OBJECTIONS and RESPONSES
to THE ROTARY FOUNDATION ANNUAL GIVING FUND CAMPAIGN
MONEY
1. My business is not doing well financially.
I'm sorry to hear that. Many people have been adversely affected by an economic downturn. The need for Rotary's assistance around the world continues in good times and bad. I want you to know that The Rotary Foundation's good work continues to help people at home and abroad because of selfless Rotarians such as yourself Would you prefer to donate $100.00 once a year or in $50.00 increments twice a year or in $25.00 increments four times a year?
2. I'm waiting for my Club to offer matching dollars.
Matching dollars exist because people in your Rotary Club donated actual dollars to The Rotary Foundation. Matching dollars, or Rotary Foundation Recognition Points as they are called, can be used to help a person attain a Paul Harris Fellowship, but it cannot be used to help a Rotarian become a Rotary Foundation Sustaining Member. The Rotary Foundation's good work exists because of selfless Rotarians such as you. Would you prefer to donate $100.00 once a year or in $50.00 increments twice a year or in $25.00 increments four times a year?
3. I don't really have the money to contribute.
Did you know that $100.00 per year equals $1.92 per week or $0.274 per day? When you think about it, $100.00 per year isn't really that much when you realize that your $100.00 contribution could help provide textbooks for one elementary school in Zambia or 1,000 trees to help reforest desolate regions of Guatemala or a hearing aid for a deaf child in Pakistan or de-worming tablets for 112 children in the Philippines or cataract operations for three blind individuals in India or 230 blankets for the elderly in the winter months of Korea. The Rotary Foundation's good work exists because of selfless Rotarians such as you. Would you prefer to donate $100.00 in one installment or in two $50.00 increments or in four $25.00 increments?
4. I am an older Rotarian on a fixed income.
Like you, The Rotary Foundation is also on a fixed income. With voluntary donations from Rotarians and non-Rotarians alike, The Rotary Foundation operates within very stringent guidelines to deliver the most programs possible at home and abroad for the least amount of money it has available. The Rotary Foundation's good work exists because of selfless Rotarians such as you. Would you prefer to donate $100.00 once a year or in $50.00 increments twice a year or in $25.00 increments four times a year?
5. I'd rather donate a large sum once rather than bother with a small sum annually.
Great! Did you know that a $1,000.00 contribution helps provide all materials necessary for the construction of a deep bore well in India which supplies clean drinking water to more than 300 people or provide materials to treat and prevent parasites and anemia in needy children in Brazil or provide a tree nursery in Jamaica that will annually produce 5,000 tree seedlings and increase family income for 700 farmers or provide artificial limbs to 25 disabled persons in Calcutta, India or provide kitchen equipment for an orphanage in Peru or provide a cow and animal husbandry training to a widow in Uganda where civil war shattered the economy and children die because of a lack of protein and calcium in their diets? Would you prefer to become a Paul Harris Fellow, become a multiple Paul Harris Fellow, become a major donor, or make another person a Paul Harris Fellow (e.g., your spouse, child or grandchild)?
EDUCATION:
6. I don't really know where the money goes.
The Rotary Foundation's monies are used for PolioPlus (Rotary's priority program to eradicate polio from the planet), Humanitarian Grants Programs (funding club and district service projects such as Matching Grants, Individual Grants, District Simplified Grants, 3-H Grants, Blane Community Immunization Grants, and Humanitarian Grants Cadre of Technical Advisors) and/or Educational Programs (Ambassadorial Scholarships, Group Study Exchange, Rotary World Peace Scholarships, and Rotary Grants for University Teachers). Your $100.00 contribution can help provide textbooks for one elementary school in Zambia or 1,000 trees to help reforest desolate regions of Guatemala or a hearing aid for a deaf child in Pakistan or de-worming tablets for 112 children in the Philippines or cataract operations for three blind individuals in India or 230 blankets for the elder in winter months in Korea. The Rotary Foundation's good work exists because of selfless Rotarians such as you. Would you prefer to donate $100.00 once a year or in $50.00 increments twice a year or in $25.00 increments four times a year?
7. I don't really know how the money is being used.
The Rotary Foundation is managed by 16 Trustees who are Rotarians like your self When The Rotary Foundation receives donations, the money is invested for a period of
three years, and historically, when investment returns have been strong, each $1.00 donation has generated $1.05 to $1.10 in monies for The Rotary Foundation programs. Administrative costs are kept very low because much of the work of The Rotary Foundation is performed by volunteers such as you, and when monies are needed for administration expenses, they have traditionally been paid out of the interest earned on the invested donations. The Rotary Foundation's good work exists because of selfless Rotarians such as you. Would you prefer to donate $100.00 once a year or in $50.00 increments twice a year or in $25.00 increments four times a year?
