Foundation Committee of the Rotary Club of Downers Grove

The Foundation Committee of the Rotary Club of Downers Grove seeks to extend the impact of our club far beyond our local community. Currently, we are implementing a global water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) grant to bring safe, cleans, close water to communities in Malawi.

This site tells the story of our work in Malawi. We hope you will partner with us to support current and future work!

Our focus in Malawi

We partner with organizations and government entities local to Zomba, the Rotary club of Blantyre, Malawi, other Rotary clubs, and like-minded individuals to deliver these objectives:

  • Provide clean, close, reliable water through boreholes and other appropriate technologies to rural communities, schools, and health centers.
  • Improve sanitation and hygiene in villages and schools so families can live healthier, more dignified lives.
  • Strengthen communities through training, local ownership, and long-term sustainability planning.

Our vision is that every partner community in Malawi has equitable access to clean water and basic sanitation, and that this access fuels better health, education, and economic opportunity—-especially for women and girls.

Key Partners

We work through strong partnerships that combine local knowledge with Rotary resources:

  • Villages in Partnership (VIP) – A Malawi-recognized NGO and 501(c)(3) that walks alongside rural communities in Zomba District, helping them identify needs and implement practical solutions.
  • Rotary Club of Blantyre, Malawi – Our Rotary host club partner, providing local leadership, oversight, and connection to the Rotary network in Malawi.
  • Rotary Club of Downers Grove, Illinois – The international sponsor club, coordinating funding, grant management, and project support.

Together, these partners help ensure that projects are community-driven, culturally appropriate, and sustainable.

Committee members, 2025-2026

The Foundation Committee leads grant development, stewardship, and partner relationships for our club:

  • Chris Walquist – Foundation Committee Chair
  • Harry McCabe
  • Laura Trompeter
  • Randa Bishlawi

Learn more about our past, current, and future work by visiting the Grants menu.