By Ryan Hyland and Dan Nixon  Rotary International News -- 29 July 2011
 
Due to Rotarians' enormous support of the Rotary Japan 2011 Disaster Recovery Fund, The Rotary Foundation Board of Trustees has approved changes to the fund to make distributing money for relief efforts easier.
 
More than US$3.6 million has been donated to the fund to help in long-term recovery projects following the devastating earthquake and tsunami on 11 March. More than 30 Matching Grants worth $1.1 million has already been approved.
 
The Rotary Higashi Nihon Shinsai Fukkokikin (Rotary East Japan Earthquake Recovery Fund) Committee has been formed to oversee the fund. The committee, composed of six Japanese Rotarians, will identify the needs of the affected communities, manage the distribution of funds, oversee project implementation, report on the projects, and ensure that all stewardship practices are followed.
 
 As part of the changes, projects approved by the committee will not have to meet the regular requirements of Matching Grants and Rotary Foundation Global Grants. For example, funds could be used for construction. Additionally, money from the Japan fund will no longer be made available through Matching Grants and global grants.
This approach is similar to how the Foundation successfully managed the Solidarity in South Asia Fund following the tsunami in 2004. 

Japan ds 

Members of the Rotary Club of Fukushima South deliver supplies to a hard hit area. 

Sponsors