The Rotary Foundation (TRF) has been named the 2016 Outstanding Foundation by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). From its first contribution of $26.50 almost a century ago, TRF’s assets have grown to approximately $1 billion, and more than $3 billion have been spent on projects that promote peace, fight disease, provide clean water, support education, save mothers and children, and grow local economies.

“While almost everyone is familiar with Rotary, not everyone may realize just how much an impact Rotary and The Rotary Foundation have had on countless people and communities across the globe,” said AFP President and CEO Jason Lee. “On behalf of the entire charitable sector and people around the world, all of us at AFP are honored to be able to recognize The Rotary Foundation as our 2016 Outstanding Foundation.”

To mark the Foundation’s centennial year, Rotary members aim to raise $300 million by July 2017. “We are honored to receive this recognition from the AFP, which gives us even more reason to celebrate during our Foundation’s centennial year,” said Rotary Foundation Trustee Chair Kalyan Banerjee. “The continued strong support of Rotary members will help us keep our promise of a polio-free world for all children, and enable the Foundation to carry out its mission of advancing world understanding, goodwill and peace.  We look forward to another 100 years of Rotary members taking action to make communities better around the world.”

The Rotary Foundation received its award at AFP’s 2017 International Fundraising Conference in San Francisco.