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Heart 2 Heart – Overview and Global Grant Projects

“Feeling the love at Gustavo Baz School in Mexico. I love these children!”

PDG Linda Mong, District 6880 – Southern Alabama

HEART 2 HEART – OVERVIEW and GLOBAL GRANT PROJECTS

 

Heart 2 Heart is a collaborative partnership between Rotary districts and clubs in the U.S. and Mexico; like-minded individuals, businesses and corporations, and non-profit organizations in the U.S. and Mexico; The Rotary Foundation; and FURMEX (Fondo Unido Rotario de Mexico) to provide humanitarian service in Mexico. The first partnership effort was in fall 2004, when all the 2005-06 District Governors in both U.S. zones agreed to support a water well project in a rural town in Mexico District 4170. District Governors Olga Devlyn (District 4170) and Martin Limbird (District 6560) were the leaders of that cooperative effort, and they were also instrumental in the overall development of the international partnerships and friendships. Due in large part to the tremendous work and support by Patricia Vela (District 4170 Governor 2015-16) over the past decade-plus and her visit to the U.S. in 2015, and the ongoing work of Jose Antonio Gonzalez and David Carranza in District 4170, many other U.S. districts have joined in the effort during the past few years, and the Heart 2 Heart program has expanded significantly. Heart 2 Heart added District 4140 as a partner in 2017, thanks to the efforts of D4140 Rotarians Enrique Garcia and Adrian Clerc. Heart 2 Heart added District 4110 as a partner in 2023, thanks to the efforts of the Pathways OH club (District 6600).

Heart 2 Heart partners offer and support Rotary Foundation global grant projects annually. These global grant projects are developed and proposed by District 4170, District 4140, and District 4110 Rotarians. Please see the tabs below for the global grant projects in the current and prior Rotary years.

With the addition of the “100 Plus Program”, Heart 2 Heart also works on smaller, club-to-club size projects throughout all of Mexico. Please go to www.rizones30-31.org/news/heart-2-heart/100-in-100-programs to view the information for club to club projects.

District 4170 is located in the central part of Mexico and includes the Mexico City metropolitan area and several hundred square miles of adjacent rural areas and communities of various sizes. District 4140 includes an even larger geographical area adjacent on the north with District 4170 and includes the Guadalajara metropolitan area. District 4110 is in the northern part of Mexico, and our partnering is with clubs in the Chihuahua area. Although the average size of a club in these districts is relatively small (under 20), these clubs provide incredible support for their communities, devoting tremendous amount of volunteer time and financial resources toward a wide range of needs. The ongoing efforts of these District 4170, District 4140, and District 4110 Rotarians continue to inspire U.S. Rotarians who have had the opportunity to see the results of their outstanding work.

As we move forward, an added emphasis is on finding more partners, regardless of location, who want to make a difference. The Heart 2 Heart partners are People of Action Making a Difference!

Rotarians from U.S. districts usually make an annual visit to Mexico. The next regular project visit is scheduled for January 14 – 22, 2025. The preliminary agenda is as follows:

Tuesday Jan 14     Group arrivals in Mexico City from US, dinner sponsored by host D4170

Wednesday Jan 15      Attend vision day event, visit AMANC project, visit Steve Sorenson child cancer treatment project

Thursday Jan 16      Day trip visit to rain harvesting project   

Friday Jan 17      Visit “game, story and grow” project, visit breast cancer diagnosis and treatment project, visit Holtz-Beahon kidney transplant project

Saturday Jan 18    District Breakfast, Roger Sims scoliosis treatment project visit,  afternoon and dinner open

Sunday Jan 19     Group 1 (without optional extension) returns to US, Group 2 (with optional extension) travels to Valle de Bravo, then afternoon boat ride on lake

Monday Jan 20     Group 2 tours the monarch butterfly reserve and visits the town of Valle de Bravo

Tuesday Jan 21     Group 2 visits the Cosmovitral Stained Glass Mural and Botanical Garden in Toluca, then returns to Mexico City near airport

Wednesday Jan 22     Group 2 returns to US

District 6710 will be leading a hands-on service trip to the Guadalajara area on October 4 -11, 2025. Please contact PDG Bill Fish (bfish@ipa.net) for more information.

District 6820 will be leading a hands-on service trip to the Guadalajara area on February 15 – 21, 2025. Please contact Lucy Anne Walker (lucyawalker@yahoo.com) for more information.

Updated October 13, 2024

WHY CLUBS AND DISTRICTS SHOULD BE INTERESTED IN HEART 2 HEART PROJECTS

  1. The projects serve people in need.
  2. The projects are designed well and usually completed timely.
  3. Any club or district (or individual) can participate, regardless of size of club or amount of contribution. This is an easy way for clubs (and districts) to get involved internationally.
  4. By working with The Rotary Foundation on matching grants, districts and clubs can multiply their contributions and provide larger projects.
  5. There is no paperwork for the clubs and very little work for a district (except for sponsor clubs and districts). Mexico clubs write the grants.
  6. Heart 2 Heart attempts to offer a variety of projects for clubs and districts to consider, either as a new venture or as a good way to expand international service.
  7. Districts 4170, 4140, and 4110 are in areas that are easy to visit.
  8. Districts 4170 and 4140 provide support and DDF funding for global grants in the US.
  9. Mexico is our next-door neighbor and significant economic partner.

HEART 2 HEART LEADERSHIP TEAM

Members of the Heart 2 Heart Advisory Committee serve as the decision-makers for Heart to Heart projects and issues.

The following group serves as primary contacts in specific areas as follows:

Coordinators for annual trip to D4170 – Tom Dusing and Rosa Mar
Coordinators for public image and communications – Craig Maxey and Rosa Mar
Coordinator for financing and districts outside of Zones 30 & 31 – Ron Appuhn
Coordinator for official projects in D4140 and 4110 (the go-to person for Mexico) – Ron Appuhn
Coordinator for official projects in D4170 (the go-to person for Mexico) – Steve Hopper
Coordinator for 100 in 100 program – Ron Appuhn

 

The date of the next virtual Project Fair for D4170 will be in February 2025 on a Saturday to be determined. 

The next H2H annual project visit for 2024-25 will be January 14 – 22, 2025.

District 6710 will be leading a hands-on service trip to the Guadalajara area on October 4 – 11, 2025. Please contact PDG Bill Fish (bfish@ipa.net) for more information.

District 6820 will be leading a hands-on service trip to the Guadalajara area on February 15 – 21, 2025. Please contact Lucy Anne Walker (lucyawalker@yahoo.com) for more information.

 

HEART 2 HEART CONTACT INFORMATION

Ron Appuhn
Rotary Club of Maryville, TN (D6780)

For more information about the annual visit to Mexico, please contact:

Tom Dusing
Rotary Club of Carmel, IN (D6560)

HEART 2 HEART ADVISORY COMMITTEE

In order to establish long term continuity of the program and to collectively work on current and future projects and issues, volunteers from around the country have joined to form the Advisory Committee for the U.S. partners. The Advisory Committee includes a Lead Advocate for each district (indicated by * below). These Committee members are available as resources for districts, clubs, and individuals.

