The Rotary Foundation (TRF) is a not-for-profit corporation that supports the efforts of Rotary International to achieve world understanding and peace through international humanitarian, educational, and cultural exchange programs. It is supported solely by voluntary contributions from Rotarians and friends of the Foundation who share its vision of a better world.
The Rotary Foundation Timeline
Since the first US$26.50 contribution in 1917, TRF has received contributions totaling in excess ofUS$1,000,000,000.00 (1 billion dollars)
- 1905 – First Rotary club organized in Chicago, Ill
- 1908 – Second Rotary club formed in San Francisco, CA
- 1920 – First Rotary convention held in Chicago
- 1912 – The Rotary club of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada became the first club outside the United State; Rotary went INTERNATIONAL
- 1917 – Endowment fund, forerunner of The Rotary Foundation, established by Rotary International president Arch Klumph
- 1947 – Rotary founder Paul Harris dies; first 18 Rotary Foundation scholarships granted
- 1965 – The Rotary Foundation launches Matching Grants and Group Study Exchange programs
- 1985 – Rotary announces PolioPlus program to immunize all children against polio
- 1994 – Western hemisphere declared polio free
- 1999 – Rotary centers for International Studies in Peace and Conflict Resolution established
- 2000 – Western Pacific declared polio free
- 2002 – Europe declared polio free
- 2002 – First class of 70 Rotary Peace Scholars begin study
- 2005 – Rotary celebrates 100 years
- TRF is the “crown jewel” of Rotary
- It is one of the largest foundations in the world
- It is one of the few foundations that gives away 100% of all funds that are donated
- Contributions from any one year are invested for three years before spent on programs
- Only investment earnings pay for administrative costs
Since the first US$26.50 contribution in 1917, TRF has received contributions totaling in excess ofUS$1,000,000,000.00 (1 billion dollars)
There are thousands of charitable organizations working throughout the world that make a positive impact on people in need. But, your Rotary Foundation is the only charitable organization funded by contributions from Rotarians, for programs and projects identified by Rotarians, and administered by Rotarians at the project site. The Rotary Foundation is YOU. — “EVERY ROTARIAN EVERY YEAR.”
“Every Rotarian Every Year” is a Rotary Foundation program that asks every Rotarian to contribute something to TRF each Rotary Year.
When you contribute US$100.00 or more each year to the Foundation’s Annual Fund (AF), you become a Foundation “SUSTAINING MEMBER.” Your generosity enables Rotarians to work together across oceans and vast terrain to find innovative solutions to complex problems that plague villagers in remote areas, as well as city dwellers.
US$100.00 can buy tuition and books for one year of school for two children in Kenya. US$500.00 can buy a ten-month food supply for a child in Guatemala. US$1,000.00 can provide clean drinking water for over 300 people in India.
For the first time in The Rotary Foundation’s history, contributions to the Annual Fund exceeded US$100 million in 2006-2007, reaching US$103.3 million. In Rotary year 2012-2013 the Annual Fund set another record, exceeding US$115.1 million.
“Every Rotarian Every Year” is a Rotary Foundation program that asks every Rotarian to contribute something to TRF each Rotary Year.
When you contribute US$100.00 or more each year to the Foundation’s Annual Fund (AF), you become a Foundation “SUSTAINING MEMBER.” Your generosity enables Rotarians to work together across oceans and vast terrain to find innovative solutions to complex problems that plague villagers in remote areas, as well as city dwellers.
US$100.00 can buy tuition and books for one year of school for two children in Kenya. US$500.00 can buy a ten-month food supply for a child in Guatemala. US$1,000.00 can provide clean drinking water for over 300 people in India.
For the first time in The Rotary Foundation’s history, contributions to the Annual Fund exceeded US$100 million in 2006-2007, reaching US$103.3 million. In Rotary year 2012-2013 the Annual Fund set another record, exceeding US$115.1 million.