The Four-Way-Test

The Four Way Test
 

From the earliest days of the organization, Rotarians were concerned with promoting high ethical standards in their professional lives. One of the world’s most widely printed and quoted statements of business ethics is The 4-Way Test, which was created in 1932 by Rotarian Herbert J. Taylor (who later served as RI president) when he was asked to take charge of a company that was facing bankruptcy. This 24-word test for employees to follow in their business and professional lives became the guide for sales, production, advertising, and all relations with dealers and customers, and the survival of the company is credited to this simple philosophy. Adopted by Rotary in 1943, The 4-Way Test has been translated into more than a hundred languages and published in thousands of ways. It asks the following four questions:

Of the things we think, say or do:

Is it the TRUTH?

Is it FAIR to all concerned?

Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?

Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

 
2019 Grant Application Guidelines
Rotary Club of Lansing Foundation
2019 Local Grant Program
Application Guidelines
 
Rotary is an international membership organization made up of people who share a passion for and commitment to enhancing communities and improving lives across the world. Rotary clubs exist in almost every country. Our members change lives locally and connect with other clubs to work on local and international projects that address today’s most pressing challenges. Being a member is an opportunity to take action and make a difference, and it brings personal rewards and lifelong friendships in the process.
 
The Lansing Rotary Club reflects a membership of over 200 outstanding and compassionate civic leaders who enjoy the fun of fellowship and opportunities to collectively make an impact on the Lansing community and the world. Members represent a cross-section of our business and professional community dedicated to a higher standard – Service Above Self.
 
To reflect the goals of making an impact, the Rotary Club of Lansing Foundation has established an enduring source of revenue where Lansing Rotarians honor the club's creed of "service above self" by supporting charitable endeavors of importance with positive impact on our city, our nation and our world.
 
Available Resources:
The Rotary Club of Lansing Foundation has budgeted a total of $60,000 for the Local Grant Program for 2019. Awards are competitive.
 
Purpose:
All applications must make a significant, positive difference in the Lansing community and must address one or more of the following:
  •  Projects serving residents of Ingham, Clinton or Eaton counties
  •   Projects serving an underserved or disadvantaged population
  •   Projects enhancing cultural or economic elements of the community
  •   Projects demonstrating a unique or emerging need that is unmet by another organization
Funding Categories and Maximum Grant Requests:
Each applicant must choose a funding category in which to apply:
 
Program/Event Support (grants up to $2,500)
Program/Event Support is a competitive program to support programs or events that match a nonprofit organization’s mission that will make a significant, positive difference in the Lansing community. Grants will be awarded for existing programs, new initiatives or special projects.
 
Operational Support (grants up to $5,000)
Operational Support is a competitive program to support a nonprofit organization’s mission rather than specific projects or programs. General operating support is the working capital nonprofits need to sustain their day-to-day operations, enabling nonprofits to build a strong and sustainable infrastructure to provide programs and services that will have the greatest impact.
 
Capital Support (grants up to $10,000)
Capital Support is a competitive program for nonprofit organizations that provide funding assistance for the expansion, renovation, or construction of facilities; upgrade of equipment and furnishings to provide an up-to-date environment; and/or provide or increase accessibility to persons with disabilities.
 
Eligibility:
  •  Grants will only be made to organizations and groups that are qualified under Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code, or to churches, schools, governmental units, or another Rotary Club.
  •  Grants will be made to projects that serve the residents of Ingham, Eaton, and Clinton counties.
  •  Only one project per organization per grant cycle will be awarded.
  •  All applicants must have a current Rotary Club of Lansing member as a sponsor of their application and provide a letter of support from that member within their application.
 
Not Eligible for Funding
  •   Grants will NOT be made to cover unrestricted capital campaigns, endowments, litigation costs, religious programming, deficit funding or debt retirement.
  •   Grants will NOT be made directly to individuals.
  •   Projects that received funding from the Rotary Club of Lansing Foundation during the prior two years are NOT eligible in this grant cycle.
  •   Applicants with unmet obligations on prior grants may not apply.
 
Grant Review Process:
  •  Applications will be reviewed by the Rotary Club of Lansing Foundation Local Grant administrator for eligibility.
  •  A review panel will be appointed and will consist of Rotary Club of Lansing Foundation board members, who are elected on the basis of their familiarity with, and expertise in, a broad spectrum of nonprofit organizations programming and reach. During the review panel meeting, applications are discussed, evaluated and scored according to the guidelines and selection criteria.
  •   The panel may opt to recommend full or partial funding to any eligible applicant.
  •   Decisions of the community review panel may not be appealed.
  •  The Rotary Club of Lansing Foundation board of directors reviews and makes final decisions regarding the community review panel’s recommendations prior to notification and announcement of grants.
 
Selection Criteria:
Selections for awards will be based on the following in all three funding categories:
  •   Project Description – Complete, descriptive project narrative including the who, what, where, when, why and how. The use of funds must be for a high quality, exemplary project that addresses the Rotary Club of Lansing Foundation purpose.
  •   Impact on Local Community - Merit of the proposed project’s impact upon the local community and target audience.
  •   Management - Feasibility of the project and ability of the organization to undertake and complete the project.
  •  Evaluation and Measurement of Outcomes – description of how and what measures you will use to define success.