Advisory Committee Members

D5110 Juli Di Chiro, Mike Pastryk

D5130 Salvador Rico

D5630 Don Peterson*, Bob Taylor, Dale Schultz, Bob Mayber

D5750 Steven Shepelwich, Matt Bown*
D5830 Ted Huffhines*, Mike Groom
D6040 Kim Lesage, Don Gladhart*
D6060 Jerry Weems*
D6080 David Bixler*, Paul Reinert, Mary Ann Beahon
D6110 Ed Hardesty*
D6170 Jennifer Van Houtte, Dennis Cooper*, Robert Thompson, Joi Burton, Bill Fish
D6190 Jerry Wall, Pamela Stewart, Karen Johnson*
D6200 Richard Churchman*
D6460 Steve Hopper*
D6490 Larry Howell, Mike Martin*
D6510 David Matthews, Mike Nowobilski*, Janice Alka
D6540 John Frischie*, Dan Ryan, Mike Pruitt
D6560 Tom Dusing , Judy Hagan, Brad Sexauer, Barbara Ellis, Bryce Adam*
D6580 Laura Carie*

D6600 Andy Bone *, Bob Kuck, Deb Cheney
D6670 Mac Hickman, Frank Scott*, Ron Hollenbeck
D6690 Craig Maxey*
D6710 Bill Miller
D6740 James Glass, Ryan Glass, John Hutchings*
D6760 Dick Bowers, Jerome Bannister*
D6780 Rosa Mar*, Ron Appuhn, Jim Shamblin, John Solomon
D6800 Bethany Huffman*
D6820 Bill Walker, Mark DiBiase*, Ed Thurmond
D6840 Kathie Short, Greg Lier*
D6860 Pat Cross, Ed Carr*
D6880 Linda Mong*, Bob Callahan

2024-25 Global Grant Projects

Updated October 18, 2024

The Heart 2 Heart partners are working on eight global grant projects for 2024-25. We are also continuing the work on numerous non-global-grant projects through the 100 Plus Program (club to club projects)..

Eight Global Grant Projects

1. GG 2464063 Cleft Lip and Palate – This project will provide cleft lip and palate surgeries in a rural area in the state of Hidalgo. The budget is $42,422. The Mexico host club is Las Torres Satelite D4170. The US sponsor is District 6510 IL. The grant has been submitted and is awaiting TRF approval. Many thanks to the following districts for their support of this global grant:

6510      6110      6780

2. GG 2465062 Strengthening primary schools – This pilot project will provide computer technology into three public schools in the Mexico City area. The budget is $59,518. The Mexico host club is Xalostoc D4170. The US sponsor is Carmel IN D6560. The grant has been submitted and is awaiting TRF approval. Many thanks to the following districts for their support of this global grant:

6560      6110      6200      6780

3. GG 2463825 Rainwater harvesting for schools  – This pilot project will provide rain catchment systems for three public schools in the Mexico City area. The budget is $49,983. The Mexico host club is Las Torres Satelite D4170. The US sponsor is Marshall TX D5830. The grant has been submitted and is awaiting TRF approval. Many thanks to the following districts for their support of this global grant:

5830      5750      6200      6780

4. GG 2463524 Neonatal cardiac screening – This project will provide supply kits for screening 60,000 infants in Hidalgo for potential cardiac problems. The budget is $152,733. The Mexico host club is Pachuca Plata D4170. The US sponsor is District 6880 AL. The grant is in draft and is working on DDF support.

5. GG 2463421 Autism center equipment – This project will provide equipment and supplies for a new room in a facility that treats autistic patients. The budget is $66,061. The Mexico host club is Zamora Industrial D4140. The US sponsor is District 6820 MS. The grant is in draft and is fully funded. Many thanks to the following districts for their support of this global grant:

6820      5830      6040      6110      6780

6. GG 2462731 Clean, Potable Water for Tarahumara Families Phase 2 – This project will provide rain catchment systems for families in twelve poor, remote communities that lack access to water. The budget is $138,001. The Mexico host club is Chihuahua San Felipe D4110. The US sponsor is Decatur Daybreak AL D6860. The grant is fully funded and will be submitted soon. Many thanks to the following districts for their support of this global grant:

6860      5830      6600      6670      6780

7. GG 2463524 Angel Project II (Cerebral palsy) – This project will provide additional supplies and training to expand and improve a non-profit facility that treats patients with severe cerebral palsy. The budget is $80,993. The Mexico host club is Bellevista Atizipan D4170. The US sponsor is North Platte Sunrise NE D5630. The grant has been submitted and is awaiting TRF approval. Many thanks to the following districts for their support of this global grant:

5630      6040      6170      6110      6670      6780

8. GG 2571397 Holtz-Beahon Kidney Transplant Program 2023 – This signature project partners with private hospitals and the Ayudar Foundation in Mexico to provide kidney transplants for low income, high risk individuals with kidney disease. The grant budget is $180,600. The Mexico host club is Cuajimalpa D4170. The US sponsor is Lebanon Breakfast, TN D6780 MO. The grant is in draft stage and DDF fundraising is still underway.

PDF summaries of these global grant projects (except for the Holtz-Beahon kidney transplant GG) are located on the right hand side of this webpage.

The total budget for these eight global grants is $770,311, with $336,483  coming from US H2H partners DDF and $315,568 from the Rotary Foundation match for all sources.

The 100 Plus Program – Non-Global-Grant (Club to Club) Projects

The Heart 2 Heart partners are engaged with many Rotary districts in Mexico to provide opportunities for clubs to have service projects, as part of an on-going celebration of the 100th anniversary of Rotary in Mexico. Please see www.rizones30-31/news/100-in-100-program for more details.

2023-24 Global Grant Projects

Updated October 18, 2024

The Heart 2 Heart partners are working on five global grant projects and are supporting one US hosted – Mexico sponsored global grant for 2023-24 and one St. Lucia grant sponsored by D6600 OH. We are also continuing the work on numerous non-global-grant projects through the 100 in 100 Club to Club program.

Five Global Grant Projects

1. GG 2346253 Holtz-Beahon Kidney Transplant Program 2023 – This signature project partners with private hospitals and the Ayudar Foundation in Mexico to provide kidney transplants for low income, high risk individuals with kidney disease. The grant budget is $198,000. The Mexico host club is Cuajimalpa D4170. The US sponsor is District 6080 MO. The grant was approved on December 20, 2023, and is underway. Many thanks to the following districts for their support of this global grant:

6080   5830   6110   6200   6460   6490   6560   6670   6760   6780   6840

2. GG 2348995 Roger Sims Scoliosis Equipment Phase 2 – This project will provide corsets and specialized wheelchairs for children with severe scoliosis. The grant budget is $78,025. The Mexico host club is Florida Satelite D4170. The US sponsor is Hastings Sunrise, NE D5630. The grant was approved in February 2024 and is underway. Many thanks to the following districts for their support of this global grant:

5630   5830   6200   6540   6560   6670   6780

3. GG 2455808 Jalisco Kidney Transplant Program – This project partners with the public Hospital Civil in Guadalajara to provide kidney transplants for low income, high risk individuals with kidney disease. This pilot project aims to help meet the challenges of that area in District 4140, where one nearby region has the highest rate of kidney disease in the world. The grant budget is $111,182. The Mexico host club is Ajijic D4140. The US sponsor is D5830 TX/OK. The grant was approved on March 20, 2024 and is underway. Many thanks to the following districts for their support of this global grant:

