February 2016 (Feb 01, 2016)

I thought I’d delay the February issue of Foundation First until the second. Why you might ask? As you are all well aware, the first was Caucus day in Iowa. Most people were busy explaining their political views and opinions of the candidates. The television, radio and social media has been filled with these opinions. I wanted to wait to get past all the hype and ask you to think about what this level of publicity could do for Rotary? Make a plan to tell people about the great work we do locally and in the world. Ask a Rotarian to contribute to the Rotary Foundation to continue this work. Give up your coffee once a week and commit those funds through Rotary Direct to our Annual Fund. Make a commitment to increase your giving this year by even a small amount. Build some momentum and be a Gift to the World through the Rotary Foundation. If you really think about it there are many ways to give back to our communities through Rotary. One of them is giving to the Foundation.

Garner Rotary Grant - Reichardt Park

The Garner Rotary Club teamed up with the local employer Iowa Mold & Tooling and the Garner Parks & Recreation Department to purchase and install new playground equipment for Reichardt Park. The $42,500 project was funded in part by a $5,000 District 5970 Matching Grant for a total Rotary contribution of $10,000. Additional funding was provided by Iowa Mold & Tooling ($12,000), a grant from the Hanson Foundation ($10,000), and $12,250 from the Garner Parks & Recreation funds.

The Garner Rotary Club provided over 40 hours of volunteer labor to lower the costs of the project. Garner Club President, Deb Schmidt stated, “This was a great project for the children of the community to have a safe place to play and interact with friends. Many thanks to the Rotary Foundation for their contribution.”

2016 Grant Management Seminars

It's time to mark your calendars to attend a Grant Management Seminar! You must attend one to quality for a District or .global grant. Make room in your schedule to attend one of two GMS (Grant Management Seminars) this spring that will educate and qualify you and your club to receive grant funding for your great projects. New this year we will offer a recertification class. If you have attended a GMS in 2014-2015 (either in Marion or at the District Conference at Okoboji), you are qualified for this class. This is only for previous attendees and is not transferable. You will receive a special invitation for this class if you qualify. This year’s classes will be offered in person or over the internet (this must be viewed interactively and will not be shown at a future date.) The Grant Management Seminars are scheduled for:

Mason City Friday April 22^nd at the Mason City Library:

Recertification Class 1 pm - 2 pm

GMS Seminar 2:15 pm - 4 pm

Marion/ Cedar Rapids Saturday April 30^th at the Marion Public Library:

Recertification Class 1 pm - 2 pm

GMS Seminar 2:15 pm - 4 pm