Posted by DRFCC Rick Caron, D6400, and ARRFC Teresa Brandell, Zone 28
D6400 (Michigan and Ontario) and its clubs continue to be heavily involved in global grants, with six in draft stage, one awaiting authorization, four submitted and 34 active grants. The total value of all these grants is $7,121,287, clearly showing the power of the Rotary Foundation and the importance of partnerships, in doing good in the world. In fact, the projects range over 19 different countries. 
 
A wonderful example is the “St. Xavier Fosu Dental Center” in Ghana. This project, valued at just under $100,000, was the dream of IPDG Noel Jackson, aka, Captain Rotary.  The project was funded with support from D6380, D6400, the Rotary Clubs of Trenton and Grosse-Pointe Sunrise in D6400, an anonymous donor and the Howey Family Foundation. The clinic will benefit a service area of over 200,000 people.  Not included in the grant, but important for the success of the project, were significant donations of dental equipment; and the commitment of the dental staff and hospital administration in Ghana to ensure sustainability.
The Rotary Club of St. Joseph & Benton Harbor (D6360 in Michigan) are working on a grain milling project in Uganda after receiving a $3,000 district grant from TRF. For a total of $9,000, the club purchased two grain mills and a utility vehicle for use by food-production cooperatives developed as part of a peacebuilding, conflict prevention/resolution and food security project. Members of local agricultural cooperatives work together tilling, tending, and harvesting crops, and then deciding how to distribute the harvest. Local officials and Rotarians provide training.
Many clubs are also involved in district grants, another way that The Rotary Foundation (TRF) funds are put to work to help communities.
 
The Rotary Club of Delta Township (Lansing-Waverly) used funds from a district grant, matched by club funds, to purchase, wrap, and deliver Christmas gifts to local children in need.
Members of the Rotary Club of Gull Lake (Michigan) purchased, assembled, and installed replacement picnic tables in the local park’s Rotary Pavilion using a district grant from TRF. The old wooden tables were deteriorating, and the club purchased tables made with recycled plastic, including a table that is ADA compliant.
 
The Rotary Club of Three Rivers (Michigan) used a district grant from TRF to purchase trees for the local sports and recreation park. Club members provided labor for planting the trees.
This is only a sampling of what Rotarians in our Zone have been working on in their local communities and around the world, finding unique ways to make a difference.