Global grants are a cornerstone of Rotary International’s efforts to support large-scale international activities that produce sustainable and measurable outcomes. These grants focus on one or more of Rotary’s Areas of Focus, offering significant opportunities for Rotarians to make a global impact. This guide provides a detailed overview of global grants, covering eligibility, funding, application process, and compliance.
Global Grant Requirements
To be eligible for a global grant, projects must adhere to specific criteria:
- International Partnership: The project must involve a partnership between a Rotary Club or District in the country where the activity takes place (the Host Club/District) and a Rotary Club or District outside of that country (the International Club/District).
- Sustainability: Projects must be sustainable, with plans for long-term success even after the grant funds are exhausted. This includes measurable goals tracked through progress reports.
Alt text: The Rotary International logo, representing collaboration and global reach, illustrates the international partnerships essential for global grant projects.
- Alignment with Areas of Focus: The project must align with at least one of Rotary’s Areas of Focus, which include peacebuilding and conflict prevention, disease prevention and treatment, water and sanitation, maternal and child health, basic education and literacy, community economic development, and protecting the environment.
- Community Needs: The project must address real community needs, principally designed by Host Club Rotarians. This ensures that the project is relevant and impactful to the local community.
- Active Participation: Both Rotarians and community members must actively participate in the project, fostering local ownership and engagement.
- Minimum Budget: The project must have a minimum budget of US$30,000, reflecting the scale and impact of global grant projects.
- Eligibility Requirements: Projects must meet all eligibility requirements outlined in the Grants terms and conditions, ensuring compliance and accountability.
Eligible Activities for Global Grants
Global grants can fund a variety of activities, including:
- Humanitarian Projects: These projects support the goals of one or more of Rotary’s Areas of Focus, addressing critical needs in communities worldwide.
- Scholarships: Global grants can provide scholarships for graduate-level academic studies related to Rotary’s Areas of Focus, supporting future leaders and experts in these fields.
- Training Teams: These teams consist of professionals who travel abroad to either learn more about their profession or teach local professionals about a specific field within Rotary’s Areas of Focus, promoting knowledge sharing and capacity building.
Applying for a Global Grant
The Rotary Foundation accepts global grant applications on a rolling basis throughout the year. Here’s a step-by-step guide to the application process:
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Grant Management Seminar: The Club Rotary Foundation (RF) Chair must complete the Grant Management Seminar or the Grant Management Re-certification on the Learning Center. This ensures that the club is qualified to manage grant funds responsibly.
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Memorandum of Understanding (MOU): Submit a Memorandum of Understanding to the District Rotary Foundation Committee (DRFC). This formalizes the club’s commitment to adhering to Rotary Foundation guidelines.
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Review Resources: The Club RF Chair should read the Guide to Global Grants and Rotary’s Areas of Focus Policy Statements, both available on MyRotary. These documents provide essential information for a successful grant application.
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Contact the District Rotary Foundation Chair (DRFC): Contact the DRFC to:
- Confirm the availability of funding within the District Designated Funds (DDF).
- Verify that the Host Club is in good standing with The Rotary Foundation.
- Obtain guidance on completing the online application tool.
Global Grant Funding Structure
Global grants are funded through a combination of sources:
- Club Contributions: Cash contributions from one or more clubs form a significant portion of the funding.
- District Designated Funds (DDF): These funds, allocated by Rotary Districts, are a crucial source of support.
- The Rotary Foundation’s World Fund: The Rotary Foundation matches 80% of the DDF contribution through its World Fund, significantly amplifying the impact of the project.
Here’s an example of a minimum-sized project with a budget of $30,000:
| Funding Source | Description | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Club Contribution | Often referred to as “cash” | $12,000 |
| District Contribution | From DDF | $10,000 |
| TRF Contribution | From World Fund | $8,000 |
| Total | Minimum Project Spend | $30,000 |
Alt text: A table displays the breakdown of funding sources for a global grant, including club contributions, District Designated Funds (DDF), and The Rotary Foundation’s World Fund contribution.
Compliance with Rotary Foundation Rules
The District Rotary Foundation Chair (DRFC) is responsible for ensuring that grants are spent in accordance with The Rotary Foundation rules. Any major changes to the project must be reported to the DRFC for re-assessment. In the Final Report, Clubs must detail how the funds were allocated, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Conclusion
Global grants offer a powerful mechanism for Rotary Clubs and Districts to address critical global challenges and create lasting positive change. By understanding the requirements, funding structure, and application process, Rotarians can effectively leverage these grants to make a significant impact in their communities and around the world. Remember to consult the official Rotary International resources and work closely with your District Rotary Foundation Chair to ensure a successful grant application and project implementation.
