Future Vision FAQ
Why is The Rotary Foundation changing its grant-making model?
The Foundation has made only slight modifications to its programs since its inception in 1917. As we prepare for the next century of service, the Foundation has updated its mission and created a more effective and efficient way to help Rotarians develop diverse projects with greater impact and sustainable outcomes.
What types of activities can be done in the new model?
Clubs and districts will be able to carry out a broad spectrum of humanitarian and education efforts, both locally and abroad, through two types of grants:
1) Rotary Foundation District Grants are block grants made to districts to support smaller projects, both locally and internationally. Districts may use up to 50 percent of their available District Designated Fund (DDF) for these grants in a given Rotary year and administer the grant without the Foundation’s involvement. Example activities:
- Exchanging of mixed profession vocational training teams with another district
- Traveling internationally so that local doctors can volunteer at clinics in other countries
- Giving students scholarships to attend local or international universities (traditional scholar)
- Donating art supplies to assist youth after-school programs
- Sending ShelterBox containers in response to natural disasters in other districts
2) Rotary Foundation Global Grants support larger projects with sustainable, high-impact outcomes in one of six areas of focus. Within global grants, there are two options:
a. Clubs and districts can create their own global grant projects, which are funded by the sponsors and a matching World Fund award. Example activities:
- Participating in international safe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene education projects
- Sending scholars abroad to enroll in water engineering degree programs
- Distributing bed nets and malaria treatments for international malaria projects
- Sending vocational training teams abroad to participate in workshops and learn teaching methods to address adult illiteracy
b. The Foundation will develop packaged global grants with its strategic partners. The World Fund and the strategic partner provide 100 percent of the funding, and Rotarians implement the grant project. Example activities:
- Partnering with an international nongovernmental organization to distribute biosand water filters for villages that need improved access to clean water
- Partnering with an internationally recognized university to provide graduate students with the opportunity to study infectious disease and maternal health
- Partnering with international organizations and respected universities to provide vocational training to health workers in poor countries
What are the areas of focus for global grants?
There are six areas of focus for Rotary Foundation Global Grants:
- Peace and conflict prevention/resolution
- Disease prevention and treatment
- Water and sanitation
- Maternal and child health
- Basic education and literacy
- Economic and community development
How will the new model affect PolioPlus and the Rotary Centers for International Studies?
As Rotary International's corporate program, PolioPlus is the organization's top priority and will continue to operate as usual until polio is eradicated. The Rotary Centers for International Studies program fits into the concept of global grants and also will be unchanged by Future Vision.
How will the Foundation's World Fund continue to support smaller projects?
Smaller projects can be funded through district grants. The Trustees established a minimum award amount of US$15,000 for global grants. Clubs and districts are encouraged to work together to implement larger projects that meet the minimum award amount and that will have a more long-term and sustainable impact on the community. See a chart (PDF) comparing Foundation activities under the current model and the Future Vision Plan's new model.
How will pilot and nonpilot districts be able to partner during the pilot?
Pilot and nonpilot districts may continue to partner with one another using various Foundation programs and grants to conduct projects and activities during the pilot phase of the new grants model. The type of program or grant utilized by the district in such a partnership will be dependent upon whether or not it is a pilot or nonpilot district. See examples of how pilot and nonpilot districts can work together (PDF).
How will my district be affected if we don't participate in the pilot?
Nonpilot districts will continue to operate under the current grant structure until the new grant model is implemented globally in 2013-14. Districts not selected for the pilot will be updated on its progress and begin training on the new grant-making model in 2012-13 to make the transition in July 2013.