Rotary Foundation: From $26.50 to $258M
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The Rotary Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Rotary that serves the needs of the world. With more than $2B in assets, that is a lot of good that can be done!
A representative from Water in Africa, fixes a water tap at the local market in Sunyani, Ghana, The Rotary-funded washing station was built to improve sanitation and prevent the spread of bacterial diseases as part of a Global and Matching Grant.
In 1917, Arch C. Klumph, Rotary's sixth president, proposed to the Rotary International Convention in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, the creation of an "endowment fund for Rotary... for the purpose of doing good in the world in charitable, educational, and other avenues of community service." A few months later, the endowment received its first contribution of $26.50 from the Rotary Club of Kansas City, Missouri, USA.
Through decades of good stewardship and the efforts of an all-volunteer organization, The Rotary Foundation grew from $26.50 into the powerhouse it is today.
In 2023–24, The Rotary Foundation issued $108 million in program and disaster grants. And that does not include what was funded to fight polio! Each year, Rotary commits to raising $50 million for polio prevention, which is matched with the Gates Foundation of $100 million. So, the total impact of the Rotary Foundation just that year is $258 million!
The mission of The Rotary Foundation is to help Rotary members advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace by improving health, providing quality education, improving the environment, and alleviating poverty.
The Rotary Foundation has a strong track record of using donations effectively to fund sustainable service projects, and your contribution directly supports the organization's work in key areas like promoting peace, fighting disease, providing clean water and supporting education.
The Rotary Foundation routinely receives high ratings from Charity Navigator, and over 90% of donations are used for programs, with partnerships like the one with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation amplifying its impact, especially in polio eradication. This is a much higher rating than a typical charity!
Effectiveness and financial accountability
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High ratings: The Rotary Foundation consistently earns top ratings from charity evaluators like Charity Navigator, with a four-star rating and an A-plus from Charity Watch, indicating strong financial health and accountability.
Over 90% for programs: More than 90% of donations go directly to funding service projects and programs.
Amplified impact: Partnerships, like the one with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, magnify the impact of donations. For every $1 committed to polio eradication, the Gates Foundation commits another $2.
Impact of projects
Focus on seven areas: Donations fund projects that promote peace, fight disease, provide clean water and sanitation, save mothers and children, support education, protect the environment, and grow local economies.
Proven results: Rotary is credited with contributing to the near-eradication of polio, with cases dropping by over 99.9% since 1988.
Sustainable projects: Donations support sustainable projects, with a network of volunteers providing expertise to ensure projects are effective.
If you would like to donate to the Rotary Foundation online, click the button. below or visit The Rotary Foundation.