Are you or your club planning on making a contribution to the Rotary Foundation this year? Or are you failing to plan? Every club should endeavour to make a contribution to The Rotary Foundation (our charity) this year.

I’m a firm believer in setting goals. I also believe that as soon as you’ve raised funds from an event, that you should use that money for the purpose of the fundraiser. Rather than holding onto the money, it should be given as soon as possible to the cause that created the need for the event.

Here we are, now into November, the month allocated to the Rotary Foundation, and it’s a good time to review what’s already happened this financial year.

Already, there has been $ 30,000 contributed to the Foundation (which is our charity) from our District, including $ 7,168 toward PolioPlus after some successful events to mark World Polio Day on 24 October. Already $ 36,981 has been made available to clubs for District Grants, whilst $ 7,500 has been allocated to new Global Grants. More will be allocated as Global Grant applications are submitted

Last year $ 258,000 was contributed from this District, and I’m wondering how will we go this year?

Of the 84 clubs in District 9560, just 43 have a goal in Rotary Club Central to make a contribution to the Foundation. Every club is encouraged to have a goal of $ 1,500 for PolioPlus and $ 100 per member for the Annual Fund. Is your club one of the clubs without a goal? How do you know what your club is doing? Have you checked in Rotary Club Central? Have you asked your club’s Board what they want to achieve this year?

Without the contributions, we’re letting down Rotary in eradicating polio. We’re also unable to “dream big” and do global grants around the world, and at home in Australia. Please remember that 45% of our Annual Fund donations will be returned to D9560 in the 2024-25 year.

It’s up to you and your club, as to how you go about achieving your goal. Do you want to participate in a World’s Greatest Meal? Do you use the centurion towers? Do you have members who use Rotary Direct? Do you use Raise for Rotary to fundraise? These are all options available to your club.

Are you or your club planning on making a contribution to the Rotary Foundation this year? Or are you failing to plan? Every club should endeavour to make a contribution to The Rotary Foundation (our charity) this year

PDG Greg Marlow

Foundation Fundraising Chair