5830   6170   6560   6600   6780   6820

4. GG 2455808 Clean, Potable Water for Tarahumara Families  – This pilot project will provide rain catchment systems for families in a poor, rural community near Chihuahua that lacks access to water. The host club and sponsor club have experience working together for many years and have installed a few of these systems. The budget is $111,723. The Mexico host club is Chihuahua Campestre D4110. The US sponsor is Pathways OH D6600. The grant was approved on March 15, 2024 and is underway. Many thanks to the following districts for their support of this global grant:

6600   5830   6510   6560   6780   6880

5. GG 2465351 James L Lacy Elder Care Training Phase 2  – This project will provide website development for expanding the program on-line and nationwide (to ensure long-term sustainability of the elder care training program) and also will provide some supporting services. The project is named in honor of Past RI President James L Lacy, who was a strong supporter of programming to assist the elderly. The budget is $48,000. The Mexico host club is Caujimalpa D4170. The US sponsor is D6780 TN. The grant was approved. Many thanks to the following districts for their support of this global grant:

5630   6780

The Heart 2 Heart partners also supported GG 2462483 Building Literacy & STEAM in Mississippi USA with $20,000 DDF. This grant project was rejected by The Rotary Foundation. The grant was hosted by Greenville MS D6820 and sponsored by Tlaquepaque Industrial D4140. Many thanks to districts 5830, 6560, and 6780 who had pledged DDF support of this global grant:

The H2H partners are also supporting GG 2456729 Rotary mobile dental clinic in St. Lucia. The US sponsor is Vermilion OH D6600. The grant has been submitted and is awaiting TRF approval. The budget is $120,522  and the Heart 2 Heart partner DDF contribution is $22,724. Many thanks to the following districts for their support of this global grant:

5830   6200   6560   6780

The total budget for these seven global grants is $801,752, with $317,218 coming from US H2H partner DDF and $323,038 from the Rotary Foundation match for all sources.

Non-Global-Grant (Club to Club) Projects

The Heart 2 Heart partners are engaged with many Rotary districts in Mexico to provide opportunities for clubs to have service projects, as part of an on-going celebration of the 100th anniversary of Rotary in Mexico. Please see www.rizones30-31/news/100-in-100-program for more details.

2022-23 Global Grant Projects

Updated September 2, 2024

The Heart 2 Heart partners are working on five global grant projects for 2022-23 and are also continuing the work on numerous non-global-grant projects through the 100 in 100 program.

Five Global Grant Projects

1. GG 2237889 Rain Harvesting for Rural Communities – This project will capture rain for irrigation and aquifer replenishment, thereby enhancing rural economic development and protecting the environment through diminishing the loss of forests. The grant budget is $164,927. The Mexico host club is Reforma Torre Mayor, D4170. The US sponsor is District 6510 IL. This grant was approved in June 2024 and will be underway soon.

2. GG 2237791 Bio-intensive Orchards – This project will provide a sustainable job source for rural families through bio-intensive orchard development and training on the value chain of harvest, transportation and commercialization.  The grant budget is $48,663. The Mexico host club is Tlalpan Golf, D4170. The US sponsor is Carmel IN, D6560. The grant was approved on April 28 2023 and is completed.

3. GG 2237796 Steve Sorenson Child Cancer Treatment Project – This project will provide specialized equipment which will significantly impact the intervention and subsequent recovery in children with cancer. The project is named in honor of PDG Steve Sorenson. The grant budget is $96,750. The Mexico host club is Plateros Centro Historico, D4170. The US sponsor is District 6560 IN. The grant has been approved and is underway.

4. GG 2237792 Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment – This project will provide mammography tests, ultrasound tests, specialist consultations, and immunohistochemistry tests for early detection of breast cancer in women in three isolated states in Mexico, as well as training for doctors, nurses, midwives, and community leaders. The grant budget is $98,447. The Mexico host club is Lindavista, D4170.  The US sponsor is Antelope Valley, CA D5300. The grant has been approved and is underway.

5. GG 2235574 Sanitation for Indigenous Community of Las Guayabas – This project will provide dry toilets for an isolated community with high rates of dysentery. The grant project budget is $72,380. The Mexico host club is Zapopan, D 4140. The US sponsor is District 5830 TX/OK. The grant was approved on April 28 2023 and is nearing completion.

The total budget for these five global grants is $481,167, with $184,016 coming from US partner DDF and $191,631 from the Rotary Foundation match.

Non-Global-Grant Projects

The Heart 2 Heart partners are engaged with all seven Rotary districts in Mexico to provide opportunities for clubs to have service projects, as part of an on-going celebration of the 100th anniversary of Rotary in Mexico. Please see www.rizones30-31/news/100-in-100-program for more details.

2021-22 Global Grant Projects

Updated September 2, 2024

The Heart 2 Heart partners are working on five global grant projects for 2021-22 and are also continuing the work on numerous non-global-grant projects through the 100 in 100 program.

Five Global Grant Projects

1. GG 2123430 Sanitation and hygiene for elementary schools – This project will provide sanitation renovations (sinks, toilets, urinals) and water tank systems in eight schools, serving 6452 student, 249 teachers & staff, and 4500 parents. The budget is $110,106. The Mexico host club is Arboledas. The US sponsor is District 5830 TX/OK. The grant has been approved and is completed.

2. GG 2123677 Training for dependent elder care – This project will provide training for caregivers in dependent elder care family situations.  The budget is $36,604. The Mexico host club is Cuajimalpa. The US sponsor is District 6780 TN (club TBD). The grant has been approved and is completed.

3. GG 2123650 Cleft lip surgery equipment and training – This project will provide equipment and training for monitoring treatment of cleft lip surgery with language therapies, early stimulation, psychological therapies, and dental treatment.  The budget is $38,205. The Mexico host club is Xalostoc.  The US sponsor is Murray KY (District 6710). The grant was approved on May 19, 2022 and is underway.

4. GG 2123647 Community growth lab equipment and training – This project will provide science laboratory equipment and training for the high school and for community development. The budget is $70,962. The Mexico host club is Vallescondido. The US sponsor is Decatur IL (District 6490). The grant has been approved and is near completion.

5. GG 2231086 John & Judy Germ Guadalajara Children’s Cancer Center Phase 4 – This project will provide additional equipment for the on-going project in Guadalajara to provide cancer treatment for children and conduct international research. This project will provide equipment to detect and treat brain cancer in children. The budget is $121,624. The Mexico host club is Guadalajara Colomos D4140. The US sponsor is District 6880 AL. The grant was approved on April 12, 2022 and is completed.

The total budget for these five global grants is $377,501, with $159,751 coming from US partner DDF and $158,941 from the Rotary Foundation match.

Non-Global-Grant Projects

The Heart 2 Heart partners are engaged with all seven Rotary districts in Mexico to provide opportunities for clubs to have service projects to help commemorate the 100th anniversary of Rotary in Mexico. Please see www.rizones30-31/news/100-in-100-program for more details.

2019-20 Global Grant Projects

Updated September 2, 2024

The Heart 2 Heart partners worked on six global grant projects for 2019-20 and on several other non-global-grant projects.

Six Global Grant Projects

1. Holtz- Beahon Kidney Transplant Program 2020 (GG 2091799) – We will continue our work with several partners to provide life- saving kidney transplants for adults and teens who are economically disadvantaged. This will be our eighth global grant with District 4170 for kidney transplants. The grant is budgeted for 110 kidney transplants at about $3,000 each plus financial support for patients who need medicine that is not provided by the government. Recent trends of hospital support and currency exchange suggest that we might supply about 170 transplants with these funds. The grant project budget is $396,000. The US sponsor is District 6820 MS. This grant project has been approved and is completed.

