By Past President Tricia Reardon
Most Rotary clubs receive proposals, submissions or approaches, often on a regular basis, to provide financial assistance to a range of different community causes, charitable bodies and even individuals with needs, and it can be challenging making decisions on whether to provide support or not. Once a precedent is set, it is not easy to decline the next request for support from a similar organisation or individual. Setting clear guidelines around what the club deems as appropriate support is therefore prudent, and can save clubs from both internal and external disappointment, disgruntlement and even controversy if support for a cause is declined.
Rotary suggests that guidelines should endeavour to encourage a more “hands-on” approach to community and humanitarian service rather than just funds disbursement, and there are many clubs that also take “a hand up rather than a hand out” approach to funding requests. However, where a Rotary club does agree or offer to assist financially, then due recognition of the club in relevant media and publications should be a precondition of that support.
Prior to proposals or submissions being made to the club’s board, it is recommended the appropriate guidelines for your club be set in place by considering the following questions:
- Is there a clear, demonstrated need?
- Should/could the need be met in other ways?
- Would we be simply supplementing government or other major sources of revenue?
- Does the project meet our preference for those that: relate to a “one-off” need rather than recurrent or maintenance needs; would be unlikely to happen without our help; allow for the development of a relationship with our club, i.e. good communications and/or opportunities for some involvement and interest on the part of our members; give due recognition to assistance from our club?
- What is the potential to enhance our public relations?
- Will we avoid tipping funds into an organisation’s “consolidated revenue”?
- Will we avoid being involved in divisive controversy either within the club or the wider community?
- Would financial involvement see us having a local community orientation?
- Does the request fall within the club’s/committee’s objectives (and budgets)?
- Is there an existing relationship?
- What is the potential for new members as a result of the club being involved?
Having clear guidelines will save time, avoid potential robust or unpleasant club debate, ensure the sound use of club funds and maximise external relationships. We need Rotary funding to be safe and meaningful. When approached for funding the club board should understand any risks associated with the proposed project/activity and how sustainable it is. Also, this information will often allow better comparisons between bids for financial help.
[Source: https://www.rotarydistrict9800.org.au/sitepage/district-information/district-administration-manual ]