What is SHARE?
T
hrough SHARE , Rotary districts choose which Rotary Foundation grants and programs they wish to support and participate in.
The Foundation's grants and programs are funded through voluntary contributions from Rotarians and others who believe in its mission. Their donations demonstrate their commitment to enhancing lives, creating greater understanding among nations, and advancing the quest for peace in the world.
Funds for Foundation activities are distributed worldwide through the SHARE system. This system transforms contributions to The Rotary Foundation into Ambassadorial Scholarships, Matching Grants, District Simplified Grants, global grants, and more.
At the end of each Rotary year, 50 percent of each district's contributions to the Annual Fund -- SHARE is credited to their District Designated Fund (DDF); the other 50 percent is credited to the World Fund.
The Foundation uses the World Fund to pay for the worldwide programs available to all Rotary districts, regardless of their specific contributions. Districts use their DDF to pay for the Foundation activities they choose to participate in.
Every year, members of each district’s Rotary Foundation committee, in consultation with Rotarians in their district, decide how the SHARE DDF will be used, giving every Rotarian a voice in planning for the future. SHARE offers many options for districts to choose from. Between 2010-11 and 2012-13, districts participating in the Future Vision pilot have a separate list of options.
Funding cycle
The Rotary Foundation has a unique funding cycle that uses donations for programs three years after they’re received. The three-year cycle gives districts time for planning projects, selecting participants, and budgeting expenditures. This cycle also allows the Foundation to invest the contributions and spend the investment earnings on administrative and fund development costs.
The system is called SHARE because
- Rotarians share their resources with fellow Rotarians around the world
- The Trustees share some of their decision-making responsibility with the districts
- Rotarians share Rotary with the world through their Foundation
To learn more about the system, contact the SHARE coordinator .