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‘FOUNDATION FUNDING CRISIS’

Article by PDG Euan Miller, Rotary Foundation Cadre, President RC of Norwood
For the second time in two years the World Fund is likely to run out of money to provide matching

dollars to Global Grant applications. Last year the funds ran out in May but this year the outlook is
more dire and a number of savings measures have already been put in place at Evanston. The
trustees and the Board met in late January to look at stop gap solutions which may well now be
known.
Why has this happened? Clubs have clearly focused on Global Grant projects and the number of Global Grants
applications continues to grow at an astounding rate. At the end of December Global Grants approved were 85%
ahead of what they were at the same time last year. Despite the elimination of support for cash contributions to
Global Grants this year (in an endeavour to make World Funds spread further), it is clear the funding shortfall is
such that they may never return. To compound the problem there will be a big waiting list of projects for the new
area of focus Supporting the environment, ready to compete for grants on July 1 this year.
As Rotarians, clubs and districts we have a responsibility to help fix this problem. Giving to the Annual Programs
Fund across our Zone, (the source of District Designated Funds we all use to implement our international projects)
has declined since the Centenary of the Foundation in 2017. In our personal tax deductible giving, we are not growing
either Centurions or Paul Harris Society members in sufficient numbers. Clubs and Districts also are failing
to reach the target of USD100/member every year. This is a modest benchmark every district should be able to
achieve.
To compound the issue, as we all know, our membership is in long term decline so there are less Rotarians each year
to donate to the Foundation.
How do we solve this problem? Most clubs raise funds for the Foundation from Rotarians alone. Where (apart from
End Polio which is travelling OK) are the club and district public fundraisers for the Rotary Foundation in general
or for specific projects? Which club runs a Bunnings BBQ for the Rotary Foundation? Which club is out there
competing with the Red Shield, Red Cross and World Vision seeking donations from businesses and the general
public? The Rotary Foundation beats all these competitors in the fiduciary stakes (Charity Navigator awards TRF
the top award year after year for the stewardship of donations and application of the monies to worthwhile projects).
We need to grow our impact in the communities we serve. Our impact is measured by our project delivery, not by
fundraising and especially not for other charities that also fundraise. Let’s RAISE for ROTARY and fund The
Rotary Foundation – Our Charity!

‘180% INCREASE IN MEMBERSHIP’

Article by ARC PDG Ida Portella, Rotary Club of Mareeba

The Rotary Club of Katherine located in District 9550 in Australia’s Northern Territory has had a 180%
increase in membership in this Rotary Year, the club who has had 5 members for a number of years can now
boast 14 active and committed members.

The club has struggled over recent years,
however through sheer persistence and
passion they will never quit, they have
continued to run projects and programs
within its community.
Club Secretary, Rotarian Christopher
Dixon, has instigated and driven many of
these projects and it is through the
projects and good PR that has enabled
them to attract new members. A few of
the projects include the Katherine Rotary
Computer Club, Road safety program for
Club members
indigenous young people and building a
men’s shed in Katherine’s Rotary Park, these are just a few of the many projects that the club is involved with.
The club regularly sends press releases and photos to its local newspaper and they have created a good relationship with
them, they also have a Rotary display which is located in their local shopping centre.
Good Community projects, partnerships with Corporate and other organisations together with great PR is what has
helped the Rotary Club of Katherine grow and flourish.

Rotary on the Move February 2021 Page 4