District Simplified Grants

District Simplified Grants (DSGs) are a tool for Rotary districts to support short-term, humanitarian projects that benefit the community. Districts can request up to 20 percent of District Designated Funds (DDF) for a grant to support multiple projects locally or internationally.

Program Criteria

1. Requests for District Simplified Grants must meet the following criteria:
   • Promote active and personal participation of all Rotarians involved in the implementation of the project.
   • Assist in the development of stronger Rotary networks as clubs from different communities or nations work together to implement projects that have been initiated by a Rotary Club in a project location.
   • Not involve the establishment of a permanent foundation, trust or permanent interest bearing account.
   • Projects must not directly benefit a Rotarian; an employee of a club, district, or other Rotary entity or of Rotary International; or a spouse, lineal descendent, spouse of a lineal descendant, or an ancestor of any living Rotarian or Rotary employee.
   • Not duplicate any existing TRF or other Rotary sponsored program.
   • Exclude any liability to The Rotary Foundation, Rotary International or to Rotary District 6190 except for the amount of the grant.
   • Be consistent with criteria and procedure of WHO and RI Polio Plus program for any projects involving vaccines and immunizations.
   • Not be used to reimburse clubs/districts for projects already undertaken and in progress, an existing project, activities primarily sponsored by another organization or for projects that are already completed.
2. Grant Funds cannot be used:
   • For the purchase of land or buildings or to construct buildings.  Funds must be used in compliance with the Foundation’s policies on construction and renovation.  The only exception is to fund construction of low cost shelters for extremely underprivileged families.
   • For the construction of any structure in which people live or work or engage in any gainful activity.
   • For the renovation of structures.
   • For salaries, stipends, or honorariums to any individual or individuals working for a cooperating organization or beneficiary.
   • To support the operating or administrative expenses of any organization.
   • For post secondary education activities, research, or personal or professional development.
   • For excessive support of any one beneficiary, cooperating organization, or project.
   • For international travel expenses of any kind except where expressly permitted.    

District Simplified Grant Rotarian Involvement:

Rotarians from the district must be actively involved in each DSG project.  Therefore, a committee of at least three Rotarians from the sponsoring Rotary Club must be established to provide oversight and management of grant funds and who will serve as contacts for Rotary District 6190.  The members of the committee must serve for the entire length of the project, even if it extends into future Rotary years.

These Rotarians will:

• Assess community needs and develop a project plan.
• Recruit a committee to include three or more Rotarians to oversee the project.
• Provide oversight on the expenditure of funds.
• Be actively involved in implementation of the project.
• Provision of evidence of community involvement and ownership.
• Organize meetings as needed with local service providers, local officials, and/or recipients.
• Promote the project in the local media.

Reminders

• Please be specific when describing Rotarian activities.  Include details such as the number of Rotarians involved and how often the activities will take place.
• Be sure to itemize the budget and provide a clear explanation of each item.  The budget should match the grant request; however, if there is a difference, please explain how the sponsor will provide for the balance.
• Grant requests are due by September 1, 2010.
• Send to David Britt                             Office: 318-443-7203 x5
  240 White Oak Drive                          Home: 318-640-1389
  Pineville, LA 71360                               britt@uwcl.org
• Grant requests for a minimum of $500.00 and a maximum of $2,000 will be considered.
• Matching monies from the requesting club are encouraged but not required.
• Include specific information on how the completed project will be publicized in your community.
• Interim reports must be submitted every six months until the project is complete and after completion a final report must be submitted within two months.
• Check out the www.rotary.org website for more information on DSG.