2. Hospital equipment and supplies phase 3 project CURE (GG 2091800) – This project will supply three containers of re-purposed medical equipment and supplies (provide through Project CURE) at several hospitals in District 4170. These public hospitals have a service base of several million people with little or no medical insurance coverage or economic means. The grant project budget is $78,000. The US sponsor is Imperial, NE District 5630. Additional funding will be added to the grant in 2020-21. This grant was canceled without warning by TRF.

3. Game, Story and Grow Workshops 2.0 (GG 2014388) –  This basic education and literacy project will provide workshops to improve basic Spanish and math skills to children and parents in underserved areas. This project will be the second phase of a successfully completed global grant project. The grant project budget is $117,949. The US sponsor is District 6510 IL. This grant project was approved and is almost complete.

4. Roger Sims Equipment for treatment of scoliosis in children and adolescents (GG 2098036) – The Florida Satelite club in District 4170 is working with specialists at the Lomas Verdes Hospital to provide free surgeries for severe cases of scoliosis in children. The grant project would supply 60 reusable orthopedic corsets to aid in the recovery and rehabilitation. The grant project budget is $32,560. The US sponsor is District 6540 IN. This grant project has been approved and completed.

5. High school science labs equipment (GG 2098037) – The Vallescondido club in District 4170 is working with a local high school that is renovating for needed labs for biology, chemistry and physics. This grant provides table and equipment for the labs and is a class project of the Zone 30-31 current DGN class. The grant project budget is $68,138. The US sponsor is Decatur, IL District 6490. This project was declined by TRF and was rewritten and resubmitted in 2021-22.

6. Grade school bathroom renovations (GG 2091804) – The Tlaquepaque Industrial club in District 4140 is working to upgrade bathroom and sanitation conditions and to provide school and community hygiene training in ten rural schools. The grant project budget is $34,030. US sponsor is Cullman AL District 6860. This project was canceled by TRF without warning.

The three global grants in process total $546,509 and the Rotary Foundation match comprises $266,764 of that total.

Non-Global-Grant Projects

The Heart 2 Heart partners have been extremely active in projects that are not eligible for global grant funding. Projects that are being supported for funding include the following:

Support of wheelchair program partnership with World Access Project – used wheelchairs, Puerto Vallarta donation and training event, specialized wheelchairs for children, and support of a school for the disabled

Security barrier for pre-school in Tlaquapaque D4140

Positive peace project for Mexico

Medical mission trip to Guadalajara area D4140

San Juan Tilapa school community center support

2020-21 Global Grant Projects

Updated March 24, 2024

The Heart 2 Heart partners are working on five global grant projects for 2020-21 and are also working on numerous other non-global-grant projects through the 100 in 100 program.

Five Global Grant Projects

1. Rotaract Positive Peace Workshop in the US (GG 2118246)  – This project will provide training and practical application techniques in positive peace for 25 Rotaract clubs in the US, with first preference to Rotaract clubs in our two zones. The project will be led by PDG Jim Roxlo, a Positive Peace Activator. The budget is $75,383. The US host is District 6780 TN. The Mexico sponsor is District 4170. This grant project has been completed.

2. Project Angel (GG 2118641) – This project will provide a specialized rehabilitation program for young children so that they have a chance for a better life. The budget is $54,000. The US sponsor is District 6170 AR. This grant project has been completed.

3. Autism early detection treatment and research (GG 2091802) – In alliance with the Azul autism foundation of Mexico, the Mixcoac club in District 4170 would support a research and treatment program that can help in early detection of autism, which impacts an estimated 1.5 million families in Mexico. The concept is to model a successful pioneer program in Europe by using two specialists from Spain to help in training and research. The project would involve three hospitals over a three year period. During this period, research would be done while treating children with autism challenges. The budget is $89,135. The US sponsor is District 6820 MS. The grant application was denied by TRF in April 2021.

4. Knee prosthetics (GG 2012879) – This project will provide artificial limbs for impoverished people with disabilities.  The grant project budget is $60,454. The US sponsor is Greater Lake Charles LA (District 6200). This grant project has been completed.

5. COVID equipment project (GG 2014925) – This project will provide needed equipment in the Mexico City area public hospitals to help address the vast needs created by the COVID-19 pandemic.  The project budget is $89,158. The US sponsor is District 6190 LA. This grant project has been completed.

These five submitted global grants totaled $368,130, and the proposed Rotary Foundation match comprised $172,940 of that total.

Non-Global-Grant Projects

The Heart 2 Heart partners are engaged with all seven Rotary districts in Mexico to provide opportunities for clubs to have service projects to help commemorate the 100th anniversary of Rotary in Mexico. Please see www.rizones30-31/news/100-in-100-program for more details.

2017-18 Global Grant Projects

Updated March 24, 2024

The Heart 2 Heart partners are working toward ten global grant projects for 2017-18 and are also working on three other non-grant projects.

Twenty five of the twenty six districts in Zones 30-31 are partners in the program this year, as well as District 5630 Nebraska. The ten global grants total over $1,200,000. The US partners contributed just under $400,000 in DDF to these ten global grants, and The Rotary Foundation will provide over $500,000 in matching funds for these global grants.

Ten Global Grant Projects

1. GG 1860594 Holtz-Beahon Kidney Transplant Program 2018 ($192,000, Mexico host Cuajimalpa, US sponsor Carlinville IL D6460)

We will continue our work with several partners to provide kidney transplants for young adults and teens (primarily ages 15-49) who are economically disadvantaged. This will be our seventh global grant for kidney transplants. The grant is budgeted for 64 kidney transplants at about $3,000 each. However, recent trends of hospital support and currency exchange suggest that we may be able to supply about 80-100 transplants with these funds. The grant was approved on April 17, 2018, and is completed.

2. GG 1860595 Vickie Blade Pacemaker Program ($165,000, Mexico host San Angel, US sponsor Kingston TN D6780)

The pacemaker program would fund the purchase of pacemakers and provide for the implanting and upkeep of the pacemaker into the patient that has no funds to purchase such a life saving device. There are approximately 3500 people identified who are waiting for a pacemaker who have no money to pay. Most of these people will die. The grant would provide pacemakers for 600 patients. Two hospitals will provide all services at no charge, so that the project cost is for the pacemaker purchases, at an average cost of $290 each. This would be the second year for this program. The grant was approved but later canceled because it could not be completed per Mexico government restrictions.

3. GG 1754279 Education skills – basic Spanish and math ($88,026, Mexico host Vallescondido, US sponsor District 6170 AR)

This project will provide workshops and materials to improve basic education skills in an impoverished area. The host club has successfully implemented a similar project locally and now looks to expand and enhance the model and opportunities. The grant has been approved and is completed.

4. GG 1860815 Neurological center equipment and training ($46,000, Mexico host Bellavista Atizipan, US sponsor Grand Island NE District 5630)

This project provides specialized equipment and training at a center for children with severe neurological challenges and is a follow up project to a recent successful global grant at this center. The grant was approved and is completed.

5. GG 1860644 John & Judy Germ cleft lip and palate surgery center equipment ($205,023, Mexico host Vallejo, US sponsor District 6820 MS)

The Vallejo club in Mexico has obtained space and staffing for a new cleft lip and palate surgery services in the Mexico City metro area. The grant project would supply necessary equipment for the center. The grant was approved and is completed.

