The Rotary Foundation - Our Charity
PP Doug Sutton spoke today on the Rotary Foundation.
His f rst point is that the Foundation is not Rotary international, but it is owned and operated by RI.
The Foundation seeks to do good in the world by partnering with Rotary Clubs all around the woorld in sustainable projects.
A sustainable project is one that will keep going long after the Rotarians have finished establishing it. It is therefore essential that there is expertise within the benefiting community to maintain any equipment, and to use it effectively.
It is of little value for example to supply a Dialysis machine if there are no qualified nurses to operate the unit.
A solar pump on the other hand can be installed and run for years without much maintenance.
There are six areas of focus that the Foundation will support.
These are
Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution.
Disease Prevention and Treatment,
Water and Sanitation,
Maternal and Child Health Care,
Basic Education and Literacy,
Economic and Community Development
Global grants support large international activities that have sustainable, measurable outcomes in one or more of the areas of focus. Rotarians create their own projects and carry them out.
There are also District grants which fund smaller, short-term activities that address needs in your community and communities worldwide. Each Rotary district gets to choose which projects it will fund with these grants. District Grants are made for any worthwhile project .
The whole idea of the Foundation is to have a pool of money available for projects where Rotarians become involved.
Doug also mentioned the Centurion Club where Rotarians pledge $100 each year to the Foundation. It is now on line here
Doug was thanked by Richard Rossiter, a newer member who like many of us had only a vague idea of the Foundation and what it achieves, but was now keen to learn more. 