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?
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.