6. GG 1868708 low cost shelters for earthquake victims in rural area ($150,000, Mexico host Las Torres Satelite, US sponsor Noblesville IN D6560)

The project would provide low cost shelters for 25 families whose homes were destroyed in the September 2018 earthquake. This project is a high priority for D4170 Governor Pio and is using a Rotary Foundation pilot project grant. The grant was approved and completed.

7. GG number TBD Positive Peace Conference in Mexico ($85,000, Mexico host District 4170, US sponsor Chattanooga Hamilton Place TN D6780)

Rotary International and the Institute for Economics and Peace are working together in peace efforts through the concept of Positive Peace. Pilot projects included conferences in Uganda and Mexico. This new grant will be for a follow up conference in Mexico. Young professionals from all over the country are invited to learn and share about the Positive peace concept and to eventually develop plans and projects to address some of the challenges.

8. GG 1860416 John & Judy Germ children’s cancer center equipment  in District 4140 Guadalajara ($245,000, Mexico host Guadalajara Colomos, US sponsor District 6820 MS)

The Hospital Civil de Guadalajara provides services for needy children with severe cancer challenges. Their program is similar to the one at St. Jude’s in Memphis, and the two hospitals actually work together on children’s cases and on groundbreaking research. The grant project funds equipment that helps both areas. The host club will provide $95,000 cash and the host district will provide $5,000 DDF, so they are clearly very invested in the success of this project. In addition to these grant funds, a Mexico agency has pledged matching funds equivalent to the grant for additional equipment. The grant was approved in December 2017 and is completed.

9. GG 186700 Ecatepec adult literacy training ($35,000, Mexico host Ecatepec, US sponsor District 6150 AR)

This grant will provide equipment and training in a community center so that adults who did not graduate from high school will get additional education in order to get their certificate and to inprove their computer skills to enable their employment opportunities. The grant should be submitted by late April 2018.

10. GG 1866194 Firewood ovens for earthquake victims in Oaxaca ($32,500, Mexico host Pase de la Reforma, US sponsor Kentland IN D6540)

This project will provide new, earthquake resistant firewood ovens for 100 families in a rural community in the Oaxaca state. These ovens provide baked goods for the families as well as other income to help support the families. The grant was approved but later canceled, due to lack of support from the clubs in Oaxaca.

 

Other Projects (not global grants)

The Heart 2 Heart partners are working on three additional projects for 2017-18 that are not eligible for global grant funding.

1. Wheelchairs ($35,500)

The Heart 2 Heart partners are working on a continuing basis with the Toluca Suroeste club and World Access Project to purchase one container of 200 wheelchairs for $30,000 for disabled children and adults with severe economic hardships. The refurbished wheelchairs are not just the same kind in different sizes. They are multiple varieties, designed to meet a wide variety of individual needs. The H2H partners are also working to sponsor 20 specialized wheelchairs at $275 each. The World Access Project program not only offers wheelchairs, it offers crutches and other devices to help mobility.

2. Naucalpan community center computers ($10,000)

The Las Torres Satelite club has worked with the municipality of Naucalpan and the INEA (National Institute for Adult Education) to establish a community center for educating and training adults who have not completed their high school education and are functionally illiterate. The Maryville TN D6780 club provided the computers and peripherals to help complete the center. The project purchases are complete, and the educational center is fully functional.

3. District 4140 school renovations ($10,000)

Clubs and individuals in District 6080 MO, District 6780 TN, and one club in California are working with our new D4140 partners in Tlaquepaque to help with some renovations (painting and roof repair) in five local grade schools. The project is fully funded and should be completed by May 2018.

2016-17 Global Grant Projects

Five Global Grant Projects

The Heart 2 Heart partners submitted five global grant projects and completed two non-global-grant projects for 2016-17. The current total for all five global grants is $470,409.

All 26 district in Zones 30-31 are partners in the global grant projects this year. In addition, District 5630 Nebraska has continued as an additional project partner. The US districts contributed $176,452 in DDF to these grant projects, and The Rotary Foundation supplied $202,647 in matching funds for these grants.

1. GG 1745052 Holtz-Beahon Kidney Transplant Program 2017 ($192,000, Mexico host Cuajimalpa, US sponsor Pikeville, KY D6740).

We will continue our work with several partners to provide kidney transplants for young adults and teens (primarily ages 15-49) who are economically disadvantaged. This will be our sixth global grant for kidney transplants. The grant is budgeted for 64 kidney transplants at about $3,000 each. However, recent trends of hospital support and currency exchange suggest that we may be able to supply about 85-90 transplants with these funds. The grant was approved on April 18, 2017.

2. GG 1641800 Equipment and training for midwives in indigenous areas  ($77,400, Mexico host Pachuca Plata, US sponsor Kentland IN D6540).

This project will prevent disease and asphyxia by training 437 midwives in how to use penguin suction device to save lives.  The midwives deliver the majority of low income infants born Mexico.  The 437 midwives will touch thousands of families and will be available with equipment to deliver and save newborns.  The funds would be used to purchase the penguin suction device, masks and one thousand reusable able bags.  These bags can be reused up to 20 times. The grant was approved on March 24, 2017.

3. GG 1743667 Vickie Blade Pacemaker equipment and surgeries  ($116,000, Mexico host San Angel, US sponsor Carmel IN D6560).

Through this humanitarian service project, the Rotarians of District 4170 Mexico will be working with Heartbeat International, the National Institute of Cardiology Ignacio Chavez, and seven other Mexico hospitals to provide implantation of 400 pacemakers to individuals who do not have the economic resources to obtain these life-saving procedures. The project also provides important training to medical professionals in the field.  These implantations not only save lives, they save families, as often the recipient is the home’s primary source of employment income. This project is in honor of Vickie Blade, who dedicated her life to service as a teacher who provided inspiration, support, and life lessons to thousands of children. The grant was approved on April 28, 2017. All twenty six districts in Zones 30-31 contributed financially as partners in this project.

4. GG 1745049 Tortilla and bread making machines for community center ($49,000, Mexico host La Villa, US sponsor Grand Island Sunrise NE D5630).

The La Villa club has been daily providing free breakfast for almost 200 very needy children in an attempt to help keep them in school. The club has great plans to expand the existing space to a three level complex that would provide other community services such as computer training and life skill workshops. The proposed project calls for purchase and installation of one tortilla making machine and one bread making machine. These machines could feed the children and would more than pay for itself by producing extra food that could be sold inexpensively to the community neighborhood. The grant has been submitted but not yet approved.

5. GG 1746265 Learning to Learn ($36,009, Mexico host Mixcoac, US sponsor Alliance NE D5630).

The Mixcoac club has been operating a weekend workshop program that literally teaches students and their parents about how to learn – school subjects and also some basic life skills. The grant would enable the club to train more workshop leaders and greatly expand the number of students and parents served. The grant has been submitted but not yet approved.

 

Two Non- Global-Grant Projects

The Heart 2 Heart partners completed two non-global grant projects for $21,180 (international share).

1. Wheelchairs ($15,000)

The Heart 2 Heart partners worked with the Toluca Suroeste club and World Access Project to purchase one-half of a container (100 wheelchairs for $15,000) for disabled children and adults with severe economic hardships. The refurbished wheelchairs are not just the same kind in different sizes. They are multiple varieties, designed to meet a wide variety of individual needs. The World Access Project program not only offers wheelchairs, it offers crutches and other devices to help mobility.

