“I don’t think any of the tasks are easy,” said Thian Lung Jong, a 14-year MDRT member from Kuching, Malaysia. “I would say doable, as my personal motto has been commit and figure it out.”

This response is a great answer from the Chair of the Foundation Network — a new committee formed for the 2023 fiscal year to expand MDRT members’ education, communication and engagement about the MDRT Foundation — when asked what elements of his role will be easy. Jong’s thoughtful, motivated response reflects the Foundation’s dedication and commitment to supporting worldwide organizations that mean so much to MDRT members.

Representing 12 countries and comprising 14 members and three MDRT Foundation board members, the Foundation Network will encourage MDRT members to volunteer, donate and endorse charities for funding through the Global Grants Program.

How will this be done? Through organized social media initiatives, personal interactions and engagement with local Member Communications Committee, to name just a few. For Jong, the objectives include working with MDRT Foundation staff and tracking and encouraging Network members as they work toward monthly goals.

“I always felt the MDRT Foundation can take on a more proactive approach to promote its projects and its visibility,” Jong said. “I thought it was a brilliant idea to set up the Network. Personal engagement is definitely more meaningful.” 

Apply now for the Global Grants Program

All MDRT members have the unique opportunity to endorse a charity they care about for grant funding through the Global Grants Program, which funds a diverse range of charitable projects worldwide. 

This online application process — which is available in nine languages — opens May 2023 and the deadline to apply is September 1, 2023. The process has two steps:

Step 1: The MDRT member has a qualifying charity submit a letter of inquiry. 

Step 2: The MDRT member writes a letter of endorsement about the charity. The charity submits the application, which includes program information and financials. 

Find more information at mdrtfoundation.org/grant-programs.