleviation. The overarching goal is to do good in the world, a mission supported solely by voluntary contributions from Rotary members and friends. "The MISSION of The Rotary Foundation 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".
The past 100+ year, your Foundation has spent $4.9 billion on life changing, sustainable projects.
Our Club strives to reach the Every Rotarian Every Year contributions goal of $6,500, split between the Spring and Fall dues. Members are encouraged to donate to various funds, including the Annual Fund - SHARE, Polio Plus, Annual World Fund, Areas of Focus, Raise for Rotary, and the Endowment Fund. The discussion extended to recognitions such as the Paul Harris Fellow (PHF), which requires a $1,000 contribution. Members can also become Rotary Foundation Sustaining Members by contributing $100 annually to the Annual Fund. Additional distinctions include being a Paul Harris Society member by contributing $1,000 or more annually to the Annual Fund and Polio Plus.
Joan highlighted the utility of District Grants for smaller projects, matched by District Designated Funds, while Global Grants support more substantial humanitarian projects and vocational training teams, promoting collaboration between Rotary clubs internationally. Joan's presentation deepened our understanding of the vital role The Rotary Foundation plays in advancing our global mission. Let us continue to support these initiatives and work together for a better world.
Keep an eye out for the opportunity to receive a Paul Harris by purchasing a $50 card at our weekly meeting. Once the deck of cards has been purchased, a card will be drawn and the winner will receive a Paul Harris recognition.