8. I do not like some of the things that The Rotary Foundation supports.
The Rotary Foundation's monies are used to help develop community service projects addressing children at risk, poverty, hunger, the environment, illiteracy and violence - at home and abroad. The Rotary Foundation also supports programs for youth, educational opportunities and international exchanges for students, teachers and other professionals, and vocational and career development. PolioPlus is Rotary International's official project and seeks to eradicate polio from the face of our planet. I can help you get more information on any of these Rotary Foundation programs if you like. It is because of selfless Rotarians such as you that The Rotary Foundation's good work exists. Would you prefer to donate $100.00 once a year or in $50.00 increments twice a year or in $25.00 increments four times a year?
9. I don't really understand The Rotary Foundation and its need.
The Rotary Foundation is the economic engine for Rotary International. It is a non-profit corporation that is supported solely by voluntary contributions from Rotarians and friends of The Rotary Foundation who share its vision of a better world. The Rotary Foundation's sole mission is to support the efforts of Rotary International in the fulfillment of the Object of Rotary’s Rotary's mission, and the achievement of world understanding and peace through local, national and international humanitarian, educational and cultural programs. Paulo Costa, a Past President of Rotary International, stated it best: "Rotary International's masterpiece is The Rotary Foundation. It transforms our dreams into splendid realities. . . it is the most generous expression of
Rotarian generosity - a generosity that not only brings benefits but also brings help and cooperation to solve the problems that affect mankind. The Rotary Foundation achieves the best that mankind can possibly achieve." It is because of selfless Rotarians such as you that The Foundation's good work exists. Would you prefer to donate $100.00 once a year or in $50.00 increments twice a year or in $25.00 increments four times a year?
10. I don't see the results of The Rotary Foundation programs.
The Rotary Foundation develops community service projects addressing children at risk, poverty, hunger, the environment, illiteracy and violence - at home and abroad. The Rotary Foundation also supports programs for youth, educational opportunities and international exchanges for students, teachers and other professionals, and vocational and career development. If you like, I can help you locate the results of anyone of The Rotary Foundation's many programs for your review. It is because of selfless Rotarians such as you that The Rotary Foundation's good work exists. Would you prefer to donate $100.00 once a year or in $50.00 increments twice a year or in $25.00 increments four times a year?
11. I don't understand how bringing rich people here does any good for Rotary.
The Rotary Foundation's educational programs consist of Ambassadorial Scholarships, Rotary World Peace Scholarships, Rotary Grants for University Teachers and Group Study Exchanges. These programs are designed to promote the achievement of world understanding and peace through the exchange of ideas, information and people-to-people interaction. If you like, I can help put you in touch with someone who has personally experienced one of these educational programs so that you can hear firsthand yourself its benefits. It is because of selfless Rotarians such as you that The Rotary Foundation's good work exists. Would you prefer to donate $100.00 once a year or in $50.00 increments twice a year or in $25.00 increments four times a year?
12. In spite of all of the talk, I don't really know where the money goes. People get up and say good things The Rotary Foundation does, but usually they only talk about PolioPlus or they mention that other good things are done all over the world.
Sometimes good things seem too good to be so simple and true. But it is not really complicated at all. Rotarians and friends of The Rotary Foundation support a vision of a better world. They invest their time, money, and efforts in helping The Rotary Foundation support the efforts of Rotary International in the fulfillment of the Object of Rotary, Rotary's mission, and the achievement of world understanding and peace through local, national and international humanitarian, educational and cultural programs. It is because of selfless Rotarians such as you that The Rotary Foundation's good work exists. Would you prefer to donate $100.00 once a year or in $50.00 increments twice a year or in $25.00 increments four times a year?
CONTINUED NEED
13. My Paul Harris Fellowship is completed.
It's great that you are a Paul Harris Fellow. You have obviously recognized the world's need for Rotary's active involvement. As you know, our world's local and global needs continue to exist today and into tomorrow. It is because of selfless Rotarians such as yourself that The Rotary Foundation's good work exists. Would you prefer to donate $100.00 once a year or in <$50.00 increments twice a year or in $25.00 increments four times a year?
14. The Rotary Foundation has plenty of money already; why do they need more?
Since The Rotary Foundation was created in 1917, 1.108 billion dollars has been donated through the Annual Giving Fund. During the 2003-04 Rotary year, 86.7 million dollars was spent on various Rotary programs (37% on PolioPlus, 32% on Educational programs, and 31% on Humanitarian Grants programs. With the world's continuing needs so great, it doesn't take long to deplete The Foundation's existing revenues as we seek to do good work. It is because of selfless Rotarians such as yourself that The Rotary Foundation continues to be a factor in the face of continuing need. Would you prefer to donate $100.00 once a year or in $50.00 increments twice a year or $25.00 quarterly?
