Giving & Grants - Building Peace While Providing Clean Water
May, 2023
Take action to create positive change locally and globally
Lebanon’s Rotary clubs unite a divided nation around a water project
A global grant-funded project has brought clean drinking water to nearly every school in Lebanon while also promoting peace in the nation, which remains deeply divided after its civil war. In 2013, all of Lebanon’s Rotary clubs united behind the effort, in partnership with outside groups and Lebanese government ministries. The project was deliberately designed to promote cooperation by having Rotary clubs from various parts of the country work together to install water systems in more than a thousand schools, in both the north and south. In 2022, the last of the schools received filters and tanks, along with maintenance training and water, sanitation, and hygiene programs. To ensure sustainability, the schools and communities committed to ongoing water testing, monitoring, and maintenance.
GIVING UPDATES
Dedication to Doing Good in the World
Gifts from our dedicated donors allow us to accomplish amazing things through The Rotary Foundation. In 2022-23, we’ve already helped fund 413 district grants, 654 global grants, and 259 disaster response grants. Each of these grants is an example of Rotary members working with communities to address their ongoing challenges or find solutions to emerging ones.
As we near the end of this Rotary year, we need people to take action and support our Foundation so we can continue Doing Good in the World. Learn about ways to give, and remember that a gift of any size can make a big impact.
GRANT UPDATES
Programs of Scale application process opens 1 June
Rotary members are increasing our impact through programs of scale: large, high-impact projects that attract exceptional partners while making the most of the capacity, expertise, and enthusiasm of our members.
Is your club or district ready to scale a project that shows evidence of success? Concept notes from qualified Rotary and Rotaract clubs and districts will be accepted from 1 June to 1 August, 23:59 Chicago time (UTC-5). The notes should summarize programs that are evidence-based and ready to scale over three to five years in partnership with other organizations. Check the Programs of Scale page starting on 1 June for the link to the application.
Are you planning a global grant project that will provide technology to schools? If so, have you reviewed the updated Basic Education and Literacy Guidelines for Global Grant Funding? Technology projects need to include both technology and pedagogical training for teachers. The community assessment should specify teachers’ current knowledge of technology, along with the skills they’ll need to develop through teacher training. The application should show how training and equipment will meet teachers’ needs, as determined by the assessment.
Submit district grant applications as early as possible
Districts should be working on spending plans for 2023-24 district grant applications, which are available now in the Grant Center. Make sure your spending plan includes only future expenses. Don’t include any activities that have already happened or that will happen before the grant is approved; such expenses can’t be reimbursed.
Submitting your application as early as possible will help your district carry out its projects as planned and in accordance with Foundation policies. Ideally, a district will receive its district grant shortly after 1 July so it can use the funds for activities throughout the Rotary year. Approved 2023-24 district grants will be paid after 1 July.
If your district is having trouble managing its district grant timeline, contact your regional grants officer for help. Note that the 15 May due date for 2022-23 district grants is approaching fast.
Application for disaster response grants moves online
Starting 1 July, you’ll find the application for disaster response grants online! District leaders will have access to the link on the Grant Center landing page.
This change will make applying for disaster response grants easier and will mean that you receive a response more quickly.
Please note that as of 1 July, if you send an application by email, you’ll be asked to apply in the Grant Center.
RESOURCES & REFERENCE
Use district resource networks to increase your project’s impact
Many districts have a district resource network — a group of local experts or mentors who can use their technical knowledge and project-planning skills to help you plan and implement effective, sustainable projects. Think of the district resource network as a consulting firm. But rather than spending money on short-term consultants, you can get advice from fellow Rotary members who have been through the process and understand what’s needed. Watch this video to learn more about district resource networks. Ask your district international service chair to connect you with experts for guidance on planning a project or preparing a global grant application.
