Three things every Rotarian should know about the Foundation
Posted by David Rush
on Nov 08, 2011
Take pride in the work of The Rotary Foundation.
Rotary Foundation Month in November is an ideal time for all Rotary members to remember a simple but important fact: Everything that The Rotary Foundation achieves — from paying for polio vaccines to teaching children to read — is possible because of the time and contributions of Rotarians and friends of Rotary.
“When Arch Klumph in 1917 put forward the idea of an endowment fund to do good in the world, he could not have imagined what our Rotary Foundation would become,” says Trustee Chair William B. Boyd.
The following points are important:
1. The Foundation is working on our primary goal. Rotary’s top priority is to eradicate polio. Through PolioPlus, The Rotary Foundation has led a global effort to rid the world of this crippling disease. To date, Rotary has contributed more than US$1 billion toward that goal. Rotary’s US$200 Million Challenge is the Foundation’s response to the $355 million in challenge grants from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to achieve a polio-free world.
2. The Foundation changes lives. Through the resources and programs of The Rotary Foundation, Rotarians carry out far-reaching projects based on Rotary’s areas of focus. Communities have access to safe water and healthcare, and benefit from the work of Rotary Peace Fellows because of the Foundation. Learn more about what your gift can do.
3. You make it possible. The Foundation is supported solely by voluntary contributions from Rotarians and others who share our vision of a better world. And because of the Foundation’s impact — and the close monitoring of projects — giving to The Rotary Foundation is a financially sound decision.
“Our Rotary Foundation tells the world that we care,” says Boyd. “Be proud of our Foundation and the wonders that we achieve through it.” The 2011-12 goal for the Annual Programs Fund is $104 million. Donate now.