SOLICITATION
15. No one ever asked me to contribute before.
That's why I feel so honored to seek your support of The Rotary Foundation. Did you know that your $100.00 contribution helps The Rotary Foundation develop community service projects addressing children at risk, poverty, hunger, the environment, illiteracy and violence, as well as support programs for youth, educational opportunities and international exchanges for students, teachers and other professionals, and vocational and career development. It is because of selfless Rotarians such as you that The Rotary Foundation's can do good work. Would you prefer to donate $100.00 once a year or in $50.00 increments twice a year or in $25.00 increments four times a year?
16. I don't respond much to so much pressure to give.
"EVERY ROTARIAN, EVERY YEAR" is an initiative of the Board of Trustees of The Rotary Foundation "EVERY ROTARIAN, EVERY YEAR" is an initiative of the Board of Trustees of The Rotary Foundation. It encourages EVERY ROTARIAN to participate in a Foundation humanitarian or educational project that truly makes a difference in the world EVERY YEAR, and it encourages EVERY ROTARIAN to contribute to the Foundation's Annual Programs Fund toward the worldwide $100.00 per capita annual giving goal EVERY YEAR. It is because of selfless Rotarians such as you that The Rotary Foundation's good work exists. Would you prefer to donate $100.00 once a year or in $50.00 increments twice a year or in $25.00 increments four times a year?
17. Is supporting The Rotary Foundation meant to be a lifetime commitment?
"EVERY ROTARIAN, EVERY YEAR" is an initiative of the Board of Trustees of The Rotary Foundation. It encourages EVERY ROTARIAN, EVERY YEAR to participate in a Foundation humanitarian or educational project that truly makes a difference in the world and to contribute to the Foundation's Annual Programs Fund toward the worldwide $100.00 per capita annual giving goal. It is because of selfless Rotarians such as you that The Rotary Foundation succeeds. Would you prefer to donate $100.00 once a year or in $50.00 increments twice a year or in $25.00 increments four times a year?
18. No one has put a form in my hand before and said, "FiII this out if you want to contribute and give it back to me before the meeting ends. You will receive a yearly reminder invoice for your $100.00 Rotary Foundation commitment."
Aren't you lucky? This is your year!! "EVERY ROTARIAN, EVERY YEAR" is an initiative of the Board of Trustees of The Rotary Foundation. It encourages EVERY ROTARIAN to participate in a Foundation humanitarian or educational project that truly makes a difference in the world EVERY YEAR, and it encourages EVERY ROTARIAN to contribute to the Foundation's Annual Programs Fund toward the worldwide $100.00 per capita annual giving goal EVERY YEAR. It is because of selfless Rotarians such as you that The Rotary Foundation's good work exists. Would you prefer to donate $100.00 once a year or in $50.00 increments twice a year or in $25.00 quarterly increments?
19. You can't get blood out of a turnip.
You are absolutely correct; I'm not trying to get blood out of a turnip. Rotarians are asked to maintain their attendance, participate in projects and financially support Rotary programs. On behalf of The Rotary Foundation, the economic engine of Rotary, I am asking for your support. "EVERY ROTARIAN, EVERY YEAR" is an initiative of the Board of Trustees of The Rotary Foundation that encourages EVERY ROTARIAN to participate in a Foundation humanitarian or educational project that truly makes a difference in the world EVERY YEAR and encourages EVERY ROTARIAN to contribute to the Foundation's Annual Programs Fund toward the worldwide $100.00 per capita annual giving goal EVERY YEAR. It is because of selfless Rotarians such as you that The Rotary Foundation succeeds. Would you prefer to donate $100.00 once a year or in $50.00 increments twice a year or in $25.00 increments four times a year?
FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS and PERSONAL ROTARY COMMITMENT
20. I didn't realize this was an obligation of Rotary membership.
It is not a requirement of membership, but Rotarians are asked to maintain attendance, participate in projects and financially support Rotary programs. The Rotary Foundation's good work continues because of the generosity of Rotarians such as you. Would you prefer to donate $100.00 once a year or in $50.00 increments twice a year or in $25.00 increments four times a year?
