Clyde Alexander At the Oct. 17, meeting of the Roxboro Kiwanis Club held at Clarksville Station restaurant, Clyde Alexander, a retired pharmacist from Greenville, addressed the club on the Kiwanis Carolinas District Foundation.

Alexander is a past local club officer, past Lt. Governor, District Chair for Builders Club and is currently the Foundation president.

Alexander was presented a check for the club’s annual contribution and he reminded members that Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the lives of children.

The Foundation was formed in 1981 and is a 501(c)(3) organization, meaning that contributions are tax deductible. Interest from investments is all that is used, providing financial assistance to service programs supporting the objectives of Kiwanis International. He noted that Kiwanis was formed in 1915 and was international by 1924.

Alexander recited the objectives of Kiwanis which were established at that time — to give primacy to the human and spiritual rather than to the material values of life; to encourage the daily living of the Golden Rule in all human relationships; and to promote the adoption and application of higher social, business and professional standards.

The Foundation provides grants to Kiwanis clubs, groups and service organizations. Its board meets annually, but all Carolinas District club members are members of the Foundation. The executive board consists of nine members, elected from throughout North Carolina and South Carolina.

The executive board meets quarterly to receive, consider and award grant requests. All funding comes from member clubs and individual gifts.

The Foundation currently has about $925,000 in investments. In 2014- 15, grants totaling $27,000 were made. These particularly emphasize supported organizations such as Key Club, Builders Club and Circle K.

Grants also include matching scholarships, Boys and Girls Home and other worthwhile youth related endeavors, such as anti-bullying initiatives and leadership programs

A $5,000 scholarship was established this past year in memory of a deceased former district governor. It is based heavily on civic service of the applicant. Students who have a relationship with a Kiwanian qualify to apply.

The Foundation supports only service programs, not capital expense. Grants are usually not more than $5,000, nor less than $300, and matching grants are encouraged.

A final accounting is requested from the recipient.

Applications are received electronically only, which can be done through the Carolinas Kiwanis District website.

Alexander emphasized that Foundation grants are specifically for projects in the two Carolinas.

He closed by asking that members love their club, share their success, and live and define the objectives of Kiwanis in their communities.