Welcome to The Rotary Vocational Fund of Arizona

The Rotary Vocational Fund of Arizona (TRVFA) is a non-profit organization under IRS Code 501(c)(3) whose purpose is to assist those people who qualify under Arizona law to obtain financial assistance to further their vocational studies. TRVFA is an organization which meets Arizona’s Credit For Contributions To A Qualifying Charitable Organization requirements.

Candidates who meet the eligibility requirements are identified and recommended to TRVFA by financial aid counselors in vocational education institutions. and/or Rotarians and their clubs.

Mailing Address: TRVFA, P O Box 14412, Scottsdale, AZ 85267

The essence of why we exist

The mission of The Rotary Vocational Fund of Arizona, Inc. (TRVFA) is to partner with Rotary Clubs to provide assistance to Qualified Candidates in obtaining education, training, and skill development so they may, in turn, attain career oriented employment and financial stability and contribute to their communities.

Our vision is for students go on to become productive citizens in our state. The education they obtain will help them earn a living and raise their families. Because of their increased earning potential they help grow the economy of the state of Arizona.

A TRVFA Testimonial

Posted by Dr. Honora A Norton

For several years, I have been facilitating TRVFA Rotary Club of Scottsdale's sponsored scholarships to low income working poor, especially men and single mothers struggling to survive on multiple low paying part-time jobs with no benefits. Each applicant that I have met is deserving, eager to learn and ready to make productive career moves after completing his/her TRVFA funded courses at Trade Schools which encompass a wide variety of hands-on education, from HVAC to carpentry to cosmetology.

A college degree or vocational training beyond high school are necessary tools to obtain a well paying job. The days when a person graduated from high school, entered the workforce, and stayed with the same company until she or he retired are over. The cost of college tuition and books is prohibitive for many people in low income households who wish to better themselves by furthering their education. TRVFA scholarships give them the leg up to provide for themselves and their families. TRVFA provides financial aid to those who need it most. I am honored to support TRVFA and its blessed workings.

Dr. Norton is an advisor to the TRVFA Board of Directors

TRVFA Needs Donor and Club Support

The Rotary Vocational Fund of Arizona Board wants to thank the top giving clubs in each District in our 2017-18 fiscal year. These two clubs excelled in their understanding of how they could support vocational service and alleviate poverty in our local communities through TRVFA. Mesa West Rotarians donated a total of $11,825. Individual Tucson Rotarians donated a total of $11,820, but with their club's additional donation of $2,000, their total contribution was $13,820. There were only five other clubs in the state with total giving over $5,000.

Proposed IRS Regulation Changes Published August 23, 2018

Posted by Arthur R. Harrington, E.A., Ph.D.

IRS issued Proposed Regulations on August 23 that will impact charitable donations, if enacted. In researching the matter, I found a couple of articles that will help to clarify what IRS is proposing and why. The two articles have been consolidated into a single document which can be downloaded by CLICKING HERE. I personally believe they are going to get a lot of push-back from this proposal, and that it is far from being a done deal. The Vocational Fund's donors need to be made aware that IRS is proposing such a limitation on their charitable donations, and they need to be contacting their Congressmen to ask for their support in opposing the proposed IRS changes.

Art Harrington is an Advisor to the TRVFA Board of Directors

Dan Messersmith elected TRVFA President at Annual Meeting

The TRVFA board met Saturday, August 25 for their annual meeting and election of officers. Lee Dueringer, who has served the board as President since 2015, will remain on the board and wants to focus his volunteer efforts on fundraising for TRVFA going forward. The board was enthusiastic in their appreciation of his service as President and his desire to focus his time and talent where our need is greatest at this time.

Dan Messersmith was elected to fill the vacancy. Dan has been a dedicated TRVFA volunteer since 2010, He has been the responsible party for processing all grant applications since he was instrumental in converting to an on-line grant application process in 2012.

Steve DeMar, Secretary and Eileen Klecka, Treasurer were each elected to continue in their positions for the 2018-19 year.

Your Donation Can Help Make a Difference

Click on the image to donate on-line or CLICK HERE to download a form to complete and mail with your check.

Efrain

Efrain is an active member of the National Guard and was employed in the housekeeping department of Banner Health for over two years. After graduating from Easts Valley Medical College, Efrain was hired as a Phlebotomist by Theranos, a blood testing service operation in Walgreen Pharmacy Clinics throughout the Valley. He was sponsored for his TRVFA grant by the Phoenix East Rotary Club. We are extremely proud of Efrain for not only his dedication to our country, but also for his determination to be successful in his education and career.

Miriam

As a wife, and mother of two boys, I always wanted to work in the medical field, but never felt I had the educational requirements. A friend was taking classes at East Valley Medical College to become a phlebotomist, and suggested I contact them. The administrator at East Valley Medical College suggested I should check with The Rotary Vocational Fund of Arizona to see if I qualified for their grant program. I applied to TRVFA and was directed to find a Rotary Club to sponsor me.

The Scottsdale Sunrise Rotary Club invited me to a meeting for an interview. We had breakfast where I shared my history, and why I wanted to work in the medical field. Following my interview, they recommended me for a TRVFA grant for my phlebotomy classes at East Valley Medical College, where I graduated. Now I say I'm a wife, a mommy of two boys, and a hard working woman. Thanks to TRVFA and Scottsdale Sunrise Rotary Club for helping to change my life.

Robyn

As a recipient of the TRVFA scholarship, I would like to express my deepest appreciation for the program and for all those who made it possible. Considering my financial situation as a single mother of five children, I knew I needed to go back to school to further my education and improve my job skills in order to support them.

I applied for sponsorship from the Mesa East Rotary and their President invited me to a lunch meeting and interview.

I am pleased to report that I graduated as Valedictorian from the East Valley Institute of Technology's Licensed Practical Nursing program. I passed the state LPN board exam and am now a licensed LPN.

Rotary Club of Laughlin Donates $1,000 to TRVFA

At the August 20, 2018 meeting of the Laughlin Rotary Club, PDG Danny Messersmith, TRVFA Board President was presented with a check for $1,000 to help support Vocational Grants through The Rotary Vocational Fund of Arizona (TRVFA). These funds along with other donations from Rotarians and Rotary Clubs across Arizona will help provide “A Hand Up/Not A Hand Out” for eligible students in need of a vocational education.

TRVFA grants change lives every day with graduates obtaining a vocational education which allows them to be employed in well-paying jobs which raise their standard of living for themselves and their families. Their success now, many times, will lead to additional education on their part. Time and time again, we hear how a TRVFA grant gave them the "Step Up" to allow them to go on to more education. We also hear about how the parent's success helps their children understand the value of education.

TRVFA thanks the Laughlin Rotary Club for their generosity and their commitment to help provide funding for TRVFA. Shown in the photo (L – R) Meg McDaniel, Past President; TRVFA Board President PDG Danny Messersmith; Mike Conner, Treasurer, AG Area 1; Vince Ruefer, Club Services Director.