1. Sponsorship Program

 

In recent years, we have encouraged members to contribute to our sponsorship program. Prior to COVID-19, we held an annual gala to raise funds for operations and service projects. Over the past three years, members have generously donated to the sponsorship program in lieu of gala participation. Direct donations to our sponsorships are more cost-efficient than gala auctions, where additional expenses often reduce the net funds received by the club.

 

We are continuing the sponsorship program, supported by our generous club members and Friends of Rotary. Our 2024-2025 PAUR Sponsors of $1,000 or more are included on our Sponsors Slide, Link 10 and on our webpage at https://www.paloaltouniversityrotaryclub.com/sponsors

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1.a. Direct Contributions to the Club

 

Members can make non-deductible contributions directly to the Palo Alto University Rotary’s general account. These club sponsor funds are vital for covering our operating expenses and supporting community service projects on a limited basis as needed.

 

1.b. Tax-Deductible Club Contributions via District 5170 Foundation

 

For those interested in tax-deductible donations, we have established an account with the District 5170 Foundation, designated for 501(c)(3) expenses under a “PAUR” account. This account is managed by our club treasurer. Please notify the treasurer whenever you make a contribution to this account. (Link 1)

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Accessing 501(c)(3) Funds for PAUR Service Projects

 

Committee chairs aiming to utilize these funds must ensure that expenses qualify under 501(c)(3) guidelines and use our PAUR “Request for Funds” worksheet, (Link 2). Collaborating with other 501(c)(3) organizations can extend our fund resources, (Link 3). If a suitable partner isn’t available, committees may need to seek alternative funding sources, such as external donors or community grants, (Links 4, 5 and 6). Engaging with these opportunities can attract new supporters and enhance the visibility of our work.

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Grant Writing for PAUR Committee Chairs:

 

We have compiled a list of nonprofit grant-making organizations in our community. We encourage you to review, update, and utilize this resource,

(Link 6). For assistance with grant applications or other fundraising strategies, please reach out to Carol Marshall, who has extensive experience in these areas and is eager to support your efforts.

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2. District Designated Funds (DDF)

 

Our club receives DDF annually, based on contributions to the Rotary Foundation, TRF. Fifty percent of your contributions to the Rotary Foundation through the Every Rotarian Every Year (EREY) initiative and Paul Harris donations are returned to PAUR as DDF dollars three years later. Additionally, 0.5% of our club’s Fund-for-the-Future account balance, held at the Rotary Foundation, adds to our DDF distribution. 

 

3. Fund-for-the-Future (DAF)

 

Our Fund-for-the-Future is the “Club Endowment” established as a Donor Advised Fund (DAF) at The Rotary Foundation, TRF. All contributions to the DAF are Tax Deductible. The Rotary (International) Foundation provides clubs with a DAF option in lieu of establishing its own 501(c)(3) Endowment Fund, eliminating required regulations, investment management and fiduciary responsibilities. Our club’s DAF Committee has decided to defer distributions from our Donor Advised Fund (DAF) until the account balance reaches $1,000,000. At that point, the committee can authorize annual distributions of 4-5% to fund 501(c)(3) expenses and future scholarships. See Link 8 for information about how to make a Fund-for-the Future contribution.

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3.a. The Abe Sofaer Heritage Society (ASHS) was established to recognize members who have contributed $10,000 (or more) or made a bequest of $10,000 (or more) to our Fund-for-the Future (DAF). Members who have collectively given $10,000 or more are recognized as “Donors”. Eligibility also includes members who have made a pledge of $10,000 or completed a legacy bequest including PAUR DAF in their estate plan for $10,000 or more. ASHS members are recognized in Link 11. All donations to our DAF are Tax Deductible. The current value of the DAF is $841,000 as of 2 Dec 2024.

