Rotarians Briefed on Grants Process

Westfield Rotarians found out how money from the club's foundation is distributed to groups around the region.

During a briefing during the club's weekly meeting on Tuesday, Darielle Walsh, the chairwoman of the club's grants committee, explained the grant process and shed light on how the money is distributed. She said the $15,000 to $20,000 in annual funds available for grants favor area charities.

"There are many needy organizations that are represented by people in Rotary," she said. "If they are helping and support the residents of Westfield even if they are in Elizabeth or Plainfield we consider them local."

Walsh said the committee studies the applications to see how much can be given to the groups that apply. Historically the club received 20 grant applications a year, a number that has doubled in recent years due to the economic downturn.

The club focuses grants on programs and not employees.

"Our grants do not support operating expenses," she said. "We don't pay for staff or operating expenses, our grants are to support local non-profits."

Walsh, a former councilwoman and Board of Education president, said the committee reviews the one page application and supporting materials in making the decisions. The committee consists of several Rotarians including club president Ray Koslyack, Rotary foundation chairman Mark Swingle, foundation treasurer David Foltz, club treasurer Lauren Falk and club vice president Sherry Cronin.

Walsh said the committee tries to award grants to most of the groups that apply, looking to cover as many as possible. Explaining that final decision is made by the club's board, she said most declined applications are for organizations that have applied to operating expenses and not programs.

Walsh said several programs receive annual grants including the Westfield YMCA and the United Fund of Westfield, along with the Optimist Club for assistance with the annual Project Graduation Bash. She said other programs which receive money are Rotary International projects.

The grant applications are due to Rotary by April 15 of each year with the committee meeting a few weeks later to make decisions. The awards are timed for the end of the club's fiscal year in June. Walsh said that several grants can be made outside of the annual timeline for more immediate needs. One she cited was the annual Booster Club ad the club purchases.

Funds for the grants are raised through several fundraisers including the annual pancake breakfast and the club's grand raffle.

"Our philosophy is that we want to support projects, sometimes a $100 means a lot to an organization," Walsh said of the committee. "Our goal is not to keep the agency alive but to help their programs."