1. Rotary Zone Institutes Update 2007
TRF’s Future Vision Plan
Our Foundation’s Pathway to the Future: Preparing for the Second Century of Service
My Fellow Rotarians and other guests,
It is my pleasure to present a brief update on the Future Vision Plan of The Rotary Foundation. The Trustees have taken significant steps in reviewing the current Foundation and envisioning its potential in its second century of service. We will be celebrating our 100th anniversary in the next decade, and we all believe we continually improve our Foundation—making it stronger, more recognizable, and more accessible.
The pathway to our future is a long and committed process. We are not looking at this with short-term expectations—we are anticipating progress and alternatives for a stronger, simpler, and more recognizable Foundation 5-10 years in the future. Any and all alternatives are being studied to understand the impact on the Foundation’s future model as it continues today to meet the needs of the world’s neediest.
Rotary Zone Institutes Update 2007

2. Today’s Objectives Review Historical Perspective Future Vision Plan
Progress and Timeline
Recent Outcomes / Results
Next Steps
Today, I hope we can provide you a brief update on the following objectives

3. History: Matching Grants Growth
Between 1965 and 2000 there were 10,000 Matching Grants – 35 years
Between 2000 and 2005 there were 10,000 Matching Grants – 5 years
Given a changing demand from educational programs to that of humanitarian, you might be interested to know that our matching grant program began in In the first 35 years of the program, from , there were 10,000 matching grants. However, in the five-year period from there were another 10,000 matching grants. This explosive growth has challenged the Foundation in many ways and is just one of the reasons the Trustees embarked on a Future Vision process.

4. Surveys & Focus Groups Outcomes / Issues
Simplify programs and sharpen program focus
Balance project options—globally & locally
Increase sense of ownership locally—shifting decisions to the districts
We realized the importance of getting input from the perspective of many Rotarians the world over. Focus groups and input sessions were conducted. More than 120 individuals participated in such sessions. Based on the Input Sessions, several themes emerged—which are captured in our priorities
The themes are summarized here—but what we heard is simplification, balance and ownership. We need to sharpen our focus to help achieve our global mission. This includes identifying what we should stop doing.
Additionally, a survey of 10,000 Rotarians asked respondents to indicate how they would measure the success of the Foundation. The top three responses included: 1) polio eradication, 2) TRF is a first choice partner; and 3) TRF recognized as a premier foundation. The Trustees agree and feel the direction we are envisioning provides the greatest opportunity to meet these expectations.

5. Terms of Reference for Future Vision Committee
Exercise extraordinary vision in evaluating TRF and planning its role in Rotary’s second century of service.
The committee will focus on:
Definition of purpose
Simplicity
Direction of giving
Appeal for donors
In , the Trustees initiated a process to look at our Foundation and to determine where we, as an organization, wanted to be in ten years. The Future Vision Committee, with assistance from consultants, facilitators, and the general secretary, was tasked with a significant undertaking and has focused on the following:
Construct a ten year vision with a three year plan that moves TRF toward its vision for its second century of service
Ensure that TRF vision reflects input from a wide variety of stakeholders (interviews, surveys, focus groups, and input sessions)
Ensure that the plan includes a comprehensive approach for goal setting and a specific roadmap for successful execution

6. TRF Mission Statement
The Mission of The Rotary Foundation is to enable Rotarians to advance world understanding, goodwill and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education and the alleviation of poverty.
All the preliminary work was helpful to the Future Vision Committee as it began to work on a new mission statement for The Rotary Foundation. The new mission statement of the Foundation was adopted by the Trustees at their April 2006 meeting, approved by the Board, and endorsed overwhelmingly at the 2007 Council on Legislation.

7. FV Plan Priorities Simplify all Programs and Operations
Align Program Outcomes/Descriptions with the Future Vision Plan
Increase Participation and Sense of Ownership at District and Club Levels
Provide Sufficient Resources to Achieve the Program Goals
Develop a Business Model that Supports the Future Vision Plan
The Future Vision Committee identified and suggested five priorities that the Trustees subsequently adopted. These priorities were approved by the Trustees, the Board, and again endorsed by the 2007 Council on Legislation.

8. Progress/Timeline
Mar 2007 FVC receives independent evaluation reports for Programs and IS/Business Operations
May 2007 FVC receives initial staff feedback, assess the implications of goals, and clarify questions
June 2007 FVC provides conceptual recommendations for Trustee feedback
The Trustees routinely review the progress and timeline of the future vision plan. It is important to communicate to the Rotary world that the June 2007 Trustees’ meeting was tremendously beneficial as we agreed on a concept of a new grant-making model to be studied further by the Future Vision Committee and the general secretary. I want to ensure all of you that no changes to our current programs have been discussed in detail. The Trustees are very cognizant of the need to act cautiously and logically in reviewing any possible long-term changes to our Foundation’s program structure. This is a long-term initiative that must be well planned and transitioned into the second century of the Foundation’s service.

