Rotary Club 29 Foundation: Investing in Service Above Self
by Tim Dowd
Did you know that in addition to The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International headquartered in Chicago, our very own Rotary Club 29 Foundation is hard at work making a local and global impact?
Rooted in the Rotary motto “Service Above Self,” the Foundation is governed by 13 directors and officers, with plans to expand to 17 members over the next two years. Its assets—totaling nearly $5 million—are managed by BOK Financial and the Oklahoma City Community Foundation.
How Our Funds Are Managed
The Foundation’s assets are categorized into four types:
- Short-term unrestricted
- Short-term restricted
- Long-term restricted
- Other restricted funds
All funds are invested according to the Foundation’s investment policy and are overseen by an active investment committee.
Annual Allocations at Work
Each year, the Foundation allocates 4% of the trailing 12-quarter average market value of its funds. This is combined with annual distributions from the Oklahoma City Community Foundation and a trust established by a deceased member.
The goal: Allocate 50% to domestic projects and 50% to international projects.
Recent Highlights
Domestic Impact – $174,269 in 2023–24
- Funded through the Foundation and our members’ One Pledge campaign
- Supported projects such as:
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- A literacy initiative
- A forklift for Restore OKC
- Microgrants to teachers for classroom enhancements
International Reach – Over $32,000 in 2023
- Teaching vocational skills (like mechanics) in Peru
- Supporting ShelterBox for emergency disaster housing
- Promoting clean water and food security in developing countries
Disaster Relief When It’s Needed Most
While no set amount is reserved for disaster relief each year, the Foundation may spend up to 2% of the Endowment Fund’s average market value for this purpose. In extraordinary situations in Oklahoma, the board can approve spending up to 4%. The Foundation remains ready to respond when disaster strikes.
Introducing: The Club 29 Impact Fund
The newest initiative on our radar is the Club 29 Impact Fund. Unlike traditional endowment funds, this fund is designed for current needs, supporting projects expected to be completed within one to five years. It’s a fresh way to make a timely and tangible difference in our community.
If you’re interested in learning more, getting involved, or contributing to any of these initiatives, reach out to the Foundation team or visit our club’s website. Together, we are building a better tomorrow—locally and globally.