Guest Speaker Tom Smith

Our Assistant District Governor Tom Smith spoke to us this week about the Rotary Foundation.  He explained how our donations are first invested for 3 years to cover all administration costs.  Then 50% goes back to our District to use for grants they approve - both locally and globally.  The remaining 50% is used for matching grants and the administration of Rotary International programs like Ambassadorial Scholars, Peace Centers, Youth Exchange and Group Study Exchange.  With the matching grant one of our dollars raised for a project can become three and a half dollars.  Tom explained that Every Rotarian Every Year means giving any amount to the Foundation for the Annual Programs Fund where being a sustaining member is a donation of $100 per year.  On top of this any amount that we give to Polio Plus will be matched 2 to 1 - so a $33 donation will become $100.  Polio will be the second disease to be eradicated in the history of mankind!