2. Toluca school expansion phase 2 ($6,180)

The Heart 2 Heart partners contributed $6,180 to complete the second phase of the Toluca school expansion from the prior year. This phase supported the completion of a space for a learning center. The project was completed in late October 2016, and the Heart 2 Heart traveling group conducted a site visit on November 7, 2016.

2015-16 Global Grant Projects

The Heart 2 Heart partners are working on eight global grant projects and three non-global-grant projects for 2015-16.

 

Eight Global Grant Projects

Twenty districts in Zones 30-31, along with District 5630 Nebraska, have partnered to work on eight Global Grant projects. The total for all eight grants is $580,629. The US partners will contribute DDF of $192,858 for these grant projects. The Rotary Foundation will provide $270,407 in matching funds for these projects.

1. GG 1633889 Kidney transplants for disadvantaged young adults and teens ($156,000, Mexico host Cuajimalpa, US sponsor Franklin TN).

We will continue our work with several partners to provide kidney transplants for young adults and teens ages 15-29 who are economically disadvantaged. This will be our fifth global grant for kidney transplants. The grant provides for 52 kidney transplants at $3,000 each. The grant was approved in June 2016. As of September 23, 2016, 13 transplants had been completed.

2. GG 1637833 Bathroom and sanitation improvements and renovations in grade schools ($80,000 plus, Mexico host Tlalpan, US sponsor Gothenburg NE).

One of our on-going projects is for water tank systems in 31 schools. The local government will also be adding rain-collection systems in these 31 schools. The bathrooms themselves are in varying conditions but all need expansion and/or renovations, so we are targeting as many of these 31 schools as we can afford to fix, so that we can say the water and sanitation challenges for all these schools will be completely addressed. The condition of the facilities varies greatly from school to school. The grant was submitted in late June 2016 and is still under review by The Rotary Foundation.

3. GG 1531566 Neurological assessment equipment and training GG 1531566 ($45,000, Mexico host Bellavista Atizapan, US sponsor Lexington NE).

The project is designed to identify and treat neurological problems in very young children and infants. This grant has been approved, and the project is well underway. Project completion is scheduled for November 2016.

4. GG 1531850 Hospital equipment and training ($40,003, Mexico host Zona Rosa, US sponsor Bearden TN).

This hospital is a large regional public hospital (serving over 1.5 million uninsured) that we have worked with before. This project includes purchasing ultrasound equipment and providing training for such equipment.  The grant has been approved and the project is well underway.

5. GG 1634520 Hospital equipment and training ($39,000, Mexico host Ecatepec, US sponsor Bearden TN).

This hospital is a large regional public hospital (serving over 1.5 million uninsured) that we have worked with before. This project includes purchasing craniotomy equipment and providing training for such equipment.  The grant has been approved and is underway.

6. GG 1634523 Documenting migrant children ($137,126, Mexico district is the host, US sponsor Knoxville Volunteer TN ).

The project involves setting up the infrastructure and first recipients of a program that will provide accurate and legal documentation for migrant children who do not have access to health care or education in Mexico. The grant was submitted in the spring and is awaiting TRF approval.

7. GG 1637837 Whole school education project for the 31 water tank sites ($46,500,  Mexico host to be determined, US sponsor O’Neill NE).

This project would provide education, literacy, anti-bullying, sports development, vocational training for leadership skills and for values and human development in 31 grade schools. The grant should be submitted by October 2016.

8. GG 1638231 Daycare for children in market trash area ($37,000, Mexico host Paseo de la Reforma, US sponsor Florence KY).

Mexico City has a large market area that is open daily. Young mothers (usually teens) work in the trash area of that market, sifting through for recyclables that they can sell. Their infant children do not have access to daycare because they are under age 6, leading to illnesses and no preschool preparation. The local government will provide space and staffing for a daycare center for these children under 6, and Rotary will provide the set up equipment, supplies and materials as well as initial training for the daycare workers. The grant should be submitted by October 2016.

The twenty Zone 30-31 partner districts for 2015-16 include the following:

D6040      D6510    D6760

D6060      D6540      D6780

D6080      D6560      D6800

D6110       D6580      D6820

D6190      D6690      D6840

D6200      D6710      D6880

D6460      D6740

Three Non-Global-Grant Projects

Twenty three District 6780 clubs and the Parkville Missouri club have partnered to work on three important projects that could not be funded by global grants.

1. Girls shelter computer training ($8,000). We provided computers and peripherals for a computer lab in 2013-14 and started a computer training program in 2014-15. The second year of training will help establish the base for a certification program (to help make the girls more employable when they leave the shelter). The project is fully funded and is underway.

2.  One of the five Toluca area clubs is continuing its expansion of a nearby grade school. US portion of the cost is $18,000. The project is fully funded and is underway.

3. District 6780 clubs and individuals have contributed $2,500 to buy books for the Otomi school in Pahuatlan.

2018-19 Global Grant Projects

Updated September 2, 2024

The Heart 2 Heart partners are working on seven global grant projects for 2018-19 and have completed several other non-global-grant projects.

Seven Global Grant Projects

1. GG 1861159 Hospital equipment and supplies – The project will provide three containers of re-purposed medical equipment and supplies (provided through Project CURE) at four hospitals in District 4170. These public hospitals have a service base of several million people with little or no medical insurance coverage or economic means. Budget is $78,000. US sponsors is Livingston TN D6780. This grant project had to be revised to change from mixed use containers (equipment and supplies) to medical beds, due to importation complications. Two containers have now been delivered, with the third containers delivered in late 2022.

2. GG 1979842 Ken Thompson hospital equipment and supplies – The project will provide three containers of re-purposed medical equipment and supplies (provided through Project CURE) at four hospitals in District 4170. These four public hospitals have a service base of several million people with little or no medical insurance coverage or economic means. This project is named in honor of District 6840 Governor Ken Thompson, who passed away suddenly in October 2018. Budget is $78,000. US sponsor is Covington LA D6840. This grant project has also been modified, now to include up to six half-containers of Stryker Emergency Relief Beds (ERBs) that will be matched by up to six-half containers from a Mexico non-profit partner. This grant project should be completed by late fall 2024.

3. GG 1860645 WASH challenge pilot project – District 4170 wishes to establish a consistent project that brings in water and sanitation in schools, along with water and hygiene education and anti-bullying training (similar to programs being done in Central America). Budget is $37,070 for a handful of schools as a pilot. US sponsor is District 6510 IL. This grant project is complete.

4. GG 1977889 John & Judy Germ Guadalajara Children’s Cancer Center Equipment Phase 2 – The Hospital Civil de Guadalajara purchased specialized equipment to detect, analyze, and help treat eye cancer in infants.  The budget was $56,000. US sponsor is Springfield Sunrise MO D6080. This Phase 2 project has been approved and completed.

5. GG 1979841 John & Judy Germ Guadalajara Children’s Cancer Center Equipment Phase 3 – The Hospital Civil de Guadalajara is following up on last year’s successful project with another major project for equipment that helps treat children’s cancer cases and assists with groundbreaking international research.  The budget is $325,500. The US sponsor is District 6820 MS. This Phase 3 project has been approved and completed.

6. GG 1876091 Low Cost Shelters Phase 2 – This project will add 25 homes in Joquicingo, where dozens of homes were destroyed in the Sept 2017 earthquake. This project is in conjunction with a new pilot program developed by TRF for low cost shelters, where the maximum number of grants in one community is two and the maximum number of shelters is 50. Estimated budget is $150,000. US sponsor is District 6690 OH. This grant project has been approved but is still not completed.

