ROTARY FOUNDATION GIVING – TARGET 20:20

Article by PDG Lindsay May OAM, ARRFC D9685

Chrissy Swartz outlines;

• Targeting to identify lapsed and eligible members.

• Data accuracy ensuring all communications reach their target.

• Recognising at Conference and celebrating those who have achieved PHS and Major Donor levels.

• Stewardship, by personally communicating, connecting and thanking donors.

One omission that impacts Zone 8 and the world, except the USA, is that all accounting and measurement is in US dollars.

Since June 2021, the RI Exchange Rate for Australia has fallen by 20% and New Zealand by 23%. Our local currency is not achieving what it used to.

Most Paul Harris Society (PHS) members pay by regular giving and in recent years some members who intend to be PHS qualified have not met the US$1000 target, in some case by a small amount, due to the gradual slide in the exchange rate.

The Regional Rotary Foundation office in Sydney instigated a reminder service early in 2024 to alert PHS members who would not meet their commitment at their regular giving rate.

It was pleasing to see that by June 2024, an increase in the number, who failed to achieve their commitment in 2022-23, did so in 2023-24.

District officers with appropriate access should review their District PHS status and engage with those who missed on their giving last Rotary year and invite them to review their regular giving to ensure they fulfill their commitment by June 30.

Between June 2021 and February 2025, if what was given was measured in local currency, the exchange rate slide has diminished total TRF contributions by US$69 million.

In other words, if giving remained at 2021 levels in local currency, then US$69 million has been lost from total giving.

What is remarkable is that each year the TRF Trustees have set higher goals and each year these goals have largely been reached, testament to the generosity of clubs and Rotarians worldwide. It's like walking up the down escalator.

Yet only 10% of Rotarians worldwide globally contribute to our Foundation.

Just imagine what could be achieved if we accepted the reality of exchange rate decline and increased club and individual giving by 20% and if we were to double the number of Rotarians giving, so 20% of our membership were financial contributors. We need some positive promotion in clubs to outline the humanitarian project delivery of The Rotary Foundation.

Our ability to make positive change would increase and we would be able to do more good in the world.