Click Here for Survey
 

If you missed Governor Stephanie’s newsletter earlier, I am honored to share that I have been appointed incoming District Rotary Foundation Committee Chair, effective July 1, 2026.  District 7980 has a strong tradition of supporting The Rotary Foundation through generous giving and meaningful participation in District and Global Grants, and I look forward to building on that legacy with our incoming district leadership as we continue to “Do Good in the World.”

The DRFC includes teams focused on:

• Grants, including District and Global
• Fundraising, including Annual and Endowed Funds
• Peace Fellowships
• PolioPlus
• Stewardship

You don’t need any prior Foundation experience.  What matters most is your desire to strengthen Rotary’s impact and grow your leadership skills while working alongside a committed district team.  Even if you are unsure about serving, please complete the survey so we can better understand your interests and background.

Together, we can expand our reach, deepen our impact, and ensure District 7980 continues to lead with generosity and purpose.

Questions?  Don’t hesitate to reach out to me.
  
Bruce Goldsen  (bruce@goldsen.com)
District Rotary Foundation Committee Chair

Please email your hosting club: 

Trumbull/ Beth Stoller:  Berist92@gmail.com

Norwich/Carrie Szymanski:  warmsunshine11@hotmail.com

1.  The date of your club contest 

2. After your club contest, the name of your finalist

Areas 1-6, Semi-Finals/Trumbull

March 14, 9:15 AM- 1 PM

March 11, Club Registration Deadline

River Valley Senior Living

101 Oakview Drive, Trumbull, CT

Areas 7-12, Semi-Finals/Norwich

March 21, 10:15 AM - 12:00 PM

March 17,   Club Registration Deadline 

Norwich Free Academy

Slater Memorial Auditorium

108 Crescent St., Norwich, CT 

Areas 1–12 District Finals/Stratford

April 25, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM 

Stratford High School

245 King Street, Stratford, CT 

Send the semi-final registration forms and registration fee ($160 made payable to Rotary District 7980) to: 
Nancy Morin, 6 Mohican Trail, Old Saybrook, CT 06475

Online Card Payment is also available.

Nancy Morin (cde.embroidery@gmail.com)
Rotary District 7980 Area 10 Assistant Governor 

This is to announce that your Club can use a District Managed Grant (DMG) to fund a scholarship offered by your Club.

As Governor this year, I am encouraging all Clubs to consider using a DMG to help fund a scholarship program at your earliest convenience.

Until now, all scholarships funded by Foundation matching funds have been managed by the District: Global Grant Scholarships, Service Above Self Scholarships, and RYLA Scholarships.  Based on an inquiry from the Niantic Club, we have determined that there is nothing in our Foundation or District terms and conditions that prohibits Clubs from using DMG’s to support a Club-sponsored scholarship.

DG Stephanie encourages all Clubs in the District to consider using a DMG to help fund a scholarship program.

All the usual DMG requirements apply when using a DMG to fund a scholarship.  Before you prepare your DMG application, we encourage you to review our application notes HERE.

The application notes are available by clicking “HERE” in the last paragraph of the announcement text.

John Merkel (themerkels@cox.net)
District Grants Subcommittee Chair (7980)

Each Club may use a $100 District Managed Grant (DMG) to help fund a RYLA scholarship offered by your Club.  This is in addition to your usual $2,500 DMG allocation.

As we prepare for Spring RYLA, I strongly encourage every Club to take advantage of this opportunity.  

Investing in a young leader through RYLA is one of the most meaningful ways we build the future of Rotary.

All standard DMG requirements apply.  Clubs must be DMG Qualified, and the DMG Primary Contact must also be qualified.

Let’s increase the number of Clubs sending students this spring and make an even greater impact together.

John Merkel (themerkels@cox.net)
District Grants Subcommittee Chair (7980)