Supporting Our Rotary Foundation

Q. Where do I mail my contribution?

A.The Rotary Foundation, P.O. Box 75133, Chicago, IL 60675-5133.

Q. How do they know what to do with my check?

A. The check should be accompanied by a Recognition/Contribution Form* that designates how the contribution should be applied.

Q. Can I use my credit card to make a contribution?

A. Yes. Credit card contributions may be made through Rotary's business portal. Go to www.rotary.org and click on Member Access. You will your Rotary member number (consult the mailing label on The Rotarian or ask your club secretary) to set up an account.

Q. Can I view my contribution history on the web?

A. Yes. You can view your contribution history by logging into Rotary's business portal. Go to www.rotary.org and click on Member Access. You will your Rotary member number (consult the mailing label on The Rotarian or ask your club secretary) to set up an account.

Q. What are Foundation Recognition Points (FRPs)?

A. Once a person becomes a Paul Harris Fellow (PHF), every dollar s/he donates above the initial US$1,000 gets an FRP. FRPs may be transferred to another person. To designate points to another account, simply complete a Recognition Transfer Form and submit by mail or fax.

Q. How are contributions to the Annual Programs Fund divided?

A. Half of these funds are allotted to the district that made the contributions, and the other half are allotted to the World Fund. These contributions are held for three years before being distributed to the districts and World Fund. This system of dividing contributions to the Annual Programs Fund is known as SHARE.

Q. Why are the funds held for three years?

A. TRF invests these contributions during the three years, and the earnings pay for administrative and fund development costs. This allows all of the original contribution to be used for the programs of the Rotary Foundation.

Q. What happens to the contributions after they are distributed to either the district or the World Fund?

Districts choose how to allocate their SHARE funds among several choices, including Scholarships, District Simplified Grants, and Matching Grants. The World Fund supports Group Study Exchange, PolioPlus, Matching Grants, and many other programs.

Group Study Exchange (GSE)

Q. What are the eligibility criteria for GSE team member applicants?

A. Candidates must be 25-40 years of age, live or work in the sponsoring district, and be a citizen of the country in which they reside. They must hold a full-time position, with at least two years of work experience in a recognized business or profession. Team members cannot be current or former Rotarians, lineal descendants or spouses of Rotarians, or the spouse of a team member. The Program Guide for Rotarians: Group Study Exchange* outlines eligibility requirements.

Q. How do we find applicants for GSE teams in our clubs?

A. TRF suggests that clubs educate members about the GSE program by inviting GSE alumni or GSE teams to speak at their clubs. Club members are advised to seek qualified candidates within their businesses or professions and publicize the program in their communities. The GSE News Kit* gives examples of how to recruit GSE team members and promote the program.

Ambassadorial Scholarships

Q. Where can I find the eligibility criteria for applicants to the Ambassadorial Scholarship program?

A. See the Ambassadorial Scholarship/Rotary Grants for University Teachers Leaflet*.

Q. How can I learn about the selection process?

A. For more information, go to http:www.rotary.org/foundation/educational/amb_scho/prospect/index.html

Rotary Centers - Rotary World Peace Fellowships

Q. Is it mandatory for my district to allocate US$50,000 in District Designated Funds to nominate a Rotary World Peace Fellow?

A. No. The Rotary Centers for International Studies: A Program Guide for Rotarians* provides additional information about district obligations.

Q. Is there a limit to how many applicants my club may endorse?

A. No. A club may endorse any number of qualified applicants for fellowship competition at the district level. Each district and non-districted club may select one candidate for the world competition.

Answers to many questions can be found on the RI Web site at (www.rotary.org/foundation/educational/amb_scho/centers/misconceptions.html).

Q. Can citizens of foreign countries and non-Rotary countries be sponsored?

A. Yes. The candidate, however, may not apply for study at a Rotary Center in the sponsor country or the candidate's country of citizenship.

*All publications may be downloaded from the RI Web site: http://www.rotary.org/newsroom/downloadcenter/foundation/index.html