The Rotary Club of Farmington regularly receives requests from organizations, groups or individuals asking for financial support for a particular project, event or program. The Board of Directors adopts the following policy for donations and charitable contribution requests in order to insure that all requests receive timely and thorough consideration. To assist the club in responding to these requests in a way that is consistent and which reflects the values and priorities of the club, Rotary District #5960 and Rotary International, the criteria and process listed below will be applied when acting upon the request. It is the intent of the board to make this policy and a charitable contribution application available via the club website.

The Board of Directors annually, through the budget, will incorporate charitable contributions to organizations, groups or individuals that are consistent with Rotary International Mission, Object of Rotary, Avenues of Service and are guided by the Four Way Test. Special attention will be given to organizations that past Board of Directors have made annual commitments to fund. These should be reviewed by the Board of Directors to determine that these organizations still meet the criteria utilized for charitable contributions.

Except in extraordinary circumstances, only requests from nonprofit organizations will be considered. Requests that benefit groups of individuals or the community as a whole will be given priority. Only in unique situations will grants be made for an individual. In those cases, it should be clearly demonstrated that the grant on the behalf of an individual will result in a community benefit. Requests from other service organizations for fundraising efforts will generally not be supported, except in circumstances that the benefit will be greater than what the club can contribute independently. Contributions to public governmental or education institutions will only be considered for programs or projects not funded by public tax revenues and that reflect the club's stated priorities. No contributions will be made to any organization, group, or individual, as part of its mission, any activity that is illegal, discriminatory, or against the best interests of the community as a whole. No contributions will be made to any organization, group or individual that is affiliated with any political party. No contributions will be made to athletic teams.

Charitable Contribution Criteria

Donations to organizations or groups for a particular project, event or program will be considered based on the following criteria:

1. promote health care and general welfare in the community
2. benefit children, youth and families, particularly those at risk (abuse and neglect)
3. promote literacy and numeracy in the community or internationally
4. benefit children or adults with disabilities
5. benefit elderly citizens who do not have other resources for financial, social and emotional support
6. promotes poverty, hunger and humanity issues in a community or worldwide
7. benefit areas where people are without basic levels of food, shelter or health care and where a Rotary intervention can have a demonstrated impact

Each of the above should focus in on effective projects or programs that:

1. Respond to a real issue, not an imagined one
2. Improves the quality of lives in the community
3. Advances world understanding and peace
4. Recognizes all participants' contributions as important and necessary
5. Comes from a realistic assessment of resources available
6. Aims for specific goals and objectives with measurable results
7. Builds a working network or relationship with organization

Charitable Contribution Process

The following process shall be followed for all donations to organization, groups or individuals:

1. Complete application and additional documentation to assist the board in evaluating the request.
2. Submit application to a member for the Rotary Club of Farmington or mail to:
   
   Rotary Club of Farmington
   P.O. Box 175
   Farmington, MN 55024
   
3. Board will review and respond to the request within 60 days
4. Upon approval, the Board will direct Treasurer to issue funds
5. Upon denial, written notice of such decision will be mailed by the Board Secretary