Grants

The Four Way Foundation Long-Term Grant Award Guidelines

 

Foundation Spending Goals

After allowing for an Annual Grant to Petaluma Sunrise Rotary Club (PSR) and administrative expenses, the Foundation supports projects by PSR members or other organizations who wish to create a world of difference. The fund is exclusively for charitable projects. Ideally, the Foundation hopes to grow the fund with further donations and bequests. The Foundation intends to build the investment over time so that the endowment remains sustainable. However, the Foundation retains the discretion to award any amount to a worthy long-term charitable project, even if it reduces the funds available to the Club.

The board of directors of the Foundation together will review grant applications and requests that relate to the mission of the Rotary Foundation: “to advance world understanding, good will, and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education, and the alleviation of poverty.” The Foundation must have unanimous consent from the board to approve a request for funds that exceeds $25,000.00.

The Foundation is legally distinct and separate from PSR, yet the Foundation supports the mission, vision, and spirit of the Club. While the Foundation wishes to inspire projects that involve the active involvement of Rotarians, grants may be awarded to other charitable organizations or projects, at the discretion of the Foundation. We expect that representatives from PSR will be actively involved in the project’s planning and/or implementation. A request can allow partnership with other organizations but we will consider whether there is some Rotarian involvement and support in not only the project itself but also the planning, implementation, administration and reporting. The Foundation may take into account input from PSR as to what projects they support and wish to foster. Regardless, the Foundation’s goal is to act as stewards of the funds used to support long-term goals that align with the spirit of Rotary International and PSR’s values.

We support areas of focus that align with the programs of Rotary International including enhancing local community, promoting peace, fighting disease, providing clean water, sanitation, and hygiene, improving maternal and child health, supporting education, growing local economies, ending polio forever, disaster response, and protecting the environment.

 

Application Process

Applicants can request an application at  info@fourwayfoundation.com

 

Grant Application Review Process

The Four Way Foundation will meet to review grant applications, exercising independent discretion to determine grant awards. The Foundation may consider the following criteria:

  1. Does the proposed project align with the stated goals of the Four Way Foundation?
  2. Does the proposed project align with the spirit of Rotary as reflected in the international organization’s mission statement, vision, and core values?
  3. What is the impact of the grant award on the Foundation’s total funds, including funds allocated to Rotary Club of Petaluma Sunrise for its annual budget?
  4. While the project does not have to be a Rotary effort, the board may take into account whether the request reflects the goals of the membership of PSR. Does the project have strong support from the majority of members of PSR?
  5. Is the project attainable? Considering the following criteria:
    1. What remaining pieces need to be in place to make this project successful?
    2. How far along is the applicant in the process toward completing the project?
    3. Does the applicant have the support they need? (e.g. Is the project well developed and vetted? Is it organized? Did the applicant provide a complete and detailed application? Is there strong leadership and support for the project? Is there a clear and attainable purpose? Has the applicant confirmed all permits and regulations are accessible for the project?)
    4. Is the proposed project legally sound (not political, not religious, not illegal)?
    5. Has the applicant been successful in completing similar projects?
    6. Are there any partners or other organizations involved, and are those organizations legitimate and well regarded?
    7. Are there other organizations or projects that already fulfill this need?
    8. What percentage of funds will the Foundation contribute to the total fundraising goal (i.e. Are there matching funds? Will other organizations or donors contribute to the project? Will PSR contribute to the total project funds? Will Rotary International contribute to the total project funds (e.g. a global grant)?)
    9. Will members of PSR be able to participate in the project?