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 Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation supported solely by voluntary contributions from Rotarians and friends of the Foundation who share its vision of a better world.

We all support local and state charities  and there are many great ones to support.  However, a contribution to our Rotary Foundation supports programs and projects making our World a better place. By contributing to the Foundation, you have the opportunity to make our world a better place.   The Foundation is also one of the largest private scholarship organizations in the world, having awarded nearly $500 million in scholarships in the last 50 years.   By giving US $100 a year through the Every Rotarian, Every Year, (EREY) initiative, you become a Rotary Foundation Sustaining Member. Contributions to EREY are the primary source of funding for Foundation programs.

Here are a few ways your contributions are making change possible:

1. Eradicating polio   Rotary launched its PolioPlus program in 1985. Since then, eradicating polio has been the organization's top priority.  End Polio Now and help fulfill its promise.   Around the world, Rotarians are taking millions of steps in walkathons, diving into icy ocean waters, and participating in other fundraisers to help Rotary fulfill its promise to rid the world of polio.

2. Basic education and literacy:  Education helps rebuild lives, whether it's in small rural towns or in war-torn countries.

3. Promoting peace and conflict resolution:  Rotary Peace Fellows  are leaders in promoting national and international cooperation, peace, and conflict resolution. Help support the Rotary Peace Centers . Peace and conflict prevention/resolution is the first area of focus.

4. Reducing child mortality:   According to the World Health Organization, 1.8 million children die of diarrhea every year, making it the second leading cause of death among children under five. Proper sanitation can reduce the rate of child mortality in many communities by up to a third. Water and sanitation is the third area of focus.

5. Fighting hunger   In Romania, orphans and sick children have eggs, milk, and meat because of a Foundation grant that benefits local farmers. The farmers are able to buy everything from animal feed to packaging materials. There is one stipulation: They must donate a portion of their products to children’s hospitals, schools, and orphanages.   In Alaska, USA, the Rotary Club of Anchorage East is also fighting hunger  by distributing food to low-income families through a mobile food pantry.  Projects such as these help address the areas of focus of maternal and child health as well as economic and community development.

Giving is easy.  You may pay by a separate check when you pay your quarterly dues or on-line at www.rotary.org.  If you would like more information on about the Foundation itself, Please contact Roger Schreiner or Ann Nelson.