Del Paterson is the District rep for the Rotary Foundation. He was District Governor in 2002 2003, when Larry Kleir was our president.

The Rotary Foundation is OUR Foundation and it is throught this foundation that we support all the local and international projects that receive district and global grants. Also it is through this foundation that we raise money to erdicate polio.

In that regard Del reported that there has been a set back this year. 100 cases of polio have been reported in Pakistan, this is up from 12 last year. India is polio free but requires 800 million vacinations per year to keep it so. The government of India is very much baking the program. 

It is also through The Foundation that we provide money for Peace Fellowships. There will be a new university in Uganda added to the Peace Fellowship opportunities.

District grants and global grants can be applied for through the Rotary Web site. To get a grant someone form the club must attend traning each year. There is the possibility that the training will be available online.

The Government of Canada has $1.2 million available for each of the next five years to support Rotary Global grants.

There is always an issue of which club gets grant money. The club must contribute to The Foundation in order to qualify. 

So, in short, please support The Rotary Foundation.