History of Rotary Foundation

What is The Rotary Foundation?

The Rotary Foundation, the charitable arm of Rotary International, has a storied history of humanitarian service and global impact. It was established in 1917 by Rotary International's sixth president, Arch C. Klumph, as an endowment fund to "do good in the world" and promote the ideals of Rotary.

The initial goal of the Foundation was to accumulate a fund of $2,000 to support Rotary's charitable efforts. However, the vision and generosity of Rotarians quickly surpassed this modest goal. Within the first few years, the Foundation received substantial donations, allowing it to expand its reach and impact.

In 1928, the Foundation launched its first international initiative by providing funds for the construction of the International Amphitheater in Rome, Italy, which served as a venue for educational and cultural events. This marked the beginning of the Foundation's commitment to international projects and cooperation.

Over the decades, the Foundation continued to grow and evolve, supporting an increasing number of humanitarian projects around the world. In 1947, the Foundation funded its first graduate-level scholarship program, setting the stage for future educational initiatives. In the 1960s, the Foundation expanded its focus to include health and hunger relief programs, addressing critical needs on a global scale.

In 1978, Rotary launched the PolioPlus program under the leadership of then-Rotary International President Clem Renouf. This ambitious initiative aimed to eradicate polio worldwide by immunising children against the disease. PolioPlus became one of the most significant and successful public-private partnerships in global health history, with Rotary playing a leading role in the fight against polio.

The success of PolioPlus paved the way for other large-scale international projects. In 2013, Rotary introduced the Rotary Peace Centers, offering fellowships for individuals pursuing peace studies and conflict resolution at prestigious universities around the world.

The Rotary Foundation has also played a crucial role in disaster relief efforts, providing immediate aid to communities affected by natural disasters and supporting long-term recovery and reconstruction projects.

To fund its initiatives, the Foundation relies on the generosity of Rotarians, corporations, and individuals who contribute to its annual fund and major giving programs. These funds are then utilised for humanitarian projects, educational scholarships, and Rotary's ongoing efforts to eradicate polio.

Throughout its history, the Rotary Foundation has remained committed to the core values of Rotary International and the belief in "Service Above Self." With its extensive network of dedicated volunteers and partners, the Foundation continues to create lasting, positive change in communities worldwide, embodying the spirit of Rotary's motto, "Doing Good in the World."