By David Bromwich
Often referred to as the TRF and as the "intelligent heart of Rotary", this public charitable foundation was created in 1917 as a non-profit corporation administered out of Evanston( Chicago), Illinois. It has a board of 14 trustees made up of Rotary members from across the globe. It supports the efforts of Rotary International (RI) to achieve world understanding and peace by improving health, providing quality education, improving the environment and alleviating poverty. It is supported solely by voluntary contributions. The trustees control a block of investments currently exceeding $1 billion from which periodic payments are made in the form of grants. Our Rotary District 5360 receives an annual grant and, in turn, makes smaller grants to clubs in our District, some of which (Global Grants) are matched by further funds from RI.
The Calgary Rotary Clubs Foundation -- What is That?
Often referred to as CRCF, this charitable community foundation currently has assets exceeding $58 million of which about 83% relates to our Club. Each year the directors (some of whom are our Club members) authorize a distribution to our Club. In June, 2021, CRCF handed our Club a cheque for just over $2 million. This came from the managed investments which CRCF has as a result of donations to it by past and present members. In accordance with the wishes of the late Ev and Ellen Mayhood, half of the return from money they gave to CRCF flows to our Club and the other half is sent by our Club to The Rotary Foundation. The balance, which currently exceeds $1.1 million each year, funds the philanthropic projects which our Club members and leaders review and approve to support both local and global needs.
Watch this One minute video as it explains it well ... just click this link!