21. My company won't reimburse me for Rotary Foundation Sustaining Member contributions - only meals and dues.
Membership in Rotary International is a personal membership. You were invited into Rotary International because you were viewed as a business/professional leader with an impeccable personal reputation both in business and in the community, who effects change in the community, who has high ethical standards, and who applies the ideal of service in your personal, business and community life. It is great that your company helps you by reimbursing your meals and dues, but your Rotary membership is personal to you, not your employer. As a Rotarian, you are asked to personally attend Rotary functions, personally participate in Rotary projects, and personally financially support The Rotary Foundation and other Rotary programs. Would you prefer to donate $100.00 once a year or in $50.00 increments twice a year or in $25.00 quarterly increments?
22. Is contributing or not contributing to The Rotary Foundation the difference between being a marginal Rotarian and a good Rotarian?
No, but it is an example of your level of commitment to Rotary. As a Rotarian, you are asked to attend Rotary functions, participate in Rotary projects, and financially support The Rotary Foundation and other Rotary programs. Would you prefer to donate $100.00 once a year or in $50.00 increments twice a year or in $25.00 quarterly increments?
23. Is supporting The Rotary Foundation meant to be a lifetime commitment?
For so long as you are a Rotarian, you are asked to attend Rotary functions, participate in Rotary projects, and financially support The Rotary Foundation and other Rotary programs. Would you prefer to donate $100.00 once a year or in $50.00 increments twice a year or in $25.00 increments four times a year?
24. I am getting too old to contribute.
The Rotary Foundation will not hold your age against you! As you know, Rotary International celebrated its Centennial anniversary on February 23, 2005. As Rotary ages, the expectations for Rotary's continued involvement with the PolioPlus campaign, educational programs and humanitarian programs both locally and globally become more cemented based upon Rotary's past successes. For so long as you are a Rotarian, you are asked to attend Rotary functions, participate in Rotary projects, and financially support The Rotary Foundation and other Rotary programs. Would you prefer to donate $100.00 once a year or in $50.00 increments twice a year or in $25.00 quarterly increments?
THE ROTARY FOUNDATION RECOGNITION
25. What is the difference between a Paul Harris Fellowship and The Rotary Foundation?
Paul Harris is the founder of Rotary International. The Rotary Foundation is the economic engine for Rotary International and is supported solely by voluntary contributions from Rotarians and friends of The Rotary Foundation who share its vision of a better world. As a continuing memorial to Rotary International's founder, Paul Harris Fellowships were established in 1957 as a means of recognizing an individual who shares Paul Harris' vision for world understanding and peace by contributing $1,000.00 to the Annual Programs Fund of The Rotary Foundation. Would you prefer to donate $100.00 once a year or in $50.00 increments twice a year or in $25.00 increments four times a year?
26. There are too many levels of giving to The Rotary Foundation.
The Board of Trustees for The Rotary Foundation believes in thanking those Rotarians and friends of The Rotary Foundation whose contributions continue to accumulate over time and which help The Rotary Foundation address the continuing needs of our world. It is because of selfless Rotarians such as you that The Rotary Foundation succeeds. Would you prefer to donate $100.00 once a year or in $50.00 increments twice a year or in $25.00 increments four times a year?
COMPETING DEMANDS FOR MONEY
27. We have so many organizations here in our community needing money. It seems the needs of charities supported by my Rotary Club have increased as well as other charities that I support in my community - so $100.00 per year for the Rotary Foundation seems like an undue hardship or expense.
It is true that there are many different requests from many different sources for financial support. As a Rotarian, you are asked to attend Rotary functions, participate in Rotary projects, and financially support The Rotary Foundation and other Rotary programs. By being a Rotary Foundation Sustaining Member, you are asked to contribute $100.00 per year - the equivalent of $1.92 per week or 27.4 cents per day. The Rotary Foundation develops community service projects addressing children at risk, poverty, hunger, the environment, illiteracy and violence - at home and abroad. The Rotary Foundation also supports programs for youth, educational opportunities and international exchanges for students, teachers and other professionals, and vocational and career development. If you would like, I'll be happy to join you in speaking with our Club President about how we can access some Rotary Foundation funds to help out our community as well as help out others in the world. It is because of selfless Rotarians such as you that The Rotary Foundation succeeds. Would you prefer to donate $100.00 once a year or in $50.00 increments twice a year or in $25.00 increments four times a year?
28. I already give to my church.
Great! The Rotary Foundation does not want to step in between you and your tithing. As a Rotarian, you are asked to attend Rotary functions, participate in Rotary projects, and fmancially support The Rotary Foundation and other Rotary programs. By being a Rotary Foundation Sustaining Member, you are asked to contribute $100.00 per year the equivalent of $1.92 per week or 27.4 cents per day. It is because of selfless Rotarians such as you that The Rotary Foundation continues to do good work locally and globally. Would you prefer to donate $100.00 once a year or in $50.00 increments twice a year or in $25.00 increments four times a year?
