| ||
| ||
What is a Cluster Fund? In 2018 a dozen Rotary clubs from the Niagara Peninsula meet to prove that “1+1=3”! With several International Global projects to select from, they voted and selected a project sponsored by the Rotary Club of Lincoln to train mid-wives for the highlands of Guatemala. Each member of the Niagara Cluster Group contributed $1,000 US to the project. This became the seed for a budget of over $80,000 US$. At that time, the ‘Multiplier Effect’ of District 7090, The Rotary International Global Fund, and even the Canadian Government made this possible. In a country where the Infant death rate was 100 times more 
than in Canada, the Cluster Fund of Niagara has made a difference.
than in Canada, the Cluster Fund of Niagara has made a difference.Since that time we have supported water and hygiene projects in Nepal and Guatemala; Educational Supplies in the Philippines; and last year we supported the Dunnville club with a fascinating roof rain water collection system in the severe drought area of Tanzania. The Cluster Fund system works!
The advantage of the Cluster Fund is that a smaller club can participate in a Global Grant with just a $1000 US contribution. Without this support, a club would need $12,000 US to allow the Multiplier Effect of Rotary to reach the $30,000 US Global Grant threshold. One should also recognize that the Cluster Fund is a means for any club to participate in the Global Grant system that allows Rotary to do what it does best….. Improve the lives and support people around the world.
We are now very pleased to have permission from District 7090 to expand this idea to all of the Canadian clubs in the District. With 30 clubs in this half of the region, this will be a tremendous opportunity to participate in Global Grants.
The District is presently looking for support from the US side of the border to create a Cluster Group of their own. That border is not a barrier, but an advantage for District 7090. There is no reason that a Global Grant, with it’s larger budget; can not have a host club on one side of the river, being supported by a sponsor club on the other side. This means that larger funded projects can get RI support for a District 7090 project. Recognize that the sponsor club could contribute only $500, with the Cluster contributing the rest of the funds for a project on their side.
Cluster Funds have made the difference…. The future is wide open to do more!
Cluster Funds have made the difference…. The future is wide open to do more!
Dave Berry, Member of Rotary Club of Niagara Falls Sunrise