When you make a donation to The Rotary Foundation, you are helping Rotary members make a difference in the lives of millions of people around the world, by promoting peace, preventing disease, supporting education, bolstering economic development, and providing clean water and sanitation.

Article by PDG Grant Spackman, Assistant Regional Rotary Foundation Coordinator

Let’s remind ourselves of what The Rotary Foundation is all about.

What began as an endowment fund in 1917 with a contribution of US$26.50 from the Rotary Club of Kansas City has grown to be one of the largest charities in the world with contributions exceeding US$1billion.

For the eleventh consecutive year The Rotary Foundation received the highest rating from Charity Navigator, the independent auditor of charities. The rating reflects how it uses its donations, the sustainability of programmes along with good governance and transparency.

Unlike other charities, 91% of donations received into the Annual Fund are used for programmes, with the balance for administration and overheads. This is achieved by investing the annual contributions for three years. The interest earned on the investments is used to fund the administration of the organisation.

After three years 50% of the funds each of our Districts contributed are returned to us as District Designated Funds. Districts can use up to a half for District Grants to Rotary Clubs to initiate community and international service projects. Foundation committees in each District use the other 50% to support Global Grants and the End Polio Now programme to fight against this devastating disease.

The other 50% goes to the Foundation’s World Fund which is used to support the Rotary Peace Fellowships and to provide matching funds for Global Grants. These being for activities covering Rotary’s Seven Areas of Focus – Peace, Disease Prevention, Water and Sanitation, Child and Maternal Health, Education, Economic Development and the Environment.

The Rotary Foundation is our unique charity, which sets us apart from other service organisations. In order for our Rotary Districts to continue to be able to provide Grants in support of international and community projects, we as Rotarians need to contribute. The Rotary Foundation does depend on the ongoing support of Rotary Clubs and Rotarians like you and I to be able “To Do Good In The World”.