Matching grants allow you to leverage the power of your club funds in taking on projects in other countries. District 5220 has a significant history of clubs providing humanitarian assistance in Guatemala, Honduras, Kenya, Romania, the Philippines and many other countries. The clubs initiate projects to improve water supply, literacy, health, food and other benefits to communities in need.

The magic of the Rotary Foundation is that Matching Grants will pay over 70% of the cost of the project. This is possible because of our commitment to Every Rotarian - Every Year, a program designed to remind us that it is our own contributions from prior years that make up the TRF match.

Here are some great tools to help you stretch your club budget for international projects:

• A simple calculator - enter the total cost of the project and the contributions from the host country and non-Rotarian organizations. It will calculate the District match, the TRF match, and the amount needed from your club or group of clubs. Requires Excel or comparable spreadsheet program.

• A Guide to Matching Grants - a complete RI step-by-step guide to successful preparation of a Matching Grant Application.

• A matching grant application - This PDF file is new for the 2008-09 year. This easy to complete form can be emailed to the WCS Chairman, and to others with whom you want to share. One printed copy must still be submitted with original signatures, but save trees on the rest of the distribution.

• A Final Report Form - This writeable PDF is easy to complete. Remember that timely reporting on one grant is a key to having the next grant awarded. Always mark your calendar for the final report at the time when the grant is approved. Forgetting and being late can not only block your future grants but can delay approvals for other projects submitted from our district. (Is it beneficial to all concerned?).