29. Giving to The Rotary Foundation reduces the amount of money kept in my own community for our own projects.
As a Rotarian, you are asked to attend Rotary functions, participate in Rotary projects, and financially support The Rotary Foundation and other Rotary programs. By being a Rotary Foundation Sustaining Member, you are asked to contribute $100.00 per year the equivalent of$1.92 per week or 27.4 cents per day. If you would like, I'll be happy to join you in speaking with our Club President about how we can access some Rotary Foundation funds to help out our community as well as help out others in the world. It is because of selfless Rotarians such as you that The Rotary Foundation continues to do good work locally and globally. Would you prefer to donate $100.00 once a year or in $50.00 increments twice a year or in $25.00 increments four times a year?
30. There are just too many other fundraisers for disasters, Rotary conferences, and local projects supported by our Club to also support The Rotary Foundation.
As a Rotarian, you are asked to attend Rotary functions, participate in Rotary projects, and financially support The Rotary Foundation and other Rotary programs. By being a Rotary Foundation Sustaining Member, you are asked to contribute $100.00 per year the equivalent of $1.92 per week or 27.4 cents per day. As you know, disasters are generally unplanned events that take on an emergency nature; resources from The Rotary Foundation have assisted many people harmed by disasters in the past and those resources will continue to be available in the future. Local projects are a part of Rotary's commitment to "Service Above Self” and our home community. Rotary conferences are not fundraisers, but rather opportunities for Rotarians and their families to gather for fellowship, education and celebration of the past year's Rotary achievements. It is because of selfless Rotarians such as you that The Rotary Foundation continues to do good work locally and globally. Would you prefer to donate $100.00 once a year or in $50.00 increments twice a year or in $25.00 increments four times a year?
EXCUSES
31. When I have asked about international programs, I have not found anyone who could answer my questions. . . so I'm not going to support The Rotary Foundation.
There's an old saying - "Where there is a will, there is a way." Like you, many good hearted people are fellow Rotarians who strive to do the best they can in helping The Rotary Foundation do its good work. Because The Rotary Foundation is a "people" organization, some times questions are asked that are not readily answerable by some folks. It's not desirable, but it is understandable because no one is perfect. I would ask you for patience and continued persistence in seeking the answers to any questions that you may have. If I can be of any help, please feel free to call upon me. As a Rotarian, you are asked to attend Rotary functions, participate in Rotary projects, and financially support The Rotary Foundation. It is because of selfless Rotarians such as you that The Rotary Foundation continues its good work. Would you prefer to donate $100.00 once a year or in $50.00 increments twice a year or in $25.00 increments four times a year?
32. How come Americans have to do all the giving?
While it is true that the U.S.A. gave the largest total sum of money to The Rotary Foundation in 2003-2004, when it came to Annual Giving on a per capita basis, Rotary countries ranked as follows in their giving to The Rotary Foundation: (1 Korea gave $112.12; (2) Taiwan gave $102.42; (3) Japan gave $93.71; (4) South Africa gave $78.98; (5) USA gave $69.25; (6) Canada gave $67.11; (7) Germany gave $59.18; (8) Mexico gave $57.59; (9) France gave $57.12; and (10) Italy gave $56.48. We are fortunate to live in the United States of America - a country that has more Rotarians than any other country on earth. It is not surprising then that our total contribution to The Rotary Foundation exceeds that of any other country. Selfless Rotarians such as you allow The Rotary Foundation to do its good work. Would you prefer to donate $100.00 once a year or in $50.00 increments twice a year or in $25.00 increments four times a year?
33. The Foundation can't keep good records; they've messed up my giving history.
I'm sorry that your record of giving is not accurate. Please provide me with a copy of
your record of giving so that I can assist in straightening out the problem. Like you, many good hearted people are fellow Rotarians who strive to do the best they can in helping The Rotary Foundation do its good work. Because The Rotary Foundation is a "people" organization, sometimes mistakes occur. It's not desirable, but it is understandable because no one is perfect. I would ask you for patience as we correct any errors in record of giving. As a Rotarian, you are asked to attend Rotary functions, participate in Rotary projects, and financially support The Rotary Foundation and other Rotary programs. It is because of selfless Rotarians such as you that The Rotary Foundation continues to do its good work. Would you prefer to donate $100.00 once a year or in $50.00 increments twice a year or in $25.00 increments four times a year?
