The Rotary Foundation
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.  The Rotary Foundation helps fund our humanitarian activities, from local service projects to global initiatives.
Areas of focus
We direct our efforts in six areas to enhance our local and global impact. Our most successful and sustainable projects and activities tend to fall within the following areas:
  • Promoting peace
  • Fighting disease
  • Providing clean water
  • Saving mothers and children
  • Supporting education
  • Growing local economies

The Rotary Foundation earns coveted 4-star rating

The Rotary Foundation earned a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, the largest and most prestigious independent evaluator of nonprofits in the United States.
The 4-star rating, the highest that Charity Navigator awards, recognizes sound fiscal management, accountability, and transparency. Charity Navigator evaluates thousands of nonprofits each year, and only one of four earns 4 stars.
This year's top distinction marks the Foundation's seventh in a row, placing it in the top 3 percent of U.S.-based charities. In a letter to the Foundation, Charity Navigator President Ken Berger wrote, "This 'exceptional' designation differentiates The Rotary Foundation from its peers and demonstrates to the public it is worthy of their trust."
 

History of The Rotary Foundation

At the 1917 convention, outgoing RI President Arch C. Klumph proposed to set up an endowment “for the purpose of doing good in the world.” In 1928, it was renamed The Rotary Foundation, and it became a distinct entity within Rotary International.

Growth of the Foundation

In 1929, the Foundation made its first gift of $500 to the International Society for Crippled Children. The organization, created by Rotarian Edgar F. “Daddy” Allen, later grew into Easter Seals.
When Rotary founder Paul Harris died in 1947, contributions began pouring in to Rotary International, and the Paul Harris Memorial Fund was created to build the Foundation.

Evolution of Foundation programs

1947: The Foundation established its first program, Fellowships for Advance Study, later known as Ambassadorial Scholarships.
1965-66: Three programs were launched: Group Study Exchange, Awards for Technical Training, and Grants for Activities in Keeping with the Objective of The Rotary Foundation, which was later called Matching Grants.
1978: Rotary introduced the Health, Hunger and Humanity (3-H) Grants. The first 3-H Grant funded a project to immunize 6 million Philippine children against polio.
1985: The PolioPlus program was launched to eradicate polio worldwide.
1987-88: The first peace forums were held, leading to Rotary Peace Fellowships.
2013: New district, global, and packaged grants enable Rotarians around the world to respond to the world’s greatest needs.
Since the first donation of $26.50 in 1917, the Foundation has received contributions totaling more than $1 billion
Ways to Give
Recurring giving (Rotary Direct)
Support our efforts year round by making a recurring gift. You choose how much and how often you want to give— it's a simple and secure way to make a big impact.
Online contributions can be made monthly, quarterly, or annually. If you prefer, you may return the completed Rotary Direct enrollment form or enroll by phone at +1-866-976-8279.
To update your existing recurring giving, contact us at rotarydirect@rotary.org or call +1-866-976-8279. For security reasons, changes to your credit card information should be made by phone.
Check, draft, or wire payments
Learn how to donate by different payment methods.
Securities
Your gift of marketable securities to The Rotary Foundation provides tax benefits and helps make an impact in lives both at home and around the world.
Planned giving
The Foundation offers several ways to structure your charitable gift that may provide tax and other financial benefits, including estate gifts, charitable gift annuities, and trusts.
Named gift
With an endowed or term gift, you can designate a specific name for your contribution. Endowed gifts are invested in perpetuity, while a portion of their earnings is spent on a designated program. Term gifts are spent in their entirety on a specific program over an agreed period of time.
Donor advised funds
The Rotary Foundation donor advised fund is a convenient way to simplify charitable giving and take advantage of U.S. tax savings. A Donor Advised Fund account is similar to a charitable checking account. You make contributions and recommend grants to the Foundation and other preferred charities at your convenience. An account may be established by individuals or Rotary-affiliated groups.
Personal property
The Rotary Foundation accepts gifts of tangible property, such as jewelry or artwork, with the approval of the Gift Acceptance Committee. At this time, gifts of automobiles, boats, airplanes, and motorcycles are not accepted by the Foundation.
See The Rotary Foundation's Gift Acceptance Policy for a complete list of criteria along with the required documents and information, or contact us to learn more.
Real estate
The Rotary Foundation accepts gifts of real estate with a minimum appraised value of $25,000 (undeveloped property) and $100,000. When a donor makes an outright gift of real estate that is approved by the Gift Acceptance Committee, the Foundation takes immediate possession of and title to the property. The donor is entitled to a U.S. charitable tax deduction based upon the fair market value of the property when donated as determined by a qualified appraisal and may receive tax benefits in other countries as determined on a case by case basis. The net proceeds from the sale of the real estate support the Foundation.
For more detail about the process, please contact us to learn more. See The Rotary Foundation's Gift Acceptance Policy for a complete list of criteria along with the required documents and information.
Employee matching gift
Double the impact of your gift by asking your employer to match your contribution to The Rotary Foundation. More than 15,000 companies match gifts to the Foundation, including many international corporations. Find out if your employer does at www.rotary.org/matchinggifts.
Contact your human resources department to learn if your company is eligible for the program.
You can send your company's matching gift form directly to us at:
The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International
Attn: Corporate Matching Gifts
1560 Sherman Avenue
Evanston, IL 60201 USA
Email: apf@rotary.org
Fax: +1-847-328-5260
Learn more about Rotary's employee matching gift program, including recognition opportunities.
Rotary credit card
Support Rotary's efforts with the Rotary International credit card. Just by using your card, you'll be helping The Rotary Foundation do good in the world.
Airline miles
Through the United Airlines Mileage Plus Charity Miles program, you can donate miles to provide free airfare toward a club or district project.