Joined: 07 Jul 2007
Posts: 43
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New grant structure offers flexibility and strategic focus
By Janis Young
Rotary International News
Under the new grant structure model for The Rotary Foundation, all
grants will fall into one of two categories and consolidate
educational and humanitarian programs. The grants will allow Rotary
clubs and districts to continue to support their broad service
interests and address immediate needs in their communities, while
participating in projects with proven results that allocate greater
resources to larger and more strategically focused projects.
The first type of grants, modeled after the current District
Simplified Grants, are block grants managed by the districts.
Designed to give clubs and districts a greater sense of ownership,
these grants also provide more flexibility in carrying out local and
international projects that will preferably be completed in less than
18 months. A broad scope of activities are eligible, provided they
relate and conform to the Foundation's mission. Clubs and districts
may form international partnerships to address needs in their local
communities or abroad and partner with local organizations on
community projects.
Although sustainability isn't required, clubs are encouraged to
consider long-term outcomes in their plans. "We envision that some
grant projects will serve as a laboratory at the local level for
projects that could develop into larger and more sustainable efforts
supported by the more focused grant types," said Trustee Ron Burton,
a member of the Future Vision Committee.
In the pilot phase, districts will use available District Designated
Fund allocations to support the block grants, giving districts more
control over their DDF. Some examples of projects that might be
funded include books for a local literacy project, travel expenses
for a Rotarian providing volunteer service abroad, and tuition costs
for a scholarship for a local college student.
The second type of grants are more focused and support larger, more
sustainable projects related to one of the three to five strategic
areas of focus (to be established by the Foundation Trustees at their
April 2008 meeting). An area of focus is defined as a priority world
need identified by Rotarians in which the Foundation is directing its
resources to have a sustainable and measurable impact that leverages
the organization' s financial and volunteer resources. Based on
demonstrated Rotarian interest and experience, these areas of focus
will offer a long-term commitment with potential for sustainable
beneficiary outcomes. This grant type does not include the current
corporate project, PolioPlus, or any future one; corporate projects
will be independent and the highest priority of Rotary International
and The Rotary Foundation.
Clubs and districts may apply for this type of grant with an
international partner, club, or district to support a focus area
project of their choice. Or they may apply for a grant established
with a strategic cooperative relationship organization designated by
the Foundation. In an effort to also consider Group Study Exchange
and Ambassadorial Scholarships in a more strategic way, it is
possible that the grants will fund participants whose professional or
study fields relate to the areas of focus. Specific strategies for
activities and projects are still being developed for review by the
Trustees in April.
"These larger grants are designed to use Rotary Foundation resources
more strategically and to address Rotarians' interests," said Trustee
Sakuji Tanaka, member of the Future Vision Committee. "By building on
our strengths and concentrating our organizational efforts, we can
make far more impact, attract new interest from potential strategic
cooperative relationship organizations, and greatly enhance our
Foundation's public image."
In addition to the areas of focus, other details about the grant
structure require further clarification from the Trustees. "Many
questions still need to be answered on how to apply, approve,
disburse, and report on these grant types," said Trustee Chair-elect
Jonathan Majiyagbe, who is vice chair of the Future Vision
Committee. "The Trustees have asked the Stewardship Committee to
outline the stewardship needs of the new model." |
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