Rotary Foundation

The Rotary Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation, supported solely by voluntary contributions from Rotarians and friends of the Foundation who share its vision of a better world.

 The mission of The Rotary Foundation is to enable Rotarians to advance world understanding, goodwill and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education, and the alleviation of poverty. Its motto is simply “Doing Good in the World”. The Rotary Foundation, established as an endowment fund in 1917, enjoyed modest growth until 1947 when Rotarians made a significant number of contributions in memory of Paul Harris who died in January 1947.

Rotary clubs and Rotarians raise and contribute funds to The Rotary Foundation annually enabling humanitarian work to be done around the globe.  Clubs can apply for use of these funds for local and international projects providing access to funding not otherwise achievable given their size. Today the fund is almost US$1 billion. Its unique funding model provides for a perpetual capital resource which annually funds thousands of club projects all over the world through Rotary District and Global grants.

Rotary International and The Rotary Foundation have developed many very influential partnerships that support and expand the scope and effectiveness of the humanitarian programmes and projects throughout the world.One example is the partnership to eradicate polio from the world with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, with others.

The Rotary Foundation was recognised as the world's Outstanding Foundation of 2016 by the International Association of Fundraising Professionals.  This unique award honours organisations that show philanthropic commitment and leadership through financial support, innovation, encouragement of others, and involvement in public affairs.