Note from DG Scott McLaughlin re Rotary Grants for COVID-19 relief

The following excerpt is from a message I received yesterday from Trustee Chair (2019-20) The Rotary Foundation.

Dear Scott,

We know that disasters can devastate a community, leaving people in urgent need of medical care, housing, and other necessities. Unlike most natural disasters, the COVID-19 pandemic is having a global impact that affects all of us. Rotarians like you are people of action even in a time of crisis, and Rotary is uniquely prepared to help communities around the world.

Clubs and districts can apply for Rotary disaster response grants to support COVID-19 relief efforts. These grants can be used to provide supplies and medical care and to support rebuilding efforts.

The Rotary Foundation Trustees recently approved placing $1 million in our Disaster Response Fund to make these grants immediately available for applications related to COVID-19. To make sure these grants can remain available, we’re asking for personal contributions to the Disaster Response Fund. Your contribution will support grants that help Rotarians care for and protect people in their local communities and around the world. Make a gift to the Disaster Response Fund now.

Thank you for your dedication and service on behalf of Rotary.

Sincerely,
Gary C.K. Huang
Chair, The Rotary Foundation 2019-20

District 5630 will be applying for a $25,000 block grant that can be used anywhere in the district to support YOUR local relief efforts towards fighting the novel coronavirus pandemic. District Rotary Foundation Chair, Don Peterson (email: DG.2015@5630mail.org) and I will accept your COVID-19 Grant requests with your (project name), (brief description) and (amount) before April 13th. All requests will be reviewed by the District Grant committee and will be distributed accordingly. ANY ROTARIAN can make a request on behalf of their club. Each club will be eligible for (1) one request.

Your request must somehow directly impact the COVID-19 relief efforts. It can be medical, but does not need to be. It can be something to help in the community. Consider making a similar club contribution to the grant amount and purchase food for your local pantry(s). Marshall your efforts to start a “meals on wheels” to drive food around your community. Help out your teachers with their needs to support students while they cannot be in school. Purchase gift cards to help out local restaurants, and use those cards as a club fundraiser for a second project.

I would like to be able to get this money back to your community as quickly as possible. Please be respective of other clubs when making your request amount.

Finally, I want to encourage you to continue supporting YOUR Rotary Foundation. This is our opportunity to give back for things we are so blessed to enjoy.

Be safe, be bold, be creative but most of all be ENGAGED.