Half of that is returned to our clubs through an application process. Twelve of our clubs received $59,825 used for projects that improved the quality of life in their communities. Another $3,600 will be distributed to clubs to be used for food projects in their communities yet this month.

 

The same amount plus previous year’s carryover is available for use in Global Grant Projects. We are participating in great projects around the world and in our district this year. For example, we have secured a $33,599 Global Scholarship Grant for a young woman from Vermillion to study International Governance and Diplomacy in Paris. The Rapid City Club is working on a Global Grant here in District 5610 for Education and Prevention of Human Trafficking of Native Americans. Members of the Downtown Sioux Falls Club are working on a Global Grant to provide oxygen generators for a hospital in Romania. Finally, beyond the scope of District Designated Funds, the Northern Black Hills Club received a Disaster Grant of $25,000 to support flood victims in a low-income housing center in Spearfish.

 

Secondly, Clubs and Rotarians may be recognized for their annual giving to The Rotary Foundation. A member who donates at least $100 per year to the Annual Fund is a Sustaining Member. If every member in a club gives at least $25 and the average per capita is $100, the club will be recognized as EREY Club (Every Rotarian Every Year) and receive a certificate and a Club Banner.

 

Of course you have heard of Paul Harris, the founder of Rotary in 1905. If a Rotarian gives $1,000 to the Foundation, they are recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow. We do have several clubs that have reached the distinction of being a 100% Paul Harris Club. If you elect to give $1,000 annually, you become a Paul Harris Society member. We are fortunate to have 44 Paul Harris Society members in our district. We are also fortunate to have had 54 members over the years achieve the distinction of being Major Donors, $10,000 in total giving. Rotary is also instituting a Polio Plus Society, recognizing those committing to donate $100 annually to the Polio Plus fund.

Finally, I would encourage all Rotarians to give to The Rotary Foundation. I know many clubs have a program to contribute. Our largest district effort is the annual raffle in the spring. Personally, I have found it very easy to contribute on a regular basis by setting up an account on My Rotary and making donations through the website. There are instructions on our district website to set up an account. You may choose which fund to donate to; World Fund, which is used for global grants; Annual Fund where almost half of your donation is returned to the district; Polio Plus Fund, used for our Polio eradication efforts; and the Disaster Fund.

 

I would be very happy to visit with you or your club to discuss any of these topics in person or by ZOOM.

 

Yours in Rotary,
John Schneider
Rotary District 5610 IPDG & DRFCC
12179 Pioneer Ave
Le Mars, IA 51031
712-786-2270 Home
712-540-4250 Cell