Future Vision: Transitioning to the New Model During this session, we are going to discuss some ways that nonpilot districts can begin the process of transitioning to the new grant model.

Transition Principles Remain patient and flexible Have an open mind Learn as much as you can Communicate the vision the rationale the benefits The Foundation has been contacted by Rotarians from nonpilot districts interested in preparing for the transition to Future Vision. A powerpoint with some basic guidance was sent to nonpilot districts and the RRFCs in October 2010. More information is being developed to help them prepare for the transition. However, there are some key principles to keep in mind that can help us manage through this transition in a way that will reduce our discomfort and increase our excitement about the Future Vision Plan, leading to stronger results and a brighter future. Whether you are in a pilot or non pilot district, I hope you will encourage districts to: Remain patient and flexible – the plan as designed has not been finalized, the pilot period will result in adjustments prior to full world roll-out and nonpilot districts should be proactive, but remain patient and flexible. Assure them that they will get the information they need to prepare for full-world roll out as the Foundation begins finalizing aspects of the plan. Encourage them to keep an open mind – we all want the same thing for our Foundation – one that will allow us to make a significant impact on the world Encourage them to learn as much as you can – read, sign up for the FV newsletter, join the Linked In group; register for webinars, view eLearning modules, etc. If you have questions, ask! Use all the resources available to you. Communicate the Vision, the reasons for the change and the benefits of the change; just when you think you have communicated enough, communicate some more; listen to objections and understand that people may feel strongly about this change, but it’s because they love our Foundation and its work.

Transition Tips Celebrate successes with current grant model Recognize participants Encourage ongoing participation Seek “mentor” district Now, let’s talk about some practical things that nonpilot districts can do to begin preparing for the transition. Celebrate your district’s successes in Ambassadorial Scholars, Group Study Exchange, and Humanitarian Programs, recognize participants of these programs, and encourage them to continue to shape The Rotary Foundation. Nonpilot districts might consider seeking out a “mentor” pilot district that can help to guide them through the transition.

Transition Tips Promote benefits of global grants Greater global impact Sustainable and measurable Align projects with areas of focus Incorporate sustainability and measurability into projects Think big! Promote the benefits of the Future Vision global grants as being more measurable, sustainable, and larger with greater impact on our world. Beginning right now, nonpilot districts can begin aligning projects with the areas of focus. Clubs and districts can also begin incorporating the concepts of sustainability and measurability into project design. The earlier that Rotarians in nonpilot districts begin incorporating these aspects into their projects, the easier the transition will be in 2013. Look for bigger needs to fill in developing countries and join with other clubs to fund a larger matching grant; this is an opportunity for us to think Big and Get Creative!

Transition Tips Read MOU and begin implementing requirements Organize grant management seminars Complete online district qualification process Even though they are not required to do so, nonpilot districts can begin the process of qualification. The best way of doing so is to read the Memorandum of Understanding and begin implementing some of the requirements included in it. Starting in July 2012, consider organizing grant management seminars so clubs can begin qualifying to apply for global grants. Between January and September 2013, it is recommended that districts complete the online district qualification process. This process must be complete before districts or their clubs can apply for Future Vision grants.

Transition Tips Stay current with reporting for current grants Begin thinking about new planning timelines (e.g. scholars) Strengthen district and club Foundation committees Under Future Vision, districts cannot have more than 10 open grants. This refers to both Future Vision grants and any, open Humanitarian Grants. Once a grant is finished, be sure to report on and close all grants in a timely manner. Timelines for district and global grants are different from the previous Foundation programs so be sure to plan accordingly. For example districts don’t need to select a scholar in Jan 2012 for study in 2013-14. Strengthen your district Foundation committee and your club Foundation committees. Make sure that you are appointing motivated, knowledgeable individuals to serve on Foundation committees. In summary, if we help districts work together, adapt and strengthen our current programs to meet the areas of focus, measure our results and confidently lead through the change process, I believe that The Rotary Foundation will be an even more powerful force in the world!

Facilitated Discussion Do you know of nonpilot districts that are beginning to transition to the new model? If so, what are they doing? What questions do they have? What can we do to assist nonpilot districts with the transition?

Questions?