Past DGs Plug Foundation Programs

The Goals for the Foundation are: 100% participation of all clubs in the District; Grover Beach Rotary's goal for the Annual Program Fund is $2,200; Gates Challenge is $2,000, we have two benefactors in our Club and one Bequest Society member.  She showed a Power Point presentation and showed what a Rotary Foundation Global Contribution Form looks like and where to find it on the website.  There are many ways to give and at her Club, a wine fundraiser that was in the Club Gift/Club Matching program raised a total of $72,000. 

It is all about doing good in the world and you have the opportunity to reflect on the prior year of giving and projects by our Club and others.  When members contribute it is great for recognition to have a Foundation Dinner night to celebrate and acknowledge those contributing.  It is also important to celebrate projects, because you never know where they are going to lead.

As one of their projects they purchased three wheelchair taxis, partnering with other Clubs, for a project in Korea.  It was so successful that more wheelchair taxis have been purchased and lives have been changed.  Funds are placed in the share program, held for three years, then invested.  That is why we need to always keep on giving for the present, for the near future and for the long term.

Luz Maria Ortiz-Smith loves being back at our Club and still plays our song! "You were the best small Club when I was DG - and still is very proud of our Club!" she said.

There are many different plan giving options in the Foundation:  The Permanent Fund - "turns the most daring dreams into the most splendid realities."

"You contribute," Luz Maria said, "and some is used for projects and some is kept for the future - for future projects.  It supports our eradication of Polio.  You can also leave a Legacy for Rotary."

The "Wins"- 1. Make a major gift to support Rotary; 2. Receive immediate tax benefits; 3. Reduce capital gains tax.  She spoke about Charitable Gift Annuity, Deferred Charitable Annuity and Named Funds - which for $25,000 can group together with others and name the fund.  Possibilities are tremendous.  There are also Testamentary Gifts - where you make Rotary a beneficiary in your life insurance; Benefactor - where you make a provision in your estate plan for $1000; Bequest Society - $10,000 in your will to Rotary.  These contributions become active after your death. Look to the website to find out all of the specific information.

There are 1.2 million Rotarians worldwide and there is such a small percentage of Rotarians in the foundation permanent fund who are contributing only because they do not know how to do so, what is available and that they can contribute without having an immediate out of pocket expense.  It is easy, it is important and it makes a difference of change in so many lives.