9. Progress/Timeline
Aug 2007 FVC develops recommendations and develops implementation plan
Oct 2007 Trustees receive recommendations including draft transition plan; FVC identifies initial implementation steps
Apr 2008 Trustees receive full transition plan, with major implementation steps
Keeping in mind that changes will reflect Rotarians’ demands and interests, the Trustees are anticipating recommendations for a long-term plan at their October 2007 meeting. The Future Vision Committee is carefully studying the alternatives, implications, and future impact of any program updates.
The Trustees are also very considerate of the need to ensure any future model that would impact the Foundation’s second century of service would need to get Rotarian support and understanding prior to implementation. The Future Vision Committee is also working on developing communication, education, and orientation plans to ensure Rotarians support and understand any future Foundation model.

10. Five Way Test Simple Cost Effective Significant Rotarian Involvement
Evidence of Sustainable Outcomes
Consistent with Mission
The Future Vision Committee used these objectives in developing the recommended model

11. Type A Grants TRF $ $ 40% DDF Individuals Rotary Clubs Districts
Local /
International
Communities
TRF
Districts $
Rotary Entities
DSG model
Simple:
--Block grants to Districts (DSG-like)
--Short term (< 18 months)
Flexible:
--Supports variety of activities and interests
Innovative:
--Sharing, learning, and partnering
Coop Orgs/ NGOs

12. TRF/SCR Packaged Grants
Type B Grants
Areas of Focus A B C D
e.g. Water
Grant Types ($)
TRF/SCR Packaged Grants
Club & District Grants
Club and districts develop projects
would be similar to current competitive Matching Grants and 3-H
Packaged grants
relationships for this purpose would be developed through the SCR process
NGOs, premiere academic institutions, and other organizations solicited through a request for proposal process.
Type B Characteristics:
-Long-term projects/activities (e.g. completed in 3-4 years)
-Sustainable outcomes
-Larger grant awards
-Competitive in nature
-Cooperative relationship participation (locally and internationally)
-Projects in areas of focus based on Rotarian interests
CORPORATE PROGRAM
PolioPlus &
Partners

13. Definition
An area of focus is a priority world need identified by Rotarians in which TRF is directing its resources to have a sustainable and measurable impact that leverages the organization’s financial and volunteer resources.
Areas of Focus Characteristics:
-Differentiates from corporate program
-provides durability and long term commitment (10 years)
-Specific strategies
-Demonstrates Rotarian involvement and interests
-Selected by Trustees; approved by Board (April/June 2008)

14. Strategic Cooperative Relationship (SCR) Model
RI/TRF
TRF Areas of Focus (e.g. Water)
Type B Grants
Strategic Cooperative
Relationship
Financial Resources
Direct to TRF
Parallel funding
TRF gives to SCR
Technical Expertise
Advocacy
Districts/Clubs
Financial Resources
Human Resources
SCR Characteristics:
-Relate to areas of focus
-Applicable to Type B Grants
-Provide financial, technical, and/or advocacy resources
-3 different funding alternatives envisioned
-Local/Regional cooperative relationships still encouraged (Type A or Type B Grants)
-Clubs/Districts provide financial and/or human resources or both
Community

15. Distributable Funds Model
ANNUAL PROGRAMS FUND
50% 50%
SHARE
DDF
40% % (max) (min)
WORLD FUND
100%
Distributable Funds Characteristics:
-Pilot phase tests model
-Packages grants designed for 100% World Fund support
-World Fund grants available through competitive process
-Club/District designed grants may include competitive WF match to DDF
-Larger award amounts expected for packaged grants
TYPE A
TYPE B

16. Transition Timeline 2007-08: Trustees, RI Board review plan
: Select, train and certify pilot districts; educate DGEs on new grant model
: Begin awarding grants to pilot districts
Pilot/Certification Plan:
-Uniform, standardized pilot
-Districts worldwide invited to apply
-Districts will pilot both grant types
-Approximately 60 geographically dispersed districts
-Phase out some current programs
-TRF approves application to participate in pilot
-Current stewardship training serve as the model
-Districts send required district TRF committee members to training

17. Transition Timeline 2010-11: Award grants to pilot districts
: Award grants to pilot districts; evaluate pilot; adjust grant model; certify and train all districts
: Begin awarding new grants worldwide; phase out programs

18. Good to Great*
Is it what The Rotary Foundation is best in the world at doing?
Is it what Rotarians are passionate about?
Is it what drives the resources for The Rotary Foundation?
* Good to Great for the Social Sector by Jim Collins
Finally, in his book, GOOD TO GREAT, Jim Collins outlined three critical questions that have been applied to the programs of our Foundation. Both the Future Vision Committee and the Trustees will apply this three-point test to each decision involved in the evaluation of Foundation programs.
Thanks for the opportunity to share this information with you. Let there be no doubt that our Foundation is working to become even better. If time allows, I’d be happy to take some questions.

19. Questions? Any additional questions, please contact
RI’s Strategic Planning Manager at
Additionally, the general secretary recently hired a manager responsible for coordinating and aligning the planning processes in Rotary International, The Rotary Foundation, and the Secretariat. If you have any questions or comments, please communicate with the manager.