The Foundation was proposed at the 1917 convention
“for the purpose of doing good in the world”
Image: Rotary.org
The Rotary Foundation is a public charity operated exclusively for charitable purposes and governed by a Board of Trustees.
The Rotary International (RI) president-elect nominates the trustees, who are elected by the RI Board to four-year terms.
Supported solely by voluntary contributions from Rotarians and friends of the Foundation who share Rotary’s vision of a better world.
Since it was founded more than 100 years ago, the Foundation has donated more than $4 billion.
As well as supporting major international campaigns, such as ending polio, the Foundation also provides grants to local projects through District Grants.
Rotary Clubs can access Foundation District grants through an application process.
Our Club’s Foundation current contact person is Lisa-Maree, the District Rotary Foundation Chair is Joan Kiernan.
Clubs in D9999 contributed close to NZ$220k to Foundation and Polio in the last 12 months.
Clubs make donations to the Foundation and individuals can make donations directly to the Foundation to support Rotary projects.
The Foundation was started following a proposal at the 1917 convention, by outgoing Rotary president Arch Klumph to set up an endowment “for the purpose of doing good in the world.” That one idea, and an initial contribution of $26.50, set in motion a powerful force that has transformed millions of lives around the globe.
In 1928, it was renamed The Rotary Foundation and became a distinct entity within Rotary International. A year later, 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.
Want to know more about The Rotary Foundation (TRF) click this link https://www.rotary.org/en/about-rotary/rotary-foundation