The Rotary Foundation
The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International is a
not-for-profit corporation that promotes world
understanding through international humanitarian service
programs and educational and cultural exchanges. It is
supported solely by voluntary contributions from Rotarians
and others who share its vision of a better world. Since
1947, the Foundation has awarded more than US$1.1 billion
in humanitarian and educational grants, which are initiated
and administered by local Rotary clubs and districts.
The Foundation was created in
1917 by Rotary International's sixth president, Arch
C. Klumph, as an endowment fund for Rotary "to do good
in the world." It has grown from an initial
contribution of US$26.50 to more than US$73 million
contributed in 2000-01. Its event-filled history is a
story of Rotarians learning the value of service to
humanity.
The Foundation's Humanitarian
Programs fund international Rotary club and district
projects to improve the quality of life, providing
health care, clean water, food, education, and other
essential needs primarily in the developing world. One
of the major Humanitarian Programs is PolioPlus, which
seeks to eradicate the polio virus worldwide. Through
its Educational Programs, the Foundation provides
funding for some 1,200 students to study abroad each
year. Grants are also awarded to university teachers
to teach in developing countries and for exchanges of
business and professional people. Former participants
in the Foundation's programs have the opportunity to
continue their affiliation with Rotary as Foundation
Alumni.
A Matching Grant from the Rotary Foundation provided solar
energy for three rural schools near Santiago del Estero,
Argentina.
