Len Kennedy introduced District Foundation Chair Bob Wallace, as today's guest speaker. The Rotary Foundation is the backbone of how we run Rotary and its projects. A little history lesson -- at the 1917 convention, outgoing Rotary President Arch Klumph proposed setting up an endowment "for the purpose of doing good in the world". That one idea and an initial contribution of $26.50 set in motion a powerful force that has transformed millions of lives around the globe. The Rotary Foundation transforms gifts into service projects that change lives both close to home and around the world. Since it was founded in 1917, the Foundation has spent more than $4 billion on life-changing, sustainable projects. The Rotary Foundation helps Rotary members to advance world understanding, goodwill and peace by improving health, providing quality education, improving the environment and alleviating poverty. For as little as 60 cents, a child can be protected from polio. Fifty dollars can provide clean water to help fight waterborne illness. Five hundred dollars can launch an antibullying campaign and create a safe environment for children.
The Rotary Club of Belleville is well on its way in meeting its own annual fund goals over the next five years by contributing $12,500 to the Annual Fund for the Rotary Year 2022/2023. Contributions to the Rotary Foundation go towards the Annual Fund, the Endowment Fund and PolioPlus Fund. The Annual Fund funds global or district grants which simply means we decide how the money is to be spent within the seven (7) areas of focus which include basic education and literacy, community economic development, disease prevention and treatment, maternal and child health, peacebuilding and conflict prevention, water, sanitation and hygiene. Ninety-one percent of donations are directly spent on programs. The Rotary Foundation has achieved a 4 star rating from Charity Navigator, the highest rating possible. Donations to the Annual Fund are shared 50/50 with the District Fund and the World Fund. The District (ours is 7070) directs the use of the funds through district grants and global grants. The World Fund supports worldwide projects and provides matching funds for global grants and is used where the Trustees see the greatest needs.
Individual and club recognition is given to express Rotary International's gratitude to Annual Fund donors. When a Rotarian gives $100 or more in a year, they are recognized as a sustaining member. Giving $1,000 or more in a lifetime gives recognition as a Paul Harris Fellow. When $1,000 or more is given annually, a Rotarian becomes a Paul Harris Society member. Every Rotarian Every Year (EREY) is encouraged so that every Rotarian gives $100 per year in addition to their membership dues. DOING GOOD IN THE WORLD!
Since 1988, Rotary and its partners have immunized nearly 3 billion children against polio. In 2020-21 program awards, including PolioPlus Partners grants, totalled $152.9 million. Global grant activities include humanitarian projects, scholarships and vocational training teams. In 2020-21 the Foundation approved 2,066 global grants and program awards totalled $130 million. District grants support small-scale, short-term projects related to the Foundation's mission. In 2020-21 the Foundation approved 467 district grants and program awards totalled $31.1 million. Rotary's disaster response grants support relief and recovery efforts in areas that have been affected by natural disasters. In 2021-21 the Foundation approved 55 disaster response grants and program awards totalled $3.1 million. Total contributions were $440.9 million in 2020-21.
District Chair Bob Wallace encouraged the members to donate any amount to the Foundaton because by giving, you can make life-changing projects possible and support Rotary's work year-round. Donations can be made on-line through the Rotary Club of Belleville's website "donate" option or by cheque to the Foundation Chair or through the EREY option on the membership dues notices. Rotarian Terry Thomas thanked the District Foundation Chair for sharing all the good reasons why we should support the Rotary Foundation, an innovative organization focused on making a difference.