34. I have to discuss making a donation to The Rotary Foundation with my spouse.
Great! As they say, two heads are better than one! You and your spouse can each become a Rotary Foundation Sustaining Member! Did you know that your $100.00 contribution helps The Rotary Foundation develop community service projects addressing children at risk, poverty, hunger, the environment, illiteracy and violence, as well as support programs for youth, educational opportunities and international exchanges for students, teachers and other professionals, and vocational and career developments. I am sure that your spouse would like to match your contribution when he/she knows that because of selfless Rotarians and friends of The Rotary Foundation such as you and your spouse, The Rotary Foundation can continue to do good work. Would you prefer to donate $100.00 once a year or in $50.00 increments twice a year or in $25.00 increments four times a year in just your name or would you prefer to donate the same amount in your name and a like amount in the name of your spouse?
35. I have to pay for a wedding for my daughter.
I'm happy for you as you look forward to your daughter's future. Like you want to do the very best for your daughter, The Rotary Foundation wants to do its very best in providing for PolioPlus (Rotary's priority program to eradicate polio from the planet, Humanitarian Grants Programs (funding club and district service projects such as Matching Grants, Individual Grants, District Simplified Grants, 3-H Grants, Blane Community Immunization Grants, and Humanitarian Grants Cadre of Technical Advisors and Education Programs (Ambassadorial Scholarships, Group Study Exchange, Rotary World Peace Scholarships, and Rotary Grants for University Teachers. It is because of selfless Rotarians such as you that The Rotary Foundation continues to do its good work. Would you prefer to donate $100.00 once a year or in $50.00 increments twice a year or in $25.00 increments four times a year?
36. My spouse hasn't authorized the expenditure yet.
Let's call her/him right now and tell her/him about all of the great things The Rotary Foundation does. I bet he/she would be pleased to know that a $100.00 investment in The Rotary Foundation will help fund Polio Plus (Rotary's priority program to eradicate polio from the planet, Humanitarian Grants Programs (funding club and district service projects such as Matching Grants, Individual Grants, District Simplified Grants, 3-H Grants, Blane Community Immunization Grants, and Humanitarian Grants Cadre of Technical Advisors and Education Programs (Ambassadorial Scholarships, Group Study Exchange, Rotary World Peace Scholarships, and Rotary Grants for University Teachers. It is because of selfless Rotarians such as you, with the support of your loving spouse, The Rotary Foundation continues to do its good work. Would you prefer to donate $100.00 once a year or in $50.00 increments twice a year or in $25.00 increments four times a year?
37. I am building a house.
Great! Then you surely understand the value of a good foundation that enables you to fulfill your dreams for a better future. The Rotary Foundation is like that. Paulo Costa, a Past President of Rotary International stated it best: "Rotary International's masterpiece is The Rotary Foundation. It transforms our dreams into splendid realities. . . it is the most generous expression of Rotarian generosity - a generosity that not only brings benefits but also brings help and cooperation to solve the problems that affect mankind. The Rotary Foundation achieves the best that mankind can possibly achieve." It is because of selfless Rotarians such as you that The Rotary Foundation's good work exists. Would you prefer to donate $100.00 once a year or in $50.00 increments twice a year or in $25.00 increments four times a year?
38. When everyone else gives, I'D give.
You were invited into Rotary International because you were viewed as a business/professional leader with an impeccable personal reputation both in business and in the community, who effects change in the community, who has high ethical standards, and who applies the ideal of service in your personal, business and community life. As a Rotarian you are asked to attend Rotary functions, participate in Rotary projects, and financially support The Rotary Foundation and other Rotary programs. A Rotary Foundation Sustaining Member donates $100.00 per year, or the equivalent of$1.92 per week or 27.4 cents per day, to The Rotary Foundation so that the good work can continue. As a leader, would you prefer to donate $100.00 once a year or in $50.00 increments twice a year or in $25.00 increments four times a year?
39. I'll think about it.
Great! And while you are thinking about it, please remember that you are not limited to donating just $100.00 per year, you can also become a Paul Harris Society member by donating $1,000.00 per year to The Rotary Foundation where the contribution helps provide all materials necessary for the construction of a deep bore well in India which supplies clean drinking water to more than 300 people, or provide materials to treat and prevent parasites and anemia in needy children in Brazil, or provide a tree nursery in Jamaica that will annually produce 5,000 tree seedlings and increase family income for 700 farmers, or provide artificial limbs to 25 disable persons in India, or provide kitchen equipment for an orphanage in Peru, or provide a cow and animal husbandry training to a widow in Uganda where civil war shattered the economy and children die because of a lack of protein and calcium in their diets. A Rotary Foundation Sustaining Member donates $100.00 per year, or the equivalent of $1.92 per week or 27.4 cents per day, to The Rotary Foundation so that the good work can continue. Would you prefer to donate $1,000.00 or $100.00 once a year or in $50.00 increments twice a year or in $25.00 increments four times a year?
