By Roger Tausig
Rotary Club of Orange
Roger Tausig
I have written for several years in these pages about the work that Orange Rotary does to benefit those less fortunate and in need of assistance locally, regionally and around the world.
Our work takes several forms. One part of our mission is to perform direct service work where our members roll up their sleeves and work on projects that benefit the needy in underserved communities. The other is to raise funds through various events, such as our Thanksgiving Day 5K Turkey Trot, the Annual Lobsterfest and the Annual Mother’s Day Rose Sale.
Over the years, these fundraising activities have enabled Rotary Club of Orange to dole out money to organizations that file grant requests. Additionally, we have participated in coordinated grants organized by various other Rotary clubs in our district for larger projects, including global ones. Other sources of funds are direct donations from philanthropic individuals who understand and appreciate our mission and generously share their personal treasure with us, knowing that the funds will be put to the best and most efficient use.
Through the fundraising efforts outlined above, and a significant bequest from Lynda Hammond, an extraordinary member of our club who we tragically lost to a fatal illness, we have amassed a significant amount of money in our foundation. Because our club’s operating expenses are covered primarily by dues and small amounts raised at our meetings, 100 percent of the money raised is under the management of our foundation and earmarked for giving to the numerous causes that we support.
Our club is currently in an unusual situation. We have a substantial amount of money in our foundation’s treasury and are looking for opportunities to use that money to fund projects that align with our goals to give financial support to those in our community and region for vitally needed assistance. Of particular interest to us are projects that directly benefit children. This was the wish Lynda Hammond had for the money she left to our club, as children were her passion.
If you are reading this and part of a service organization, think about causes and charitable organizations that you might be aware of that can benefit from funding from our club. We have a simple form that can be found by visiting our Rotary Club of Orange website at rotarycluboforange.org/ and selecting the “Request Funding” tab. Once submitted, our Grant Review Committee will review all grant requests and consider them based on the nature of the purpose for which the money will be used and the reasonableness of the requested amount. We are primarily interested in having the funds be used for direct service to the ultimate beneficiaries. If the requested grant amount warrants it, we will potentially open it up to our district, where larger sums can be obtained and matched by our district’s foundation.
In this season of giving, and at a time when there is so much need, please consider the plight of those around you who are less fortunate and help us to put our funds to use to fulfill those needs.