Rotary... Club, International and Foundation
Our own Gordon Cheyne , renowned Scot, and Foundation advocate gave a brief but clear explanation of how the Rotary Foundation fits into the scheme of Rotary.
We were taken back to his hero Arch C Klumph president of Rotary back in 1917 who when simply asked what to do with 26 dollars and 50 cents excess funds said set it aside for some international purpose or problem ("to do some good in the world")--hence the now existing Charitable Trust or fund which we know as the Foundation. Currently holding $55 Million the interest from that is available for the range of grants available to Rotary for projects, as district, global and packaged ones. Depending on the amounts made available or sought different approval levels are involved. The fund was given the name "Foundation" in 1928 with the modest balance of $5000. So in a legal sense it is distinct from the local club and rotary international and intermediate heirachy.
Gordon elaborated on the current vision and drive for the Foundation. There are 6 areas of current focus
- Peace and Conflict resolution
- Maternal and Child Health
- Water and Sanitation
- Education and Basic literacy
- Economic and Community Development
- Disease treatment and prevention
Always able to accept contributions which are tax deductible the trust can and does make funds available to many other charities.
Thanks Gordon. I believe his full presentation will be stored in the club runner domain courtesy of our Web Masters.