ALL ROTARY WANTS IS MONEY
40. Money should not be so prominent in Rotary.
As a Rotarian, you are asked to attend Rotary functions, participate in Rotary projects, and financially support The Rotary Foundation and other Rotary programs. Sometimes the financial responsibility of a Rotarian is confusing. You are asked to (a pay annual dues to Rotary International, Rotary District 6910 and your Rotary Club [all included in your Club's periodic invoice], (b pay $100.00 per year to The Rotary Foundation, (c pay $100.00 per year to the Georgia Rotary Student Program, (d raise monies in support of Club fundraisers for local and global projects, and (e pay for your weekly meeting meals. These costs are nominal when considering the many benefits to be gained by being a Rotarian. It is because of selfless Rotarians such as you that The Rotary Foundation continues to do its good work. Would you prefer to donate $100.00 once a year or in $50.00 increments twice a year or in $25.00 increments four times a year?
41. Why should I be so generous with The Rotary Foundation when there are several avenues of helping in Rotary service?
As a Rotarian, you are asked to attend Rotary functions, participate in Rotary projects and
financially support The Rotary Foundation and other Rotary programs. It is because of selfless Rotarians such as yourself that The Rotary Foundation continues to do its good work. Would you prefer to donate $100.00 once a year or in $50.00 increments twice a year or in $25.00 increments four times a year?
42. All Rotary cares about is my money.
The Rotary Foundation helps develop community service projects addressing children at risk, poverty, hunger, the environment, illiteracy and violence - at home and abroad. The Rotary Foundation supports programs for youth, educational opportunities and international exchanges for students, teachers and other professionals, and vocational and career development. PolioPlus is Rotary International's official project and seeks to eradicate polio from the face of our planet. Rotary cares about more than your financial contribution. Rotary cares about making our world a better place to live, and yes that does require financial support in addition to volunteer support. It is because of selfless Rotarians such as you that The Rotary Foundation's good work exists. Would you prefer to donate $100.00 once a year or in $50.00 increments twice a year or in $25.00 increments four times a year?
43. I give enough money to Rotary already. . .
As a Rotarian, you are asked to attend Rotary functions, participate in Rotary projects, and financially support The Rotary Foundation and other Rotary programs. Sometimes the financial responsibility of a Rotarian seems high. You are asked to (a pay annual dues to RI, Rotary District ______and your Rotary Club, (b pay $100.00 per year to The Rotary Foundation, (c pay $100.00 per year to the Georgia Rotary Student Program, (d raise monies in support of various local and global Club projects, and (e pay for your weekly meeting meals. These costs are nominal compared to the many benefits gained by being a Rotarian. A Rotary Foundation Sustaining Member donates $100.00 per year, or the equivalent of$1.92 per week or 27.4 cents per day, to The Rotary Foundation so that the good work can continue. Would you prefer to donate $100.00 once a year or in $50.00 increments twice a year or in $25.00 increments four times a year?
44. All Rotary ever wants is money. . . why can't we have a hands-on project?
As a Rotarian, you are asked to attend Rotary functions, participate in Rotary projects, and financially support The Rotary Foundation and other Rotary programs. Sometimes the financial responsibility of a Rotarian seems high. You are asked to (a pay annual dues to RI, Rotary District______ and your Rotary Club, (b pay $100.00 per year to The Rotary Foundation, (c pay $100.00 per year to the Georgia Rotary Student Program, (d raise monies in support of local and global Club projects, and (e pay for your weekly meeting meals. These costs are nominal compared to the many benefits of being a Rotarian. I'll be happy to join you in speaking with our Club President about how we can get involved in some hands-on projects that are supported by The Rotary Foundation, such as National Immunization Days, Group Study Exchanges, and World Community Service Projects. A Rotary Foundation Sustaining Member donates $100.00 annually, or the equivalent of$1.92 per week or 27.4 cents per day, to The Rotary Foundation so that good work continues. Would you prefer to donate $100.00 once a year or in $50.00 increments twice a year or in $25.00 increments four times a year?
