My goal in this writing is to succinctly describe the “big picture” of the Foundation. I also encourage each member to study the Foundation on Rotary.org—there is more detail to reinforce what Kent and I will offer during May.
Bottom line—We want all members to understand the Foundation and thusly support it with an annual donation.
In my judgement, the RI Foundation is an ingenious creation designed to support the vision of “World Peace and Understanding.”
It has an “endowment component” made up primarily from bequest gifts to assure the fund well into the future.
It has a “designated gifts” component, that includes support of polio-plus, peace scholars, disaster relief, as examples.
It has a “World Fund” component from which major initiatives attack world wide issues.
It has an “Annual Fund “ component that is designed to create a partnership with local Districts and Clubs. It seeks to generate funds for local community and global initiatives. Each year, each District receives back half of the club donations made three years prior. These funds are then expended through a grant process let by each Governor.
If you have not made a donation to the “annual fund” this Rotary year, please do so. A $25 donation goes a long way to serve others above self.
Yours in Rotary service.
Gene
