(Pictured above) introduced herself, since she has been a member of our club for over a year now, and most of us are familiar with her.
Anna-Mae became a Rotarian in 2000 when she was inducted into the Rotary Club of College Park, Maryland. She transferred to the Gettysburg Club July 2019 when she and her husband, Rotarian Doug Newell moved to Fairfield. She is serving as the Club Foundation Chair and a member of the club Board of Directors for the 20-21 Rotary year.
While a member in College Park, she served as club president and was selected as District Governor for District 7620 for 2016-2017. She served as the District 7620 Rotary Foundation Chair 2018-2019.
She had a very nicely-done and informative PowerPoint for us regarding The Rotary Foundation (TRF). She told us that TRF was created in 1917, it was proposed by International President Arch Klumph and $26.50 started it all, with a contribution by the Rotary Club of Kansas City, Missouri. Today TRF has more than $1.3 Billion and has received a Four-Star Rating by Charity Navigator for Accountability & Transparency, and an A-Plus Rating by Charity Watch. The Foundation awarded $86,677,399 in funding to 1,306 global grants during fiscal year 2018. That data for 2018, can be broken down as such:
- PREVENTING DISEASE: $35,660,986
- PROVIDING CLEAN WATER: $18,761,791
- SUPPORTING EDUCATION: $10,998,136
- GROWING LOCAL ECONOMIES: $10,503,910
- SAVING MOTHERS AND CHILDREN: $7,204,677
- PROMOTING PEACE: $3,547,899
Giving to TRF provides opportunities to serve and “do good in the world”, to have impact locally and internationally, and to build goodwill, better friendships, and peace throughout the world. Club members can be involved in the grant process by generating ideas, grant writing, grant implementation, and hands-on Rotarian involvement. The grant process also allows for multi-club collaborations, international collaborations in the smallest to the largest communities and there is professional support for projects available.
There are various ways for a Rotarian to give to TRF:
- Donation made with quarterly dues thru club.
- Donation made by check and mailed to The Rotary Foundation
- Donation made via Rotary Direct (secure on-line payment) one-time donation or revolving contribution
- Donations begin with just $10.00
- Donations of stock, wire transfers, etc.
- Bequests, etc.
She reminded us of the words of PDG and current District Rotary Foundation Chair John Kramb, "You have to give to get". The Gettysburg Rotary Club has done well, with an all-time giving total of $315,942 (as of 11/21/20). Anna-Mae briefly outlined how the money comes back through grant funding; contributions to the Annual Fund are invested for three years, then after three years, one-half of the funds are distributed to the District. The District divides funds between Global Grants and District Grants and then clubs make application for Global and/or District Grants.
Here are the various recognitions for giving:
Every Rotarian Every Year/Sustaining Member $100 a year
Paul Harris Fellow $1,000 (one-time or cumulative)
Paul Harris Society $1,000 a year
Major Donor Level 1 $10,000 (one-time or cumulative)
Arch Klumph Society $250,000 (one-time or cumulative)
Bequest Society Member
Benefactor
Anna-Mae spoke about the End Polio Now is signature project of Rotary International. She also shared the good news that Africa has been declared Polio-Free in August. And even though they were suspended during the beginning of the COVID pandemic, immunizations have resumed. She also shared the good news about Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation matches donations made to PolioPlus. This is a 2 to 1 Match; $3.00 for every dollar contributed.
The main focus areas of Rotary International are:
Promoting Peace
Fighting Disease
Providing Clean Water, Sanitation, & Hygiene
Saving Mothers & Children
Supporting Education
Growing Local Economies
Grant applications must be for projects centered on these areas of focus, and there is now a new 7th Area of Focus; Supporting the Environment. This was approved this year and as of July, 2021 TRF will be accepting global grant applications for this.
Anna-Mae concluded by saying that she is available to help answer questions and provide directions for anyone in the club who needs assistance with giving to The Rotary Foundation.
