SERVICE IMPACT REPORT: ARE YOU UNDERREPORTING IN-KIND DONATIONS?
The impact of Rotary service is an important indicator of both your club’s vibrancy and Rotary’s value to your community, the district or the world. Some clubs, however, appear to be underreporting such data as volunteers, hours and other vital details while a majority of clubs are found reporting -0- in the category of “in-kind donations.”
The definition of “in-kind” – a phrase first used in 1973 – generally refers to goods, services, and transactions not involving money or not measured in monetary terms. For instance, one Utah RC could have claimed the in-kind contribution of a storage unit, transport of 3300 pieces of new clothing, all important to one of their major service projects, from southern California to the Wasatch Front – an approximate gift of about $75,000.
Another club – with a huge international project – reports in-kind as airfare and other travel expenses for the 35-50 volunteers who travel annually (pre-COVID, of course) to Central America in support of their Global Grant with in-kind value of more than $50,000.
Of course, not all clubs have this kind of large donations, but what about the use of specialized equipment or an individual’s professional expertise, gifts of furniture, technical support or a vehicle? Even bottled water, donuts / pizza or fuel, in support of a project, adds value to your service and should be counted.
Throughout RY2021-22 … and beyond, please track “in-kind” as you report “service above self” in Rotary Club Central and, next month, watch for another “Are You Underreporting?”
If Rotary is going to survive into the 22nd century, we must do a better job reporting – and sharing – how much good we do in the world!