 

3.b. The Palo Alto History Museum (PAHM) – a PAUR Signature Project. “Palo Alto’s first History Museum will create a place where everyone is welcome and inspired to learn, share, imagine and create. It will showcase the many stories, known and presently unknown, that have not only made the Palo Alto-Stanford community one that is recognized world-wide but also one that we call home. Join us now by sharing our enthusiasm, share it with others, contribute to the vision, volunteer your talents, contribute financially.” – Rich Green, PAHM President.

 

The PAUR DAF made an initial contribution to the PAHM in the Spring of 2024. With early additional member contributions, the club has achieved our stretch goal. Members who would like to be included on a special PAUR Rotary Donor Recognition Museum plaque have three options: 1) make an individual $100 (or more) donation to PAHM, 2) purchase a $500 personalized courtyard brick with your name or message engraved or 3) make a significant donation exceeding $25,000 and receive additional recognition as a Museum Legacy Donor. Donations can be made on the museum webpage at https://paloaltohistorymuseum.org/donate/. Purchase a brick at https://paloaltohistorymuseum.org/buy-a-brick/. Please notify Larry of your donations so we can include your name on the PAUR plaque. Deadline for donations is December 31, 2025.

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4. The Rotary (International) Foundation (TRF)

 

Fondly referred to as “Big Rotary”, The Rotary Foundation (TRF) transforms our gifts into service projects that change lives both close to home and around the world. Currently over $1billion, the TRF grants over $1m in grants per day. PAUR achieved 100% EREY with all members making a minimum $25 donation as part of their annual dues. Donations of $1,000 (or more) are recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow. Consider a minimum $25 contribution to PolioPlus. For more information, see Link 9. Please notify Mary Chigos or Hal Louchheim of your donations to TRF.

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4.a. Every Rotarian Every Year (EREY). Every Rotarian Every Year (EREY) is a Rotary Foundation initiative encouraging all members to contribute annually to support life-changing projects locally and globally. Our club includes a minimum $25 EREY contribution in the July membership invoice, enabling us to achieve 100% EREY participation. This collective support strengthens Rotary’s ability to fund scholarships, humanitarian aid, and sustainable development projects, showcasing our commitment to making a positive impact worldwide. Your EREY is also included in our DDF calculation with 50% returning to the club in three years.

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4.b. The Paul Harris Fellow. The Paul Harris Fellow donation opportunity aligns seamlessly with Rotary's Every Rotarian Every Year (EREY) initiative, which encourages members to contribute annually to The Rotary Foundation. EREY ensures that every member participates, with a minimum $25 annual contribution already included in our club's annual July dues. By contributing $1,000 outright or through cumulative donations, members achieve Paul Harris Fellow recognition, joining a distinguished group dedicated to advancing Rotary's mission of promoting peace, health, and education worldwide. This dual commitment strengthens our club’s impact, supporting both global grants and local projects. Your Paul Harris contributions are included in the DDF calculations and 50% is returned to the club three years later.

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4.c. PolioPlus: A Rotary Milestone in Global Health.
PolioPlus, launched by Rotary International in 1985, is the organization’s flagship program to eradicate polio worldwide. Since its inception, Rotary has been a driving force in reducing polio cases by over 99%, from 350,000 annually in 125 countries to just a handful today. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation joined this effort in 2007, matching Rotary’s contributions 2-to-1, amplifying the impact of every dollar raised. Donations to PolioPlus count toward Every Rotarian Every Year (EREY) goals, though they do not factor into the District Designated Funds (DDF) calculation. Together, Rotary and its partners are on the verge of achieving a polio-free world.

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5. How Can You Help?

 

Your contributions are crucial to sustaining our operations and community service projects. Whether through direct donations, participating in the sponsorship program, or engaging with grant opportunities, your support enables us to make a meaningful impact.

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For questions about:

Sponsorships: David and Larry

DAF: Eliot and Larry

PAHM: Larry

TRF: Mary and Hal

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Thank you for your continued dedication and generosity.   

Leif, David, Eliot, Mary, Hal, and Larry​​