Posted on Sep 29, 2021
Speaker: Katie Farrell (Warminster Rotary) District 7430 Foundation Chair
What is Rotary Foundation?  
At the 1917 convention, outgoing Rotary president Arch Klumph proposed setting 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. The foundation helps Rotarians to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace by improving health, providing quality education, improving the environment, and alleviating poverty.
The foundation is a public charity and has been rated 4 stars (highest rating) from Charity Navigator for 13 years. Ratings are based on how donations are used, sustains its programs and services and practices good governance and openness.
Rotary has three types of funds: Annual, Polio Plus and Endowment (grows our funds!). A percentage of donations from all clubs in a District for a given year are returned to that District in 3 years. These funds are used for Grants for projects within the district and also for global grants . Grants are awarded to clubs but the project must fit into one of these categories: promoting peace; growing local economies; fighting disease; saving Mothers and children; supporting education; providing clean water and sanitation; protecting the environment; and sustainability.
One of foundations biggest projects is the eradication of polio world wide. Rotary began this project and was soon partnered with the Gates Foundation which continues to match Rotary donations to polio plus by donating $2 for every $1 donated by rotary. Over the course of time, many other organizations have joined the fight to end Polio world wide. We are currently 99.9 % polio free. Only a couple of new cases in Afghanistan and Pakistan. We will continue to fight for a polio free world. Then What? Rotary has begun to look at other projects...perhaps we will see a project o vaccinate people world wide from COVID. Stay tuned.
No matter how big or small a donation you make to the Foundation, you can be assured it will go to a good use.... for example : for as little as 60 cents, a child can be protected from polio; $50 can provide clean water to help fight waterborne illness; $500 can launch an antibullying campaign and create a safe environment for children. Build up your giving to $1000 and become a Paul Harris Fellow (PHF). For each $1000 given to the annual fund, you will receive another PHF.
To read more about Foundation, and to see the many projects Rotary is involved in please click on the link and go to the Rotary International website! https://www.rotary.org/en/about-rotary/rotary-foundation
If you are new to Rotary or wish to have more information about this Charitable Organization then please click the link above and explore the Rotary International website.