THE ROTARY FOUNDATION'S MANAGEMENTAND CONTROL
45. I'm not sure the money is being properly managed.
The Board of Trustees for The Rotary Foundation is comprised of Rotarians like you, and they are responsible for the management of The Foundation's affairs. Four Trustees are past Presidents of Rotary International, and most are past Directors of Rotary International. Trustees do not have to be a Past President or Past Director of Rotary International- they can be rank and file Rotarians like you and me. If you are interested in being considered for this prestigious position, let me put you in touch with some folks who can put you on the right path to maybe one day becoming a member of the Board of Trustees for The Rotary Foundation. Rotary Foundation Sustaining Members donate $100.00 per year, the equivalent of $1.92 per week or 27.4 cents per day, to The Rotary Foundation so that the good work can continue. Would you prefer to donate $100.00 once a year or in $50.00 increments twice a year or in $25.00 increments four times a year?
46. I want to define specifically where my money is spent.
You can. Get with your Club President and apply to The Rotary Foundation for grants that fund projects that excite you. Not only does Rotary seek your financial support, but The Rotary Foundation seeks your active participation. A Rotary Foundation Sustaining Member donates $100.00 per year so the good work continues. Would you prefer to donate $100.00 lump sum or in two $50.00 increments or in $25.00 quarterly increments?
47. I want the money to be spent by my Club (as opposed to being spent in the community).
You can. Get with your Club President and apply to The Rotary Foundation for grants that fund projects that appeal to your Club. Not only does Rotary seek your financial support, but The Rotary Foundation seeks your active participation. A Rotary Foundation Sustaining Member donates $100.00 per year so the good work can continue. Would you prefer to donate $100.00 once a year or in $50.00 increments twice a year or in $25.00 increments four times a year?
48. Our Club's focus is on helping our community, not on world problems.
You are part of Rotary International. Rotary International is concerned about developing community service projects addressing children at risk, poverty, hunger, the environment, illiteracy and violence - at home and abroad. The Rotary Foundation also supports programs for youth, educational opportunities and international exchanges for students, teachers and other professionals, and vocational and career development. PolioPlus is Rotary International's official project and seeks to eradicate polio from the face of our planet. The Rotary Foundation's good work at home and abroad exists because of selfless Rotarians such as you. Would you prefer to donate $100.00 once a year or in $50.00 increments twice a year or in $25.00 increments four times a year?
49. Not 100 percent of the money goes to help; too much is for administrative costs (I have heard that there are hundreds of employees in The Rotary Foundation office supported by this money).
The Rotary Foundation is managed by Trustees who are Rotarians like your self. When The Rotary Foundation receives donations, the money is invested for a period of three years, and historically, when investment returns have been strong, each $1.00 donation has generated $1.05 to $1.10 in monies for The Rotary Foundation programs. Administrative costs are kept very low because much of the work of The Rotary Foundation is performed by volunteers such as yourself: and when monies are needed for administration expenses, they have traditionally been paid out of the interest earned on the invested donations. The Rotary Foundation's good work exists because of selfless Rotarians such as you. Would you prefer to donate $100.00 once a year or in $50.00 increments twice a year or in $25.00 increments four times a year?
50. Money coming back to the Club sounds like the U.S. Government. Give me $100.00 and I will send you $25.00 back and keep the rest.
Under current guidelines adopted by The Rotary Foundation, fifty (50 percent of all monies donated through a Rotary District are returned to the Rotary District for use. The other fifty (50 percent is available for matching grants from Rotary International for various projects and programs. Rotary International is concerned about developing community service projects addressing children at risk, poverty, hunger, the environment, illiteracy and violence - at home and abroad. The Rotary Foundation also supports programs for youth, educational opportunities and international exchanges for students, teachers and other professionals, and vocational and career development. PolioPlus is Rotary International's official project and seeks to eradicate polio from the face of our planet. The Rotary Foundation's good work at home and abroad exists because of selfless Rotarians such as you. Would you prefer to donate $100.00 once a year or in $50.00 increments twice a year or in $25.00 increments four times a year?
51. I am a member of Rotary for over 50 years, and I have contributed thousands to Rotary activities that benefited many fine local organizations in many different locations in the U.S.A. where I have lived. In all the years of my membership, I have never seen an audited financial statement giving Income and Expenses for The Rotary Foundation.
As a non-profit corporation, The Rotary Foundation is required by law to have periodic audits conducted of its financial affairs. Financial summaries are available for viewing at The Rotary Foundation web site which can be accessed via www.rotary.org. This information is also published in "The Rotarian," Rotary International's official magazine. If this information is not completely satisfactory, please let me know and I will assist you in obtaining a copy of The Rotary Foundation's latest financial audit. The Rotary Foundation's good work continues because of selfless Rotarians like you. Would you prefer to donate $100.00 lump sum, in two $50.00 payments or in four $25.00 payments?
THE ROTARY FOUNDATION PHILOSOPHY
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