TRF in the District A New Approach Alexander Mak 4 th March 2006

Why don’t Rotarians contribute to TRF? 1.Lack of understanding? 2.Not touched, due to little or no participation in TRF programs? 3.Prefer to make designated (restricted) gifts rather than give to APF?

Educate how money is used in Annual Program Fund

Result? 1.Some Rotarians will accept contributing to TRF as a way to do international service; 2. But this will not motivate many other Rotarians to contribute; 3. So, a different philosophy is needed.

Our New Philosophy 1.Rather than chasing after Rotarians for contributions, we will get them participate more in TRF programs. 2.The more they participate in these programs, the more they will be touched, and the more they will support it by participating and contributing.

Target for (RI) 1.Have each club participate in at least two TRF programs; 2. Nominations of scholars or GSEs counted, regardless of successful or not.

Strategy We will encourage Rotarians to participate in programs they are interested in, including:-- (a) Programs funded by Restricted gifts (b) Programs funded by DDF

Programs Funded by Restricted Gifts 1.Rotarians/Clubs involved in scholarships; 2.Rotarians/Clubs involved in GSEs or wanting to do single profession GSEs eg on teachers; 3.Rotarians wanting to contribute to PolioPlus Program and participate in its NIDs; 4. Possibility of pooling, but loss of donation points. 5.For the longer term, (a) Scholarship endowments; (b) Bequest with specified uses;

Programs funded by DDF 1.District Simplified Grants (a)Grants Subcommittee Vice Chairman (DSG) and secretary; (b)Criteria in District Assembly; (c)Application open on 1 st July; and (d)We will help unsuccessful clubs to turn projects into Matching Grant projects

Programs funded by DDF (contd) 2. Matching Grants (a) Encourage clubs to be Host Partners (b) Help each club to turn their service projects into MG projects by helping them to (i)Find international partner; (ii)Complete an accurate MG Application Form; (iii)Field enquiries from TRF staff; (iv)Give them DDF from the MG Sponsored Portion; (c) Enlarge Grants Subcommittee to include Rotarians with experience in MGs

Fund-raising Strategies for Restricted Gifts 1.Look for Corporate Giving for specific programs eg scholarships and GSEs; 2.Look for more Restricted Gifts to cover scholarships currently funded under DDF; 3.So that, in the long run, more DDF can be used for DSG and MGs;

Fund-raising Strategies for Annual Program Fund 1.Major fund-raising activities for TRF eg Gala Premiere; 2.Getting corporate support for such activities; 3.Approach Rotarians and Clubs and sell VALUE of contributions rather than pins/stones; 4. In short term, DGE may still need to push clubs to achieve contribution goals.

Sales Strategy 1.Two divisions within DRF Committee— one for Programs and another for Fund- raising 2.They will cooperate to do the sales with (a)Fund-raising people doing the selling, identifying the target donors and closing the sales; and (b)Program people providing support for technical program knowledge

Sales Strategies (contd) 3. More focused target selling--before approaching the clubs or individuals, (i)Need to understand their background; (ii)Ascertain their history of participation in TRF programs, and what they like and don’t like; (iii)Focus the promotion talk on their needs.

Education Separate Education Subcommittee to do:-- Regular small Group Discussions where participants can ask questions and spark off ideas; Regular meeting of Club TRF Chairs for sharing and updates; Interactive club Dinner Talks using PETS slides and adapting to club needs; Specific Luncheon Talks eg on NID and Gobi; Column in DG Newsletter to publicize Club’s TRF projects.

Public Relations 1.Separate Public Relation Subcommittee ; 2.Focus on both internal promotion and external promotion; 3.Designated people to handle complaints and miscommunication with TRF:-- (a)Tracking of Rotarian contributions and non-receipt of recognition materials (b)Rotarian service hotline

Conclusion 1.Your comments are welcome; 2.We work as a team; 3.The success of the Rotary Foundation in our District in depends:-- (a)Not just on the DG; (b)Nor the District Rotary Foundation Committee; but (c)On us, everyone of us.

Thank You