President Jeff introduced Jim Bissonett, District Rotary Foundation Chair.  The Rotary Foundation is a separate entity from Rotary International, and one of the highest rated charitable organizations in the world.  In addition to working to eradicate polio, the Foundation also provides funding for District and Global Grants.  District Grants can be used to fund small, short term activities for our local communities.  Global Grants support larger, international projects sponsored by both a host and international Club.  These projects must be sustainable and measurable, and must align with one of Rotary’s areas of focus.

 

In the last 4 years, District 5495 has sponsored over 50 international projects with combined project spending of $5,200,000. 

Funding for TRF is through annual giving, polio plus, and estates/wills.  District 5495 is currently running a contest to encourage members to sign up to make direct monthly contributions to TRF through Rotary Direct, as well as encourage gifts by major donors of $10,000 or more.  Winners to be announced at the District Conference!  President Jeff shared that 25 of our members are Paul Harris Fellows, meaning they have contributed $1,000 or more to TRF.

 

Jim closed with sharing one of his favorite international projects, the Navajo Water Project, here in our own back yard.  For only $4,500 per home, a 1200 gallon water tank, sink, and solar panel is installed to provide water to one of over 15,000 Navajos who previously had no access to running water.