An article from Mark Stephens, District Foundation Grants
The Foundation Grants Committee has received many applications for both local and international District Foundation Grants. Several applications include clubs that have not applied for a Foundation Grant for many years and there are multiple projects involving multiple clubs to Create Lasting Impact. Foundation money is still available.
The following Projects have been approved by the Grants Committee.
ROTARY CLUB OF COLLINGWOOD: Aboriginal Homemakers Project Collingwood, Fitzroy, Chadstone East Malvern, Albert Park, Port Phillip, Carlton and Prahran will jointly source and supply household items for Aboriginal families at risk of homelessness who are moving into accommodation. The Rotarians will work with support agencies and utilise the facilities of RIMERN. Clubs will contribute $1000 each and this is a fantastic way for clubs to work together with each club able to take “ownership” of the project and importantly Create Lasting Impact.
ROTARY CLUB OF BENDIGO SOUTH and BENDIGO: Goods for babies and young mothers The two clubs will source and purchase items including cots, prams and car seats and use the resources of Sunshine Bendigo who will source the recipients based on need. Funds will be raised at a combined Christmas Fair where both clubs can receive publicity for the work they are doing in the local community.
ROTARY CLUB OF CASTLEMAINE: Connecting Experience with Enterprise Rotary Castlemaine will deliver a facilitated Business Mentor Exchange evening, match 20-30 local small-business and social enterprise participants with about 20 experienced mentors and coordinate a structured six-week mentoring program followed by a networking and evaluation event. The project delivers on one of the fundamentals of Rotary Vocational Service and is likely to attract membership enquiries.
WILLIAMSTOWN / FLEMINGTON KENSINGTON: Trailer for RORP Rotary Overseas Relocated Playgrounds (RORP) The above clubs and Pascoe Vale (D9790) have formed an incorporated association to purchase a trailer to pick up playgrounds donated by local Councils. RORP is a fantastic project and involves Rotarians volunteering to dismantle and ship playgrounds no longer required in Australia to overseas countries. Many other clubs have submitted Grant intentions. Rotary Southbank Elsternwick together with several other clubs will be conduction a social leadership and cohesion workshops. Chadstone East Malvern are planning to provide emergency packs for families escaping domestic violence. Canterbury Rotary will be packing emergency snack packs for individuals facing food insecurity as a treat. Rotary Eynesbury will be refurbishing a 1945 cottage for local community use, especially for teens as a ‘drop in” facility. Rotary Brighton and Brighton North together with other clubs will be sponsoring another Science and Engineering Challenge are would be interested in hearing from other clubs that would be interested in being part of the project. All of these local projects are interested in partnering with other Rotary clubs. There is still Foundation money available, and it is not too late for clubs to express an interest in applying for a Grant.
Contact Mark Stephens foundation.grants@rotary9800.org or refer to
https://rotarydistrict9800.org.au/sitepage/district-and-global-grants