The Rotary Foundation

The Foundation's Annual Fund is the primary funding source for Foundation activities.  The Foundation has received a four-star (maximum) rating from Charity Navigator and uses Annual Fund contributions for its worldwide educational and humanitarian projects, as well as for District projects.

 

Since the mid-80's the Foundation's #1 priority has been its commitment to eradicate polio throughout the world.  Partnering with the World Health Organization, the U.S. Center for Disease Control, UNICEF and private parties like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (which has contributed over $1.9 billion thus far), Rotary has spearheaded the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. Chris told how she was moved by her participation in National Immunization day in India in 2004 and by the progress Rotary has made since then.  When Rotary launched its polio initiative in the late 80's there were 350,000 new cases each year.  Thus far in 2015 there have been only 52 cases--39 in Pakistan and 13 in Afghanistan.

 

Other Foundation projects include clean water and sanitation, conflict resolution and the promotion of dignity and education.  In the latter regard the Foundation has supported District Scholars through scholarships and otherwise.

 

Every Rotarian is urged to make a personal gift to the Foundation every year; indeed, to be eligible for District grants, clubs must contribute at least $100 per member each year.  Our Club exceeded that minimum last year, and Barb reminded us of our need to do the same this year.