At Lincoln South Rotary Club on December 2, we heard from Rotary District 5650 The Rotary Foundation Chair Mick McKinley.
Mick McKinley believes in The Rotary Foundation - the good that we can do in the world - how it is managed - how it allows all of us to be a part of "Doing Good In The World".
He pointed out "The Rotary Foundation’s mission is to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace by improving health, providing quality education, improving the environment, and alleviating poverty". That mission is carried out through the Areas of Focus:
The Rotary Foundation has an outstanding performance record. Looking at the rating page (click here) you will see 17 consecutive 4-Star ratings from Charity Navigator.
There is a very unique model in place. Donor funds are deposited and allowed to grow for three years. After that time, those funds are shared back to the Districts to use on Grants. The earnings pay for the operations, leaving the donations available for programs.
Mick shared some of the recent District Grants to Lincoln South Rotary:
•2022-23: Tree Replacement in Low- to Moderate-Income Neighborhoods - $1,500
•2021-22: Early Head Start Stroller - $1,070; Little Free Pantry - $500
•2020-21: Meals on Wheels Heating Units, Stacking Shelves- $1,500
•2019-20: Mourning Hope Therapy Sand Trays - $1,500
•2018-19: Summer Robotics Bright Lights – $1,000
•2017-18: Meals on Wheels Industrial Mixer - $1,500
•2016-17: Child Guidance Center Program - $1,000, Proyecto Cultural - $500
•2015-16: Southern Heights Food Forest Accessible Walkway - $1,500
•2014-15: SCC Veterans Resource Center Furniture - $1,500
With the funds returned to the District from the Share program, these grant dollars were matched.
We also saw a list of the Global Grants managed by our Rotary District Clubs. Our donations to The Rotary Foundation have helped with projects in India, Bahamas, Africa, Dominican Republic, Kenya, Togo, Zambia, Sudan, Nicaragua, Georgia and Afghanistan. We have also funded a Scholar focused on Public Health.
Mick reviewed the various levels of giving and pointed out how important each is.
- Sustaining Members - by giving every year we are sure to keep the funds available for these programs every yera
- Paul Harris Fellow - recognizes those that have donated an accumulated $1,000
- Paul Harris Society members are those who have committed to donate $1,000 annually
It is easy to give to The Rotary Foundation.
- Our club includes an optional donation with the annual dues statement
- TRF Direct is an easy way to have monthly payments made to TRF
- You can donate directly through Rotary.org
- And you can give a check to our Foundation Chair (Joe)
We were reminded to keep Polio Eradication in our thoughts.
Mick closed his presentation by thanking Lincoln South Rotary Club for our tradition of generosity. He shared:
• Chartered April, 1984 (37 years)
• 43 Current Paul Harris Fellows – 140 all-time (history of naming PHF at Conference)
• 29 Current Multiple Paul Harris Fellows – 47 all-time
• 8 Paul Harris Society Members
• 14 Current Benefactors
• 4 Current Major Donors – 5 all time
• 49 of 50 Current Members are Donors
• All time giving by the club members $376,698
The Lincoln South Rotary Club Foundation Drive runs December and January. If you did not donate with the annual dues billing, or are not on TRF Direct, Joe or Chan will contact you with the opportunity to participate.
BIO:
Mick McKinley retired after a 43-year Banking career in July 2018 as the Market President of US Bank in Council Bluffs, Iowa.
Mick joined Rotary in 1996 as a member of the Lincoln #14 Rotary Club and served as an auction committee chair and Board member. He joined the Council Bluffs Noon Rotary Club in 2009 and served as Club President in 2012-2013. He is a graduate of the Rotary Leadership Institute and has served as Global Grants chair and Assistant Governor at the district level before serving as District 5650 Governor in the 2019-20 Rotary year.
Mick assumed the role of District Rotary Foundation Committee Chair (DRFCC) in July of this year and will serve in that position through the 2024-25 year. He is Multiple Paul Harris Fellow, Benefactor and Bequest Society member as well as a Paul Harris Society member.