The annual Rotary Foundation seminar was held in Jätkäsaari with 34 Rotarians participating. Members of the Rotary Foundation Committee presented the foundation’s operations, principles and requirements for district grants, and donations to the foundation.
The seminar was opened by Committee Chair Anita Häggblom from District 1410. She emphasized the symbiosis between The Rotary Foundation and Rotary International – Rotary cannot exist without the foundation, and vice versa. Anita highlighted many local and global service projects made possible through foundation funding. Rotarians can be proud of these achievements. She clarified that only €10 from the district membership fee automatically goes to the EndPolio fund, which is recorded as a club donation and increases the club’s PHF balance. Supporting service projects requires individual or club donations to the Annual Fund. The best approach is to become a monthly donor.
Thord Vaenerberg explained the process of applying for and reporting district grants. Clubs can apply for grants for projects aligned with Rotary’s seven areas of focus and with long-term impact. Clubs considering a project should contact Thord early. The application period is from 1 November 2025 to 15 March 2026. The amount of available grants depends on past donations from the district.
Janne Lepola discussed Global Grants. These are larger and more complex projects with a minimum value of $30,000. A local Rotary club in the target country must be involved. Committee members can assist with planning. Recent projects in Finland include school initiatives in Namibia and Gambia, and two projects supporting Ukrainian refugees.
At the end of the meeting, Anita and Irmeli Viherluoto-Lindström summarized the day’s topics and reminded everyone of the importance of donations. The goal “Every Rotary Every Year” means each club member donates €100 annually to the Annual Fund.
The next seminar will be held in Tallinn on 17 November 2025.
