Dear Rotarians,

At their April meeting, The Rotary Foundation Trustees examined how the global economic crisis has affected the Foundation’s ability to support Rotarians’ good work worldwide. Like many foundations, we have been forced to reduce program spending, and consequently, the Matching Grants budget was reduced for 2009-10.

Recognizing the vital role that Matching Grants play in improving the lives of underserved communities around the world, the Trustees recently added an additional US$2.3 million to the 2009-10 Matching Grants budget. These funds were recently made available from reduced grant spending in 2008-09. However, at this time, despite the budget increase, the Matching Grants budget has been fully committed.

As a result of the many grants that we were able to fund, our Foundation is supporting hundreds of outstanding projects at a time when they are most needed. Clubs and districts that have not received Matching Grants this Rotary year are encouraged to fund their projects entirely with cash and District Designated Fund contributions in lieu of receiving a match from the Foundation. Sponsors of pending Matching Grant applications will be notified of this option by their grant coordinator. Please note that the project budget must be a minimum of $10,000 to use this option.

On behalf of The Rotary Foundation Trustees, I thank you for your understanding as we persevere together through these challenging economic times. We look forward to a time when our Foundation can once again expand its support of Rotarian service worldwide.

Glenn E. Estess Sr.
2009-10 Chair, The Rotary Foundation Trustees