East Lansing Rotary Foundation

Background

In 1999, the East Lansing Rotary Foundation filed articles of incorporation with the State of Michigan as a nonprofit organization. In 2007, the foundation was granted status as a 501 (c) (3) organization by the U.S. Department of Treasury, making it exempt from federal income taxes.

Mission Statement

“To fund and promote projects which are consistent with the goals of the Rotary Club of East Lansing and Rotary International, in support of arts, education, health and youth in greater East Lansing and around the world.”

Membership

All members of the Rotary Club of East Lansing are automatically members of the Foundation. You’re invited to assist with one of the foundation’s ongoing committees: ”Beer Tasting” (May), “Wine Tasting” (May), E.L. H.S. college scholarships or the “Scramble for Scholarships” golf outing (Sept).

Funding

The Foundation derives its funding from voluntary donations made by members and others – both individuals and organizations – interested in supporting Rotary projects in the community and across the world.

Project Support

Over the years, the East Lansing Rotary Foundation has supported a broad range of projects and provided funding for:

• Construction of the East Lansing Family Aquatic Park particularly, the “Splash Pad,” as well as the soccer fields

• Major renovation of the living areas at the Haven House shelter for homeless families, including the bathrooms, showers and living quarters

• Construction of the concession stand at the East Lansing High School football field

• Youth programs at the Wharton Center

• The Nyaka AIDS Orphan School in Uganda

• College scholarships for graduating seniors from East Lansing High School

• Replacement of the boiler and upgrade of the heating system at Haven House

• The bio-sand filter program

• The Weekend Survival Kit (backpack) program

• The “re-imagination” project to replace the playground at Patriarche Park

2013-14 Club Activities Supported by the Foundation

Wine Tasting to Benefit Haven House

October 2013
• Develop a fundraising plan, including a budget and checklist of activities/tasks required to make the event a financial success
• Arrange logistics (site, date and times, facility, food and wine, etc.) for the event
• Design and implement a plan to publicize the event (members and/or the public)
• Sell tickets
• Transmit proceeds from ticket sales and purchase receipts to the Foundation Treasurer for processing

Mud & Suds Event to Support the Weekend Survival Kits (back packs) Program

May 2014
• Develop a fundraising plan, including a budget and checklist of activities/tasks required to make the event a financial success
• Arrange logistics (site, date and times, facility, food and beer, etc.) for the event
• Design and implement a plan to publicize the backpack program and beer tasting event (to members and/or the public)
• Sell tickets
• Transmit proceeds from ticket sales and purchase receipts to the Foundation Treasurer for processing

Playground in the Park Re-Imagined,Participation in the Big Bang-Quet Community Charity Challenge Fund Raiser

February/March 2014
• Further fundraising efforts to bring the park project to a successful conclusion in June 2014
• Deliver value to donors via our 501(c) (3) status
• Work in conjunction with the University Club of MSU, Capital Area Community Foundation, and Michigan State University Federal Credit Union

Presentation of Scholarships @ E.L.H.S. Awards Convocation

May 2014
• Develop criteria for awarding the scholarships
• Serve as the Club’s liaison to E.L.H.S.
• Develop and implement a plan for publicizing the scholarships and receiving nominations
• Screen nominees and select scholarship winners
• Attend the E.L.H.S. awards convocation and present the scholarships to the recipients
• Provide information about the scholarships program to the E.L. Rotary Club’s Publicity Chair for posting on the Club website and use in media news releases

“Scramble for Scholarships” Golf Outing

September 2014
• Develop a fundraising plan, including a budget and checklist of activities/tasks required to make the event a financial success
• Arrange logistics (site, date and times, facility, food and beverages, etc.) for the event
• Design and implement a plan to publicize the event (members and/or the public)
• Recruit golfers/teams and sponsors
• Transmit proceeds from registrations, sponsorships and receipts for purchases and services to the Foundation Treasurer for processing