By Lee Raaen
The club’s program on January 14 was one close to our hearts, or wherever you carry your pocketbook. Ryan Hamilton, president of the University Sunrise Rotary Club Service Foundation brought us up to date on the organization.
In addition to our Rotary club, we have a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation. The foundation is separate from the club and qualifies for tax-exempt status. Every member of the Rotary club is a member of the foundation, but the two organizations are separate and have different officers and directors. It’s important to keep in mind that there are two Rotary foundations that deserve our support. Our club’s foundation and the worldwide Rotary International Foundation. We support both wholeheartedly and both have played central roles in funding our charitable and international service projects over the years.
The RI foundation has the advantage of having worldwide impact and extensive assets. The advantage of our club foundation is that we have total control, can act quickly, and can support projects with a LOT less paperwork.
The club foundation has adopted criteria to be used in evaluating projects. They are:
a) Is the proposal genuinely beneficial to someone in need or to an important cause?
b) Does it appear that the requestor will administer the funds responsibly and effectively?
c) Do we have sufficient funds for this request and for our own priorities for Foundation funds?
d) Does the proposal support our mission of helping children live, learn and laugh?
e) Is the proposal sponsored or recommended by a USRC member?
f) Is the request from a Rotary club we have partnered with in the past?
g) Is the request from a Rotary club that will be a good future partner?
Club foundation officers Hal Beals, Mike Madden and Nancy Bittner rounded out the program by giving members information on both organizations, the projects (both local and international) funded by our foundation, how to bring projects before the foundation’s board for support, and importantly, how to donate to them.
Our club’s foundation has assets of about $50,000. Much of this came from a bequest from Rev. Storm. Over the years major sources of funds is also been club auctions at the president’s dinner, proceeds from the Big Taste (a.k.a. Debuts and Discoveries) and individual contributions.
Past projects include the total range of charitable of our club. Currently the foundation has supported dictionary projects, projects at Mercy Housing, Outdoors For All, TINFA, the annual block party, etc. In addition, the foundation has supported other clubs’ service projects so those projects can qualify for higher district and international grants. Other clubs have done the same for us.
After this detailed report, President Hamilton called a foundation membership meeting to elect a new director. The foundation has three directors on staggered terms. Having selflessly served the foundation for his three-year term, Jim Horrigan is being put out to pasture. Past Pres. Steve Barton was nominated and unanimously elected by the membership to a three-year term on the foundation board. The meeting was adjourned.