Foundation Resources

 

The Rotary Foundation transforms your gifts into service projects that change lives both close to home and around the world.

 

 

During the past 100 years, the Foundation has spent $3 billion on life-changing, sustainable projects.With your help, we can make lives better in your community and around the world.Why should I donate to The Rotary Foundation?Your donation makes a difference to those who need our help most. More than 90 percent of donations go directly to supporting our service projects around the world.How does The Rotary Foundation use donations?

Our 35,000 clubs carry out sustainable service projects that support our six causes. With donations like yours, we’ve wiped out 99.9 percent of all polio cases. Your donation also trains future peacemakers, supports clean water, and strengthens local economies.

What impact can one donation have?

It can save a life. A child can be protected from polio with as little as 60 cents. Our partners make your donation go even further. For every $1 Rotary commits to polio eradication, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has committed $2.

For more information on ways to give or to find out about programs of the Rotary Foundation go to:    https://www.rotary.org/en/about-rotary/rotary-foundation

History of The Rotary Foundation

At the 1917 convention, outgoing RI President Arch C. Klumph proposed to set up an endowment “for the purpose of doing good in the world.” In 1928, it was renamed The Rotary Foundation, and it became a distinct entity within Rotary International.

Growth of the Foundation

In 1929, the Foundation made its first gift of $500 to the International Society for Crippled Children. The organization, created by Rotarian Edgar F. “Daddy” Allen, later grew into Easter Seals.

When Rotary founder Paul Harris died in 1947, contributions began pouring in to Rotary International, and the Paul Harris Memorial Fund was created to build the Foundation.

Evolution of Foundation programs

1947: The Foundation established its first program, Fellowships for Advance Study, later known as Ambassadorial Scholarships.

1965-66: Three programs were launched: Group Study Exchange, Awards for Technical Training, and Grants for Activities in Keeping with the Objective of The Rotary Foundation, which was later called Matching Grants.

1978: Rotary introduced the Health, Hunger and Humanity (3-H) Grants. The first 3-H Grant funded a project to immunize 6 million Philippine children against polio.

1985: The PolioPlus program was launched to eradicate polio worldwide.

1987-88: The first peace forums were held, leading to Rotary Peace Fellowships.

2013: New district, global, and packaged grants enable Rotarians around the world to respond to the world’s greatest needs.

Since the first donation of $26.50 in 1917, the Foundation has received contributions totaling more than $1 billion.

As a valued Donor to the Rotary Foundation there are many ways that you can be recognized:

Individual recognition

Rotary Foundation Sustaining Member

When you give $100 or more per year to the Annual Fund.

Benefactor

When you include the Endowment Fund as a beneficiary of $1,000 or more in your estate plans or when you donate $1,000 or more to the fund outright. Benefactors receive a certificate and insignia to wear with a Rotary or Paul Harris Fellow pin.

Paul Harris Fellow

When you give $1,000 or more to the Annual Fund, PolioPlus, or an approved Foundation grant. To recognize someone else as a Paul Harris Fellow, you can give that amount in their name. Learn more about Paul Harris Fellow recognition.

Multiple Paul Harris Fellow

When you give additional gifts of $1,000 or more to the Annual Fund, PolioPlus, or an approved Foundation grant.

Paul Harris Society member

When you elect to contribute $1,000 or more annually to the Annual Fund, PolioPlus, or an approved Foundation grant. Learn more about the Paul Harris Society.

THE ROTARY FOUNDATION CONTRIBUTION FORM  Click here for form

THE ROTARY FOUNDATION MULTIPLE DONOR FORM  Multiple Donor Form

219_rotary_foundation_reference_guide_download here_en-1

Download the latest AnnualGivingResource guide

Help us to secure our future donate to the Endowment fund!

 

Bequest Society

When you make a commitment for future gifts of $10,000 or more to The Rotary Foundation, you’ll be invited to join the Bequest Society.

  • $10,000: Bequest Society pin and an exclusive art piece suitable for framing
  • $25,000: Rotary’s Promise crystal and named endowed fund, plus all of the above
  • $50,000: Separate named endowed funds directed to two areas of focus or districts, plus all of the above
  • $100,000: Customized Rotary’s Promise crystal, plus all of the above
  • $250,000: Posthumous induction into the Arch Klumph Society, plus all of the above
  • $500,000: Special seating and registration benefits at the Rotary International Convention, plus all of the above

Legacy Society

When you promise a gift of $1 million or more to the Endowment, you’ll be listed in Rotary’s annual report and invited to exclusive Rotary International and Foundation events. Legacy Society members also receive special recognition items and all the benefits provided to Bequest Society members.

For full information on how you can support the Rotary Foundation go to  https://www.rotary.org/en/donate/recognition