Rotary Foundation Committee  
   
 




 

What is SHARE?

Through SHARE, Rotary districts choose which Rotary Foundation programs they wish to support and participate in.

The Foundation's 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.

Foundation program awards are distributed worldwide through the SHARE system. Contributions to The Rotary Foundation are transformed into Ambassadorial Scholarships, Group Study Exchanges, Matching Grants, and more.

At the end of every Rotary year, 50 percent of each district's donations to the Annual Programs Fund are 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 fund the Foundation programs they participate in.

Because districts share in the decision-making process about program funding with the Trustees, every Rotarian has a voice in planning for the future. 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. SHARE offers a wide variety of program options for districts to choose from.

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 program planning and participant selection and allows the Foundation to invest the contributions. The earnings from those investments pay for all administrative, program operations, 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.


Annual Giving

 

Annual Programs Fund (Every Rotarian, Every Year)

   

The mission of the Annual Programs Fund mirrors that of The Rotary Foundation: to enable Rotarians to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education, and the alleviation of poverty.

Contributions to the Annual Programs Fund through the Every Rotarian, Every Year (EREY) initiative are the primary source of funding for Foundation programs, which cover more than 160 countries and geographical areas on seven continents. From digging water wells for villages in Africa to teaching basic literacy skills to children in Latin America, during any given moment, thousands of Rotarians volunteer their time and expertise. All contributions to the Annual Programs Fund are spent wisely on quality Rotary projects.

   

2009-10: Worldwide EREY fundraising goal (Annual Programs Fund Goal) is US$96 million.

One hundred percent of District 7610 clubs have submitted their goals for 2009-2010. Start planning now to help reach our new goal of $336,710.88 in Annual Fund giving in 2009-2010!

How to participate in EREY

Your donation can mean a world of difference. For example, a contribution of $100 can fund one year of tuition and books for two children in Kenya. Contribute now .

Recognition

If you give $100 per year through EREY, you automatically become a Rotary Foundation Sustaining Member . By donating $1,000 or more, you can become a Paul Harris Fellow .

You also can honor a friend or family member through a named gift to the Annual Programs Fund .

Learn about other types of donor recognition .

More Information

Learn more about EREY and the Annual Programs Fund through the Foundation’s Contact Center at 1-866-9ROTARY (1-866-976-8279) or e-mail contact.center@rotary.org . A team of Foundation specialists will answer calls Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time.

You may also contact an international office .

Subscribe to the Every Rotarian, Every Year newsletter for quarterly updates about the monumental effort uniting Rotary’s international membership, including features on how Rotarians are meeting their club goals and stories illustrating how EREY contributions enhance people’s lives.

 

Giving Even in Difficult Economic Times

How many members of your Rotary club are contributing to The Rotary Foundation’s Annual Programs Fund?

According to professional fundraiser Bill Eck, of the Rotary Club of Denver Southeast, Colorado, USA, Rotarians will give, even in tough economic times, if they recognize Rotary’s value to them. A former District 5450 Foundation chair and annual giving chair, Eck recommends asking the following questions of Rotarians individually or, preferably, in an interactive group setting. Their responses, he says, will help them realize Rotary’s full value, leading them to want to make a gift.

  • What is important about Rotary to you personally?
  • What impact has Rotary had on your life?
  • What is your proudest accomplishment in Rotary and why?
  • What is your most meaningful experience in Rotary and why?
  • What is your role in furthering world understanding, goodwill, and peace?
  • How does The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International strengthen Rotary and you?
  • Why is making a difference to people in the world important to you?
  • What is your part in ensuring The Rotary Foundation’s impact?
  • If you had $1 million dollars to give to The Rotary Foundation’s programs, what would you do with it and what does that do for you?

Eck says that “the power of taking Rotarians to the value they receive from Rotary will only strengthen their commitment, ownership, and gratitude” in giving to the Foundation, every year.  Contribute now.