The Rotary Foundation

As an endowment fund with a mission to “do good in the world.”, The Rotary Foundation delivers educational, humanitarian and cultural exchange opportunities as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Funded solely through the contribution of Rotarians and their Rotary Clubs, the fund was originally started by Arch C. Klumph, Rotary International’s 6th President in 1917. Using an original amount of $26.50, over a century  later the fund has now grown to over $1 billion.

The Rotary Foundation holds the highest rating (4-stars) on Charity Navigator :

• Over 92% of the funds are awarded for the benefit of its programs
• The Rotary Foundation is made up primarily of the following funds or initiatives:
  • Annual Fund: Supports Rotary’s Areas of Focus through Service Projects
  • Endowment Fund: Supports Peace Fellow Scholarships
  • Polio Plus Fund: Supports the immunization of children against polio worldwide
  • Global Grants: Supports large-scale initiatives for humanitarian projects, vocation training, and scholarships
  • Directed Gifts: Supports a Global Grant or Peace Fellowship Scholarship
  • Donor Advised Fund: Supports a specific application of the donation, as specified by the donor

When a Rotarian contributes a donation of $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation, either as a one-time contribution or over a period of time, they become Paul Harris Fellows. PHF recipients receive a unique pin and certificate they can proudly display, worthy of their recognition among Fellow Rotarians. In addition, Rotarians who contribute $1,000 per year to The Rotary Foundation join the Paul Harris Society, which further recognizes their contribution to the fund.

Last, individuals who have contributed $250,000+ to The Rotary Foundation during their membership in Rotary join a select group known as the Arch Klumph Society, which recognizes their dedication to helping further the mission of Rotary International.