Matching Grants and Use of DDF

District 6940 does not use its DDF allocation to "match" member clubs' cash contributions for international service projects. Instead, our DDF expenditures are “directed” to projects by member clubs, in proportion to their prior contributions to TRF. Each year, club presidents are advised how much DDF is available for support of approved MG projects. In most cases, undesignated DDF "rolls-over" for use in the next year.

Current Guidelines for TRF approval of Matching Grant Project:

1. Projects must have two Rotary partners. The "Host" Partner is Rotary club/district in beneficiary country with primary responsibility for project implementation and reporting. The "International" Partner is club/district outside the beneficiary country, which usually is responsible for raising money and submitting the application. Both partners must have a project committee with at least 3 Rotarians. Committee needs analysis describes why project is needed, what outcomes are anticipated, and how it addresses Rotary goals.

2. International service projects can be done here, if you have a Rotary Partner from outside the U.S. The Host club (project site club) must contribute some cash to the project, and may contribute DDF if they have it. Sponsoring clubs must contribute at least $100 in cash to be recognized by TRF for their participation.

3. TRF Matching Grant is normally funded with contributions from Host and International Partners and other Rotary club and district sponsors, which are matched with a grant from the Rotary Foundation World Fund. As of Sept. 1st, all World Fund money is committed to approved international projects.

4. Substitution Matching Grants are alternative way to fund a MG project without the TRF World Fund match. These projects are known as “$0 Match" or “Substitution” Matching Grants. Substitution MGs allow sponsors to use DDF and Cash to replace the WF match in the project funding budget.

5. To get DDF money "released" for a Substitution MG, you must follow the normal TRF application process, present project budget that is fully-funded, and show that Rotarians will be actively involved in project. Projects should be completed 12-18 months from start date. Application must clearly define local need, describe who will benefit from the project, and state how it will be sustained after grant ends. Substitution MG project budgets must be at least $10,000. Applications can be submitted July through March, and early submission is recommended.

6. Substitution MG projects must comply with TRF guidelines: no construction of buildings; training for local ownership and maintenance; approval of local authority if appropriate; itemized budget that identifies all purchases and vendors; fiscal management plan; no international travel costs; allowance for delivery, freight, customs, storage in budget.