Rotary Foundations: How we raise money and what we do with it.

Posted by Michael Blackwell 
on Jan 19, 2012
 
 
EREY-EN-cIn an informative presentation, Claudia and Ann described the Dublin AM Rotary and Rotary International Foundations, which are, Ann explained, “separate, but work together.”
 
Anne explained that the nine-member Dublin AM Rotary Foundation Board works to “improve future for people of Dublin, Central Ohio, the country, and the world through fundraising efforts.”
  • “The money comes from the Polar Bear Open and Aces High.”
  • “Fundraising money is put into an endowment, from which we disburse money to help others.”
  • “We have a decision matrix for giving, based upon the club president's focus, the district governor’s focus, the possible impact for people at risk, the educational value, environmental value, meeting basic human needs, and having measurable results.”
  • Our endowment is currently at $187,000 and $25,557 went back to the Club this year to fund our Avenues of Service, and, among others, the Field of Honor, Montana de Luz, Dublin Historical Society’s Fletcher Homestead, the Furniture Bank’s Tables for Families project, the Welcome Warehouse, and the YWCA of Central Ohio.”
  • “The Rotary International Foundation,” explained Claudia, “allows us to advance understanding, goodwill, and peace in the world. Rotary is the peacemaker of the world. We are perceived internationally as a non-political facilitator for peace.”
  • “It concentrates on six areas:  peace and conflict resolution, disease prevention & treatment, water & sanitation, maternal and child health, basic education & literacy, and economic & community development.”
  • “It gives grants that fund, among other things, our dictionary project.”
  • “There are many ways to contribute: for example, part of your dues go to RI through the Every Rotarian Every Year program.”
  • The most accessible and easily understood way is to become a Paul Harris Fellow.” It involves a $1000.00 contribution.  There are multiple recognition levels, In our club, 77 members have been Paul Harris Fellows, and 19 have multiple fellowships.”
  • “Dublin AM offers an easy way to get involved: join a 4 x 4, give $200 for 4 years, with the club adding the final $200.
  • “The bottom line for both Foundations is that we can do anything, we can make dreams come true, we can make the vision a reality, because we are Rotarians.”