Rotary Reflections – Tim Dowd

Rotary Reflections
by Tim Dowd

One could say that the Rotary motto, Service Above Self, reflects a principle long expressed in faith traditions. In Christianity, it echoes the admonition: “To whom much is given, much will be required.” In Jewish tradition, the concept of Tzedakah embodies a similar idea, the moral and religious obligation for individuals, whether wealthy or of modest means, to give back to society.

Your Rotary Club 29 Foundation takes this responsibility, and the Rotary motto, seriously. Income from the Foundation’s endowment, along with donations and other contributions, is directed toward those in greatest need. In many cases, the work supported by the Foundation can truly be described as doing God’s work.

The Rotary Club 29 Foundation currently holds assets approaching six million dollars. These funds are classified by the Foundation Board into several categories: Short-Term Unrestricted Funds, Short-Term Restricted Funds, Long-Term Restricted Funds, and Endowment Funds. All assets are invested in accordance with the Foundation’s established Investment Policy.

The Foundation also follows a Spending Policy that allocates funds each year to support the charitable activities of the Club. The annual allocation is calculated as four percent of the trailing average market value of the Endowment Funds over the preceding twelve quarters, along with distributions from two additional restricted funds.

These funds are distributed in three primary areas: disaster relief, domestic relief, and international projects.

In 2025, the Rotary Club 29 Foundation provided more than $23,000 in disaster relief. Grants were made to ShelterBox, an organization that provides temporary housing and emergency support to people displaced by flooding, drought, earthquakes, and conflict around the world. In addition, a substantial contribution was directed to assist victims of the Kerrville, Texas floods.

On the domestic front, more than $15,000 supported the Helping Hands Project, a popular program that allows each club member to have a personal charitable donation matched up to $250 to a qualifying Oklahoma City–area nonprofit. This initiative not only doubles the impact of individual gifts but also ensures that Foundation funds flow directly to local charities serving our community.

Additional beneficiaries of the Rotary Club 29 Foundation include grants to the Teacher of the Month, as well as support for Wings of Rotary, a program that enables students to travel abroad and engage with international families and cultures. The Foundation also contributed more than $15,000 to Donors Choose, allowing local teachers to request classroom supplies and support specific educational projects.

Other domestic grants include support for Coat-A-Kid through the Oklahoma City Public Schools and the nonprofit A Chance to Change.

Internationally, the Foundation continues to support impactful humanitarian efforts. Recent contributions have helped fund a malaria prevention project in Uganda, dialysis machines and water well projects in Uganda, microscopes for medical and educational use in India, a kidney transplant program in Mexico, 3D-printed prosthetics for victims in Ukraine, and a clean water initiative in Zimbabwe.

While the Rotary Club 29 Foundation may sometimes feel like one of the Club’s best-kept secrets, the Board does not intend it to be. The Foundation and Rotary staff are always available to answer questions, provide information, and discuss opportunities for involvement at any time.