Top 15 things Rotarians should know about global grants for vocational training  

Rotary.org

Did you know that the new global grants offered under the Future Vision Plan can support vocational training teams? Here are some key concepts about how vocational training activities can work under The Rotary Foundation’s new grant model, which will be tested by 100 pilot districts beginning 1 July 2010. The plan will roll out for all districts in 2013. These ideas can get your club and district started as you develop vocational training opportunities.  

1.  Both clubs and districts can develop and apply for global grants  to fund vocational training under the Future Vision Plan.  

2. Clubs and districts are free to develop as many global grants for vocational training as they wish in a given Rotary year. Consider the number of trainings appropriate for your area.  

3. Communities can provide inspiration. Clubs and districts are encouraged to pinpoint their community’s needs and strengths within an identified area of focus when developing vocational trainings with other clubs or districts.  

4. Teams may either receive or provide training. Capacity building is key.  

5. Either a single team or multiple teams may travel on a global grant. You determine the number of teams needed for each grant.  

6. Each team may center training on a different area of focus , if more than one vocational training team is traveling on a grant.  

7. A minimum of one Rotarian team leader and three non-Rotarian participants are required per team. There is no maximum team size. Develop your team according to the goals of your grant.  

8. There are no age restrictions for participants. Instead, selection is based on expertise within the identified area of focus.  

9. All participants on a single team must have careers linked to the goals of the grant , but they are not required to have the same professions.  

10. Vocational training is an opportunity for Rotarian service. Rotarians may participate on vocational training teams that are providing training, if they have the needed skills.  

11. Trainings may be developed for any time frame , depending on the scope of the training project.  

12. Trainings may take place in a variety of settings , including universities, medical institutions, schools, companies, and community centers. Determine which setting is most appropriate for your training.  

13. Teams may be hosted in a variety of places , such as Rotarians’ homes, university dormitories, and hotels. Determine what kind of hosting is most appropriate for your team.  

14. Costs are flexible. There is no set, catalog cost associated with vocational trainings. Global grants must meet the US$30,000 minimum for total project cost, but this includes the expenses for the vocational training team as well as any other grant activities, such as humanitarian projects, scholarships, or additional teams.  

15. A Rotary Foundation District Grant   can be used to support a vocational training team that's more like a traditional Group Study Exchange . The vocational training exchange can be with any district (pilot or nonpilot), and teams are not required to train within one of the areas of focus.      www.rotary.org