[D9640general] [eFlash_Rotary] Digest Number 746

[Garry & Anne Krischock]

1 1424: Future Vision Plan FAQ 

 
Thu Dec 13, 2007 5:27 pm (PST) 
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. 

A. No. All pilot districts must be fully committed to the new grant 
models and cannot participate in the current programs.

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.

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.

Source: The Rotary Foundation
Courtesy: eFlash_Rotary 
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