The Purpose of the Metropolitan Honolulu Rotary Foundation is:
- To provide scholarships and other learning experiences for youth,
- To educate youth and support programs for youth about healthy and responsible lifestyles,
- To educate individuals about all vocations available,
- To support programs concerned with the welfare of human beings of all kinds throughout the whole span of life and to support those in need,
- To support programs concerned with improving the Honolulu community as a place to live, including environmental matters,
- To support programs of an international scope consistent with the purposes above.
The Metropolitan Honolulu Rotary Foundation was formed by the Rotary Club of Metropolitan Honolulu and is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations are tax deductible and an IRS certification letter is available upon request.
Diamonds in the Rough Scholarship Program
A Program Created and Supported by the Metropolitan Honolulu Rotary Foundation, Diamonds in the Rough Scholarship Program is the Metropolitan Honolulu Rotary Foundation’s signature program.
Established in the school year 2000-2001, the Diamonds in the Rough Program was created to support college-bound students whose academic records are not strong enough to qualify for other scholarship programs, but who demonstrate that they are motivated to continue their education, if they are able to find the financial resources to do so.
The scholarship award is a total of $2,500 per student for two years, maximum $1,250 per year, for study at an accredited post-high school institution in Hawaii. Since the program’s inception in 2000, 26 students have graduated and numerous others transferred to U.S. mainland colleges.
In addition to its scholarship program, the Metropolitan Honolulu Rotary Foundation also supports programs such as:
- Future Light Orphanage (F.L.O.), home to more than 287 orphans in Cambodia. F.L.O.’s mission is to care for its children, providing them with a warm environment, supplying food, clothes, school supplies, education and extracurricular activities until they are 18. www.camnet.com.kh/futurelight.net/
- Third Party Affiliation Program encourages members with businesses offering services or products to sign up and donate a portion of purchases made by fellow Metro Rotary members to the foundation.
- Other Community Service projects which are supported by the Rotary Club of Metropolitan Honolulu
