Summary:

The district did well this year as we continue to rejuvenate following the years of Covid restrictions. Members are still working hard in their communities and worldwide, while readjusting to both live and virtual meetings/events. 

District Grant – There was no official DG from Rotary International this year, as funds for local projects came from excess District monies, from Covid years. Having said that, all projects were treated exactly as they would have been, had they been under the usual TRF rules. The grant was for $28,444.00 USD.  Projects came from 8 clubs (2 with 2) and covered initiatives involving a walking trail, early literacy materials, combatting menstrual poverty, Rotary kitchen appliances for a day shelter, reducing food insecurity, a youth forest, decks for low-income housing and dictionaries for local children.  One project sent a container of medical equipment to Ghana.  Two projects were not completed, leaving some funds available, along with the contingency portion of the fund.  After Executive Council approval, this money was redirected to a special project involving sending a Ukrainian youth team to Vienna for a Financial Literacy competition.  They have since returned and an excellent presentation/report of the event was made at the June Joint meeting. Details of all the projects with their reports will be posted on the website as soon as full stewardship is completed. 

Global Grants – These grants are administered by The Rotary Foundation on a rolling basis, from our annual District Designated Funds (DDF) and as such an annual summary is not as straightforward as a simple spreadsheet. Funds are requested, but not always paid within the same Rotary year and, grants often cross several Rotary years.  However, for 23-24, 20 clubs contributed to Global Grants, of which 5 were Sponsor Clubs.Grants ranged from $34,420USD to $111,162 USD, totalling $595,330 USD for 10 grants in these countries: India, Kenya, Sri Lanka, El Salvador, Ghana and Colombia. The focus of these grants was diagnostic equipment for primary care, a rehab center for the disabled, mammography service, digital literacy, wells and micro-flush toilets, obstetric services, autoclave/steam sterilizer, anesthesia equipment and cardiovascular equipment.  The District, as a District Initiative, also supported a safe drinking water project in Colombia. Two GGs were declined by TRF and are being reworked/reworded in an attempt to have them become successful. Finally, there are numerous grants ongoing from previous years. 

District Grant Showcase – Peter Labelle built and made available, a District specific Rotary Showcase for grants.  It enables clubs to upload their grant applications, request funding, share photos, and complete reports.  The intent is to streamline and make highly visible, all projects being worked on by District members.  Some clubs experienced difficulties obtaining their initial login status, but once that was overcome, projects were uploaded.  Going forward, this will be the only site for clubs to complete project details and access funds. The intent is for Global Grants to also be showcased here, enabling members to share project details and seek funding partners. 

Disaster Response Funds– District requested funds to assist Ukraine in rebuilding.  Initial DR funds were depleted but we were successful in the second wave of TRF approvals.  Funds were directed to District 2232 Ukraine and then on to RC Kharkiv New Level, for use in the Blanket project.  The water purification packs (from the Melbourne convention contest) were also received and put to good use.

Club Grant Qualification (Grants Management Training) – As per member requests, this training was revised to an online approach for the year.  Local District policies were put into 4 modules and placed on the District site for members to access at their leisure.  The main body of information from the Rotary Foundation was accessed through the My Rotary, Learning Center using the professional courses already in place: Grants Management Seminar and Grants Management Recertification 23-24, again, available at members’ leisure. Change is always challenging but for the most part members/clubs complied, especially when they learned that the GMS Learning Plan would not have to be repeated going forward, only annual updates. The intent next year is to refine the process and include the hands-on tutorial session earlier in the year. At this time, 17 clubs are qualified to work on Foundation Grants in the 24-25 year, down only 2 from last year. The clubs that chose not to requalify indicated they did not have projects they wished to pursue at the moment, and 2 others indicated that their ideas were still new and would pursue qualification next year. 

Scholarships – Caitlyn Grady is finishing her environmental studies from Sciences Po, Paris. This grant was approved June 2022.  In April 2024, we approved our next scholar, Aidan Gurung, to study Education Technology at Cambridge, with the intent to return to Nepal (previous home) and use the technology there. These students are outstanding.

Fundraising 

Annual Fund – trending (before year-end) similar to last year, but still lower than previous years, and 14 non-giving clubs. Currently at $161,102 USD. The Annual Fund Walk, held in May, was successful with contributions totaling $13,666 USD.

Polio Plus Fund – trending extremely lower than previous years and a high of 28 non-giving clubs! Currently at only $39,122 USD.  This is troubling.  District contributed $5,000 from DDF and will double that next year, returning to previous levels of giving. This sum is not reflected in the cash dollar total. A number of successful polio events took place in the autumn and we look forward to more publicity for these next year. 

Major Donors – 5 new major donors or level-ups this year, similar to previous years. A number of members are “close” to various levels and new, encouraging initiatives will be in place for next year.

Major Gifts/Endowment – no new major gifts or reported endowment/legacy commitments. There will be a renewed effort next year as we work towards the global target of $2,025 B by 2025 Calgary Convention.

Paul Harris Society Members – 55 recorded members, however, 10 of these are no longer Rotarians, and 16 have not completed their commitment for this year, for whatever reason. We look forward to their renewed ability/commitment next year, as PHS members provide approximately 1/3 of the funds towards our DDF. Additionally, there are 29 other members who donate regularly and could easily become PHS members.

Polio Plus Society Members – after several successful pushes this year, the number of PPS members rose to 53 at last count; up from 22 last year. This is clearly a popular initiative to be continued. 

Joint Meetings with International Service Committee – 4 Joint quarterly meetings were held this year, in Cornwall, but not as well attended as in the past.  We will return to the full day format next year (9-3), enabling both Foundation and ISC to have more time to share information, global updates, and provide discussion time for attendees.  In the past, the discussions and sharing of current projects and ideas were the highlight of the meetings. We are working to build interaction and partnerships among members and clubs. 

District Awareness/Education – Weekly Rotary Foundation Moments were distributed regularly to all clubs with timely and interesting notes from/about Foundation.  In the autumn the 6 mini-information sessions highlighting each of the areas of Foundation took place virtually and were well attended.  In February, there was a special Endowment/Annual Fund tour hosted by Senior Staff from RI (Carolyn Ferguson & Edina Mehovic) with stops in 4 larger cities to help members learn about and understand the importance of regular and endowment giving.  Two separate, targeted sessions were offered to Presidents-elect at the PETS weekend.  Twomajor sessions (scholarship & project) were offered as part of the Annual District Conference. The District website was updated where/when possible and articles offered to the monthly newsletter highlighting projects, initiatives, and programs from the Foundation. We look forward to more work in all these areas. 

Foundation Awards – Clubs were apprised of the various Foundation awards that are possible for members and encouraged to apply for them.  The District awarded PDG Bonnie Black, Plattsburgh RC with The Rotary Foundation Citation for Meritorious Service. Bonnie has served Foundation extremely well, in many capacities, for many years and is most deserving of this award. Michel Herblin, e-Premier Club, was awarded the Service Above Self award for her long time, dedicated work to the Food Security program in Montreal, serving countless families in the community. 

Committee Members for 2024-2025 – From the frequent appeals made, a number of Rotarians have come forward wishing to join the various sub-committees of the Foundation group. This is good news and will help expand the knowledge base, bring in new ideas, lessen the load on individuals, maximize current expertise, increase transparency, and work towards succession planning.  There are several new initiatives and policy revisions being discussed and a more detailed plan will be available after the strategy meeting in early July.