At Lincoln South Rotary Club on November 12, we heard from Past Rotary District 5650 Governor Mick McKinley. He spoke about The Rotary Foundation.
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. For the 13th consecutive year, The Rotary Foundation has received the highest rating - four stars - 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:
•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
•2013-14: Dictionary Project (with other Rotary Clubs) - $3,000
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 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. The goal is to have the last case in 2023 which will allow the determination that polio is eradicated in 2026. Donate to Tom and Pat on their Ride to End Polio (click here), give to Happy $$$, or donate directly.
Mick closed his presentation by thanking Lincoln South Rotary Club for our tradition of generosity. He shared:
• Chartered April, 1984 (37 years)
• 40 Current Paul Harris Fellows – 140 all-time (history of naming PHF at Conference)
• 27 Current Multiple Paul Harris Fellows – 47 all-time
• 8 Paul Harris Society Members
• 10 Current Benefactors – 13 all time
• 3 Current Major Donors – 4 all time
• 49 of 50 Current Members are Donors
• Last year – 40 EREY Members and 31 sustaining members ($100+)
• All time giving by the club members $351,679
The Lincoln South Rotary Club Foundation Drive is run December and January. If you did not donate with the annual dues billing, or are not on TRF Direct, Joe will contact you with the opportunity to participate.
(We thank Mick for filling in on short notice. We had Gretchen Bren scheduled but she was called to jury duty.)
BIO
Mick retired after a 43 year banking career with his last stop in Council Bluffs IA as the Market President for SW Iowa for US Bank.
He has been a Rotarian since 1996, served as his clubs President in 2012-13 and has held multiple positions at the District level for District 5650. He served as District Governor for District 5650 in the 2019-20 Rotary year. He currently serves as District New Club Development chair and Foundation Stewardship committee chair.
Mick is a multiple Paul Harris Fellow, Paul Harris Society member, Bequest Society Member, and a graduate of the Rotary Leadership Institute.