7. GG 1872597 Adult ed literacy training – The project will provide equipment, supplies and training at a community center in Ecatepec so that adults can obtain high school equivalency and computer skills for better life and employment opportunities. Budget is $36,290. US sponsor is District 6150 AR. The grant has been approved and the project is completed.

These seven global grants total $760,860, and The Rotary Foundation match comprises $328,780 of that total.

Non-Global-Grant Projects

The Heart 2 Heart partners have been extremely active in projects that are not eligible for global grant funding. Projects that are funded and that have or will be completed include the following:

Support for a grade school drug and alcohol abuse prevention workshop program – $6,000

Addition of a community center space at San Jaun Tilapa grade school near Toluca (major sponsorship by Fairhope AL D6880) – $51,500

Chemistry lab equipment and band equipment at Toluca area high school – $10,000

Equipment for school for mentally and physically challenged in Toluca area – $10,000

Support of wheelchair program partnership with World Access Project – $10,000+

Donations to projects by Heart 2 Heart visiting team in November  2018 – support for kidney transplant recipients, support for Acolman hospital near Texcoco, support for earthquake survivors in Joquincingo – $5,200+

District 4140 school and clinic renovation projects – $10,000+

How a club can participate in Heart 2 Heart

Heart 2 Heart welcomes all clubs from any and all districts to be a partner in Heart 2 Heart. All the club has to do is to financially participate, at any level. We recommend the following minimum contribution:

$100 or more for a global grant project and

$150 or more for a non-global grant project

Clubs who contribute $500 or more for Heart 2 Heart will become members of the “Mexico Century Club”. As we near the 100 year anniversary of Rotary in Mexico in April 2021, the Heart 2 Heart partners have created the Mexico Century Club as a way to get new partner clubs interested in Mexico service in Districts 4170 and 4140, to ask existing and new partner clubs to help us for projects that do not fit into grants and are too big for most clubs to consider on their own, and to help get all clubs into global grants. The plan is to gather support from at least 150 clubs to contribute $500 (or more) annually for projects and global grants.

2014-15 Global Grant Projects

The Heart 2 Heart partners have started seven global grant projects and has completed three non-grant projects for 2014-15. 16 of the 26 districts in Zones 30-31 have partnered this year to make these global grants a reality.

RELATIONSHIP WITH FURMEX

During 2014-15, Heart 2 Heart established a partnership with FURMEX. FURMEX is a not-for-profit organization that works with other non-profits and charities and Rotary clubs in Mexico to do humanitarian work. Rotarians in Mexico comprise most of the organization’s leadership. Since many of the smaller clubs in Mexico do not have club accounts, it is more financially to work with a formal and experienced organization to do projects. FURMEX charges a 3% fee for each project (3% of the total project budget) but also can contribute up to 25,000 pesos (about $1,600 USD in current conversion). Therefore, Heart 2 Heart gets accountability and another financial partner, and the Mexico clubs have more incentive to consider smaller projects.

Seven Global Grant Projects

1. Kidney transplants for young adults and teens. We work with several partners to provide kidney transplants for young adults and teens ages 15-29 who are economically disadvantaged. This grant project has been approved, and the project started in late May 2015.

2. Equipment for a rural school. We have partnered with a North Carolina district to provide equipment and training for a remote mountain area school with an indigenous population. The government is providing a new structure that will really help, and that construction is well underway. This project was approved in April 2015 and should be completed by August 2015.

3. Mediation training. This is a peace and conflict resolution project that will provide training for qualified counselors and legal assistants to help provide service for economically disadvantaged families. The courts cannot handle all the potential conflicts between family members and between neighbors, and most folks cannot afford legal help. This grant project was recently approved and should begin in July or August 2015.

4. Solid Rain. This project is a pilot program to supply poor families in arid areas with an opportunity to grow vegetables year round for themselves and to sell for supplemental income. The technology involves capturing water in globules (similar to that used in florist shops and even diapers) and mixing with soil in garden plots so that the plants can take the water as needed. The concept has been tried in that area successfully with small fields. Despite continuing efforts to make this happen, once again the grant has not been filed. While in Mexico, we established a final deadline date that passed. Because we had funding already secured, we needed another project.

On our radar has been a large water project in conjunction with WASRAG and CONAGUA, the Mexico water authority, to provide water and sanitation to four rural communities near Oaxaca. We have now reallocated our funds for solid rain to this project. This grant project should be submitted soon.

Mexico D4170 will host the project as a district project. Lafayette, North Carolina is the US sponsor club. The total grant is for $200,000, and the total project budget is $1,000,000. With the Mexican government supplying 80% of the funding, the “bang for the buck” for Rotary is extremely good. Our contribution supports our friends in D4170, makes new friends in D4195 and in North Carolina and California, helps D4170 with their DDF for other Heart 2 Heart projects, and gets us involved with an important major project with reduced risk and responsibilities.

5. Cleft lip and palate training and surgeries. The project will provide additional training and increased surgeries for cleft lip and palate challenges in a poor area about three hours from Mexico City. This grant project has been submitted and reviewed, and we expect approval after Mexico answers some follow up questions.

6. Autism center equipment and training. The project will expand equipment and training for a hospital that serves as the lead training center for autism professionals for the entire country. Training opportunities will be increased and many more children will be served. This grant project was submitted on June 30, 2015.

7. Lindavista school (project in memory of D6080 DG Michael Beahon). The Lindavista club has been working with a grade 1-6 school in recent years. The club worked with the community to get the local government to add new library and classroom space to the terribly overcrowded school. Now equipment and other needs have arisen. This grant project would look at a “whole school” approach, where we would address needs to fill the new library and computer room and classroom, to put new chairs in some classrooms, to replace worn and costly white boards with new chalkboards, and to provide materials for “readers corners” (now required by the government but not funded). Additionally, the project will provide educational workshops to address school bullying and ways to improve citizenship and tolerance. Funds for extracurricular equipment such as music are part of the workshop planning. This grant project has been submitted and reviewed, and we expect approval after Mexico’s recent answers to TRF questions are further reviewed.

Three Non-Global Grant Projects (all completed)

1. Computer training for a girls shelter (year one of two)
2. Solar panels to heat water for an orphanage
3. Water pumps for a remote mountainous area (serves 10 communities that now each get water one day out of ten)

2012-13 Global Grant Projects

The U.S. Heart 2 Heart partners pursued two new Global Grants, one for kidney transplants and one for a water tank system project with a new host Mexico club (Tlalpan Golf) for 2012-13. District 6060 (Missouri) was a new U.S. partner and sponsored both projects.

The global grant proposal for the kidney transplant project was for 28 transplants, with a total Global Grant of $103,600 and a total project cost of $257,600. There are eight U.S. districts (6060, 6780, 6110, 6880, 6560, 6200, 6040, and 5890) currently partnering on this project. The Rotary Club of Cuajimalpa is the host club in Mexico D4170. The Rotary Club of St. Louis, Missouri is the host club in U.S. District 6060. The grant proposal was accepted by The Rotary Foundation in late November 2012 as Global Grant 26222. The grant application was approved on April 5, 2013. The project started in early June 2013 and was completed in March 2014. Over 40 kidney transplants were performed with this grant.

