The Global Impact of The Rotary Foundation and the Heart of Rotary District 5050
For more than a century, The Rotary Foundation has been a driving force for good in the world. Powered by the passion and generosity of Rotarians, it transforms donations into life-changing projects that build peace, fight disease, provide clean water, save mothers and children, support education, grow local economies, and protect the environment.
It all started with an idea from Arch Klumph, who proposed an endowment “for the purpose of doing good in the world.” Through that humble idea, and an initial contribution of $26.50, the Rotary Foundation was set in motion, leading to its official formation in 1928. Today, the Foundation continues to be a powerful force that has transformed millions of lives around the globe through global grants available to Clubs worldwide.
One of the Foundation’s most extraordinary achievements is its leadership in the fight to eradicate polio. Since Rotary launched PolioPlus in 1985, polio cases have fallen by more than 99% sparing millions of people from paralysis or death. The global effort, supported by Rotary and generous partners such as the Gates Foundation, has not only brought us to the5 brink of eradication but also strengthened health systems, trained millions of workers, and laid the groundwork for future disease prevention.
The Rotary Foundation’s work goes well beyond polio. Through clean water and sanitation projects, communities gain access to safe drinking water and hygiene education that prevent illness and build resilience. In maternal and child health, Rotary helps reduce preventable deaths by improving access to healthcare and nutrition. Education and literacy programs give children the chance to learn, while Peace Fellowships prepare the next generation of leaders to tackle the world’s toughest conflicts.
Within Rotary District 5050, the spirit and impact of The Rotary Foundation are bold. Clubs from Everett to Bellingham, and from Surrey to Hope, are proof of the power of uniting to create good in the world. They accomplish this through diverse global grant and service projects, whether partnering with Kiva to provide microfinance opportunities, supporting clean water projects in Kenya, advancing literacy at home and abroad, or through the valiant fundraising adventures of Lee Harman and Winston Conyers with Miss Vicky, raising funds and awareness for the PolioPlus campaign. Every club is actively engaged in harnessing the resources available through The Rotary Foundation to deliver meaningful impact in the communities they serve.
According to the world’s leading charity evaluator, Charity Navigator, The Rotary Foundation earns a perfect 100% score and a Four-Star rating: “If this organization aligns with your passions and values, you can give with confidence.” True to the high ethical standards and Service Above Self of Rotarians around the world, Rotary remains committed to giving back through purpose and integrity. The Rotary Foundation connects hearts and hands across continents.
Giving to The Rotary Foundation is simple—but its impact is extraordinary. Just log in to Rotary.org and click on the Donate button. You’ll find many ways to give. For example, contributions to the Annual Fund – SHARE are divided at year’s end: one portion supports global projects through the World Fund, while the other returns to Rotary District 5050 as District Designated Funds, empowering our clubs to carry out meaningful local and international projects through grants. No matter which fund you choose or the amount you give, every dollar makes a difference, fueling life-changing projects that deliver lasting results.
Through every donation to the Rotary Foundation and every hands-on project, Rotarians are transforming lives, inspiring hope, and building a better world for all.
With gratitude for your service and kind generosity,
