Dear friends, Welcome to November, Rotary Foundation Month, after a very busy October. Thanks to everyone who took part in all our activities last month.
The Rotary Foundation transforms your donations into projects that change lives both close to home and around the world. As the charitable arm of Rotary International, we form part of a global network of Rotarians who invest their time, money, and expertise into our priorities, such as eradicating polio and promoting peace. Foundation grants empower Rotarians to approach challenges such as poverty, illiteracy, and malnutrition with sustainable solutions that leave a lasting impact.

Strong financial oversight, a stellar charity rating, and a unique funding model mean that we make the very best of your contribution. Give to the Foundation and become a part of Rotary’s life-changing work!

The collective leadership and expertise of our members worldwide helps us tackle some of the world’s biggest challenges, locally and globally. We are united by common values and vision for the future as we sharpen our focus with targeted specific causes that will reach communities most in need.

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.
In 1929, the Foundation made its first gift of $500 to the International Society for Crippled Children.

When Rotary founder Paul Harris died in 1947, contributions began pouring into Rotary International, and the Paul Harris Memorial Fund was created to build the Foundation. In 1947, the Foundation established its first program, Fellowships for Advance Study, later known as Ambassadorial Scholarships. From 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. In 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. From 1987-88, the first peace forums were held, leading to Rotary Peace Fellowships. 2013 brought the district, global, and packaged grants to 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 in billions and has spent over $4 billion on life changing sustainable projects around the globe.
Donate to the foundation to be part of the global effort to bring meaningful and sustainable changes around the globe.

Yvonne Iwo-Brown
2024-2025 Club President