The current proposal for the water tank project is for 31 water tank systems, with the total Global Grant and project cost of $108,500. There are nine US districts (6060, 6780, 6110, 6450, 6460, 6560, 6040, 6510, and 6200) currently partnering on this project. The Rotary Club of Tlalpan Golf is the host club in Mexico District 4170. The Rotary Club of High Ridge, Missouri is the host club in U.S. District 6060.The global grant proposal 1416319 has been submitted and is under review by The Rotary Foundation.

2012-13 GIRLS SHELTER PROJECT

The Parkville, MO and Maryville-Alcoa, TN clubs worked with the Tlalpan Golf, MX club to provide seven computers, software, and computer stations at the Fundacion Clara Moreno y Miramon girls shelter in Mexico City. Parkville Rotarian Michael Hobbs and his wife Lucile generously donated the funds for the purchase of the computers and all the necessary software and peripherals. The Maryville-Alcoa club sponsored the computer stations and printers.

2011-12 Global Grant Projects

The complications from the Future Vision Pilot procedures and guidelines led to a decision by the current U.S. district partners to limit the number of Global Grant projects that were pursued in 2011-12 to just two projects. However, the partners intended to increase financial support of the projects that were chosen and to encourage new partners.

The kidney transplant project was resubmitted (following its initial rejection in 2010-11) and approved as Global Grant 25280 in Fall 2011. District 6650 (Indiana) was the U.S. sponsor district. The project was written to provide for 21 transplants, the first of which was done in December 2011. The total Global Grant is for $88,200, and the total project cost is $193,200. Due to dollar conversions and increased contributions from patients’ families, 39 transplants were conducted with the grant, which was completed on January 23, 2013. Three U.S. districts (6560, 6780, and 6200) partnered on this project. The Rotary Club of Cuajimapla was the host club in Mexico District 4170. The Rotary Club of Carmel, Indiana was the host club in U.S. District 6560.

The water tank system project grant proposal, which will supply 60 water tank systems, was submitted on June 27, 2012. District 6200 (Louisiana) is the U.S. sponsor district. The grant proposal was numbered by The Rotary Foundation as Global Grant 26072 on October 16, 2012 but was not developed. The grant proposal has been re-numbered as Global Grant 1414613 and was approved in April 2015. The total Global Grant and project cost will be $210,000. Five U.S. districts (6200, 6560, 6780, 6040, and 6760) partnered on this project. The Rotary Club of Ecatepec is the host club in Mexico District 4170. The Rotary Club of Greater St. Charles, Louisiana is the host club in U.S. District 6200.

2010-11 Global Grant Projects

The Future Vision Pilot program began in 2010-11, and its impact on Heart 2 Heart was both immediate and ongoing. Mexico District 4170 was selected as a Future Vision Pilot district, but most U.S. partner districts were not selected as pilot districts. This forced all the districts to work together through other Future Vision Pilot districts in order to complete Rotary Foundation matching grant projects, using the new Global Grant procedures and guidelines. District 6560 (Indiana) and District 6200 (Louisiana) served as the U.S. sponsor districts on five proposed new Global Grant projects. The new Global Grant applications proved to be a challenge for our partners to complete to the satisfaction of the Rotary Foundation, and only one project was approved during the year.

The water tank system project for schools in the Ecatepec area was approved by the Rotary Foundation as Global Grant 25211. The project provides a water tank, two filtering systems, and three water dispensers to 40 schools. Mexico has nine partner clubs providing support for the project. The total Global Grant and project cost was $139,840. The project is complete. Seven U.S. districts (6560, 6780, 6040, 6460, 6510, 6200, and 6760) partnered on this project. The Rotary Club of Ecatepec was the host club in Mexico District 4170. The Rotary Club of Danville, Indiana was the host club in U.S. District 6560.

Signature Project : Holtz-Beahon Kidney Transplant Program

The Holtz-Beahon Kidney Transplant Program is a cooperative effort between three private hospitals in Mexico, Mexico Rotary District 4170, U.S. Rotarians and other partners, the Ayudar Foundation of Mexico, and The Rotary Foundation through global grants to provide life-saving kidney transplants for young women and men, generally aged 15-49. Grant program recipients all have a high financial need. The program goal is to “save a life a week” by funding at least 52 kidney transplants per year.

Kidney (renal) failure is a more prevalent problem in Mexico than in any other country of the western hemisphere, due primarily to genetics and diabetes. Poor water and sanitation, poor diets, and lack of education in Mexican society all contribute heavily to the problem. Mexico has the world’s largest percentage of young children who are obese. As a result of all these factors, a relatively high number of children and young adults have kidney problems and need transplants. There are literally thousands waiting for donors and/or financial support, and the number of cases is expected to skyrocket as the population continues to grow. The Mexican public hospitals can provide kidney transplants through some of its facilities, but usually that process will take one to five years or more, which in most cases is too long to wait for the patients that we serve.

The transplants are done in three hospitals (one in Mexico City and two in cities less than 100 miles away) that are among the best kidney transplant facilities in Latin America. The doctors are absolutely top notch. These are the doctors and hospitals that the wealthy use, and yet these medical professionals are willing and anxious to also serve people in need.

The financial numbers are truly amazing. With great support from the lead kidney doctors (Dr. Mario Cardona and Dr, Guillermo Mondragon), the hospital partners discount their fees drastically and negotiate with families and the Ayudar Foundation in Mexico so that the targeted average price to Rotary was $3,500 per transplant (based on exchange rate of approximately 20:1) until 2023, when inflation and exchange rates increased that cost to about $7,000.

The doctors are willing to do two transplants per week under the program if it could be funded and if the right qualified patients could be found. Many potential recipients do not follow through for a variety of reasons, often related to either a lack of a viable and/or willing donor or an unwillingness to demonstrate any attempt at a minimal financial commitment. Organ donation is a relatively new concept in Mexico, so almost every kidney transplant requires a living donor, usually a close relative.

Members of the Cuajimalpa club work tirelessly with the hospitals to screen potential recipients and donors, as well as to provide logistical support for the families and the hospitals for paperwork follow up and transportation, both before and after surgery. The Mexico government did provide medications for all patients after surgery until the new president decreased the benefits in almost all medical arenas.

The kidney transplant program is named after Mexican Rotarian and program founder Ignacio (“Nacho”) Holtz (who passed away in October 2022) and District 6080 PDG Mike Beahon (who passed away from kidney-related illness in 2014). The program name recognizes the connections between Mexico and the U.S. that has come together by the inspiring spirit and Rotary service of Ignacio Holtz and Mike Beahon.

Global Grant Projects Before July 1, 2010

District 6560 (Indiana) completed several TRF humanitarian matching grants in the years preceding the Future Vision Pilot program. These grant projects included kidney transplants, several water tank systems, several used ambulances and fire trucks, and school computers. Districts 6460 and 6510 (Illinois) partnered with them on some of these projects. D6190 (Louisiana) also sponsored one new ambulance. Rotarian Claude Johnson (Crawfordsville, Indiana) worked tirelessly for several years to help provide used ambulances and fire trucks, some funded through matching grants and some funded locally.

During 2008-2010, District 6780 (Tennessee) partnered with four different U.S. districts (6560, 6040, 6460, and 6510) to complete TRF humanitarian matching grant projects for infant radiant cradles and craniotomy equipment for a hospital, kidney transplants, a new ambulance, used fire trucks, and water tank systems.