Annual Report of Our Foundation – The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International

Donations in 2010 were up more than 20% over 2009:  from $223,800,000 to $268,500,000 worldwide. United States climbs to 4th position per capita behind Korea, Japan, Canada – just ahead of Australia, Italy, Brazil. Total 2010 investment return of $54,000,000 compared to a 2009 loss of ($164,000,000). Total program awards of $187,000,000 with administration/ operations of less than twelve percent (12%); $21,700,000. (Program awards are those like the Los Guiñeos, Dominican Republic water project right here in this club). Total net assets increased by more than $80,000,000 from 2009 to 2010. The permanent fund grew by nearly $20,000,000 to $187,000,000, a partial rebound back toward its all-time high of $219,600,000.

The recently-released annual report of Our Rotary Foundation shows a healthy organization dedicated to its mission and its vision of achieving world peace and understanding.  Contributions are up, funded projects have increased, the permanent fund continues to rebound from the disaster of the Great Recession, and progress toward the eradication of polio is evident and encouraging.  Polio incidents in India have decreased 99.1% and 75.3% in Nigeria, two of the remaining five or six regions of the world not yet polio-free.  Millions are being invested in this final effort, including significant support from Bill and Melinda Gates, The United Nations, and the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta.

The organization of Rotary worldwide is steady and stable but always in need of careful attention and management.  As of June 30, 2010 there were 1,227,563 Rotarians worldwide in 34,103 Clubs just like this one.  The Rotary Club of St. Cloud is very rare in the United States in that it is among a very few growing in membership and with a net decreasing average age – two important measurements of sustainability and good health.  Additionally, the current and next three Club Presidents are younger than the national average.  Most Rotary growth occurs outside of the U.S. and/or by extension (new clubs) rather than existing clubs growing.  For more information and for a copy of the audit and the full report:  www.rotary.org