In the face of an unprecedented global pandemic, Rotary clubs are called upon to adapt and change the way we connect and serve.
Clubs around the world are providing medical equipment to frontline health workers, raising funds, communicating best practices, and keeping communities connected and resilient.
While we cannot predict with any certainty when we will overcome COVID-19, it is important to plan for the future, and to ensure that Rotary members are still able to pursue long-term projects that make a lasting change in their communities.
To this end, I am thrilled to announce that Rotary has entered into a new partnership with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)’s Bureau for Europe and Eurasia called “Hearts of Europe”. Both organizations anticipate contributing up to $1 million each to this jointly funded, three-year grant program. The goal is to foster collaboration, networking, and friendship among Rotary clubs in select Eastern European countries and the United States.
Through Hearts of Europe we will award grants to Rotary clubs, using our existing global grant structure, to support projects aligned with our areas of focus. Hearts of Europe global grant projects must meet global grant requirements as well as additional requirements, with an emphasis on strengthening relationships between members in the U.S. and in Eastern Europe, and involving Rotaractors. The initiative will focus on clubs in Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Ukraine.
Applications are now open for Hearts of Europe global grants, so I encourage you to promote the program in your districts. We welcome all project proposals within our areas of focus; COVID-19 related initiatives are eligible.
At this challenging time, we believe Hearts of Europe is a fantastic opportunity to rebuild the bonds of cooperation between communities and nations. If we can seize this opportunity, we will pave the way for a healthier and more prosperous future.
Please see Hearts of Europe Global Grants for more information.
Sincerely,
John Hewko
General Secretary & CEO