Rotary Clubs can now significantly support international projects without significant organisational and competence inputs. With a one-time contribution of $100 from a club, the Rotary Foundation will add an additional $1,000 from the District Fund (DDF), and with the Rotary World Fund (WF), clubs can make significant contributions to global grants with a trans-regional impact. This funding model will allow clubs to engage in large-scale projects and provide inspiration for potential realisation of their own international activities.

Rotary clubs have a great opportunity to support international projects and gain insight into how large-scale Rotary projects operate, without the hassle of managing funding and logistics. This way they can find inspiration and courage to implement their own projects. "With this opportunity, clubs can develop their skills in international projects and significantly increase their impact," says Hana Gamrot, Chair of the Rotary Foundation D2240.

For a contribution of $100, the Rotary Foundation will add an additional $1,000 through the DDF. This one-time donation is not scalable, meaning the Rotary Foundation contribution is not prorated but a fixed donation. However, it still represents a significant multiplication of the original donation, allowing clubs to raise substantial funds for projects of global impact. That's not all, the funding is further multiplied thanks to the Rotary World Fund!

For example, if two Rotary clubs contribute a total of $200 ($100 + $100), we add $2,000 ($1,000 + $1,000) from the DDF. With a match of $1,600 ($800 + $800) from the Rotary World Fund, we reach a total contribution of $3,800. Michal Sláma, Chair of the Rotary Foundation D2240 Stewardship Subcommittee and Coordinator of Humanitarian Aid in Ukraine, adds: "This funding model is a perfect opportunity to motivate clubs to address global challenges and strengthen their role in international aid."

What are the main Rotary funds and what is their importance?
The DDF (District Designated Fund) contains 50% of all contributions to the Annual Programs Fund that Rotary members and other donors in our district made three years ago. Rotary's World Fund (WF) is the primary source of funding for global grants that support major international activities with sustainable results. This fund accumulates contributions from both Rotary members and external donors, and it conservatively invests these funds, thereby increasing the value of the money contributed.

The World Fund helps to match contributions for grants - the current match for DDF contributions is 80%. Therefore, it is crucial that we can contribute sufficient funds to the Rotary Foundation – this enables the delivery of projects with significant global impact. "This funding allows us to respond to needs around the world and strengthen our ability to help effectively," concludes Hana Gamrot.

Examples attract more examples? Here's an inspiration from practice
Our district continues to support a number of global projects that address current issues and make a real difference. Below are two examples of projects that benefit from proposed DDF and WF funding.

Prevention of Violence Against Children Project (Finland + RC Znojmo)
The aim of the project is to prevent violence against children and create a safe environment in schools and communities in Kenya. The main activities include creating safe school environments, supporting parenting skills, and providing safe spaces for young people outside of school where they can develop their social and life skills. "This project strengthens the resilience of children and adolescents, improves school attendance and reduces the risk of violence in their environment," Maja Smrčková adds on behalf of RC Znojmo.

Building a hospital in Dnipro (Germany + RC Ostrava International and RC Opava)
Since the outbreak of war in Ukraine, Rotary Clubs have focused on supporting medical facilities near the front line. A project aimed to equip the trauma centre in Dnipro includes the supply of implants and surgical instruments worth €120,000, helping the hospital improve care for injured soldiers and civilians.

"This is an extremely important project that helps provide healthcare where it is needed most," says Josef Melecký, D2240 Governor from RC Ostrava International.

How to get involved?
These projects are examples of how Rotary uses its funds to support key initiatives around the world. If you are interested in more details, please contact Michal Sláma or Hana Gamrot and join the Rotary Foundation seminar on 16th November at 9:00 a.m. online. Together, we can achieve great things and help where it is needed most! THERE ARE STILL OPPORTUNITIES TO GET INVOLVED IN THESE PROJECTS OR TO FIND NEW PROJECTS.

Michal Sláma, RC Pardubice