Future Vision FAQ
The Future Vision Plan represents a forward-looking approach for the way that The Rotary Foundation operates. Rotarians have posed many questions about how the changes to the Foundation’s grant structure will affect their club’s humanitarian and educational efforts. Although all the answers won’t be available until after the Trustee meeting in April and the June meeting of the RI Board, the following FAQ addresses some of the concerns expressed.
Q. What are the areas of focus for grants?
A. At their April 2008 meeting, the Foundation Trustees will choose three to five areas in which the Foundation will focus its grantmaking based on criteria that includes demonstrated Rotarian interest and experience. By concentrating its efforts, the Foundation will be able to achieve measureable outcomes that relate directly to its mission.
Q. How can I fund an activity that doesn’t fall into one of the areas of focus?
A. Districts will have access to up to 40 percent of their available District Designated Funds (DDF) in the form of block grants to fund any type of eligible activity that aligns with The Rotary Foundation mission, similar to the current District Simplified Grants program.
Q. What will be the status of PolioPlus as plans for the Future Vision move forward?
A. As Rotary International's corporate project, PolioPlus will remain the organization's top priority. PolioPlus will continue to operate as is.
Q. Where do Educational Programs fit in the new model? Will there be funding for our district’s annual Group Study Exchange? Will our district continue to sponsor Ambassadorial Scholars?
A. Educational Programs will exist under both grant types. Activities supported by Educational Programs such as GSE teams and Ambassadorial Scholars can be funded in two ways. If their vocation and chosen academic field relates to an area of focus, they may be eligible for grants from the World Fund. Districts can also elect to use District Designated Funds (DDF) from their block grants to support such activities.
Q. How will the organizations for strategic cooperative relationships (SCR) be determined?
A. The Trustees will select the organizations for SCRs based on their ability to help clubs and districts implement projects in the chosen areas of focus.
Q. In what ways will Rotarians be actively involved in packaged grant projects?
A. Packaged grants will be designed jointly by the Foundation and SCRs. Rotarians interested in implementing these grants on the ground can apply to the Foundation for World Fund support.
Q. Will clubs and districts be allowed to partner with organizations that have not been selected for SCRs?
A. Yes, clubs and districts are encouraged to continue developing cooperative relationships with local organizations to implement projects in both grant types.
Q. I’m a dentist who has used Volunteer Service Grants to cover travel expenses for dental missions in developing countries. Will the Foundation continue to support such trips?
A. The details of how travel for service and planning missions will fit in the new model have not been decided. It is anticipated that individuals will be able to participate in this kind of activity with funding from their districts’ block grant.
Q. What are the names of the new grants?
A. The trustees will determine names of the grant types at their April 2008 meeting.
Q. How will districts be selected to participate in the pilot program? How can my district apply to participate?
A. The Trustees will determine the requirements for district participation in the pilot program at their April 2008 meeting. All districts will be notified regarding the application process and will be encouraged to apply during the 2008-09 year.
Q. If my district is selected to participate in the pilot program, can we still apply for a Matching Grant in the Foundation’s current program structure?
A. No. All pilot districts must be fully committed to the new grant structure models and cannot participate in the current programs of the Foundation, including Matching Grants. However, the matching opportunities concept will be part of the new grant structure.
Q. My club doesn’t have the resources to do large international projects, but we try to do one small Matching Grant project each year. Will the World Fund continue to support smaller projects?
A. The minimum grant amount has not been determined, but it is expected that grants will be larger in size. Smaller projects can be funded through the district block grant, or clubs and districts are encouraged to join together to implement larger projects under the areas of focus that will have a more long-term and sustainable impact on the community. And of course, clubs can always continue to seek assistance from other clubs through the online ProjectLINK database.
Q. There is no mention of restricted cash contributions to Matching Grants. Will restricted cash contributions continue to be accepted in the new model?
A. The details of using restricted cash contributions in the new model have not been decided. The Trustees are expected to take a decision on this issue at their April 2008 meeting.
Q. The new grant models sound very promising. How can I convince others in my club and district of the positive benefits of the plan?
A. Encourage members to read more about the Future Vision Plan . Plan a club meeting to discuss the plan and how your club can benefit from it. Make sure it’s a topic at your district conference or district assembly.
Recognition programs
Q. What changes are being made to the Foundation recognition programs?
A.
- Paul Harris Fellow medallions will not be provided automatically but will be available for purchase.
- New wearable recognition will be issued for US$250,000 Major Donors.
- The individual donor will be the only person authorized to transfer Foundation recognition points.
- Foundation recognition points will expire upon the death of the donor or the death of the surviving spouse of a Major Donor (US$10,000+).
- Foundation recognition points and recognition amounts will only be transferred for transactions of 500 points or more.
Q. When will these changes take effect?
A. The Trustees will receive the recommended implementation timeline at their April meeting. The effective dates for approved changes will be announced after the meeting.
Q. Why are these changes being made?
A. It has long been the wish of The Rotary Foundation Trustees to simplify the Foundation’s programs and allow more resources to meet donors’ expectations. The Future Vision Plan and these changes are intended to simplify the recognition program and, therefore, make the Foundation a more efficient, timely, and cost-effective steward of the gifts of many Rotarian and non-Rotarian donors.
Q. I’m already a US$250,000 Major Donor. Will the new wearable recognition be available to me?
A. Yes, all donors at this level will be provided with wearable recognition.
Q. Will the club presidents till be able to transfer Foundation recognition points from members’ IDs?
A. Historically, Rotary club presidents have been allowed to authorize transfers of Foundation recognition points from the IDs of current and former members of their club. Once this change is implemented, only the individual donor may transfer Foundation recognition points from their ID.
Q. What does it mean that Foundation recognition points expire upon the death of the donor or the death of the surviving spouse of a Major Donor?
A. Because only the donor will be authorized to transfer Foundation recognition points, any remaining points will expire after the donor’s death. A surviving spouse of a Major Donor, however, may still authorize transfers on the donor’s behalf.
Q. What does the new 500 point threshold for transfers mean?
A. Though individuals, clubs, and districts may still transfer Foundation recognition points to name new Paul Harris Fellows and present further Paul Harris recognition awards, the minimum transfer from an account will be 500 points. Transfer requests of less than 500 points, or Paul Harris Fellow recognition amounts, would not be processed.
Q. What does it mean that PHF medallions are available for purchase?
A. The standard recognition materials will no longer include the current PHF medallions. This item is optional and will be shipped only by special order. Recognition practices will be assessed on an ongoing basis to ensure the goals of the organization are achieved.