Rotary Foundation

Foundation history

At the 1917 convention, outgoing Rotary president Arch Klumph proposed setting up an endowment “for the purpose of doing good in the world.” That one idea, and an initial contribution of $26.50, set in motion a powerful force that has transformed millions of lives around the globe.

Explore Our History

Since it was founded more than 100 years ago, the Foundation has spent more than $4 billion on life-changing, sustainable projects.

With your help, we can make lives better in your community and around the world.

Our mission

The Rotary Foundation helps Rotary members to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace by improving health, providing quality education, improving the environment, and alleviating poverty.

Since it was founded more than 100 years ago, the Foundation has spent more than $4 billion on life-changing, sustainable projects.

Together, we can make an impact in your community and around the world.

What impact can one donation have?

$3 is the average cost to fully protect a child against polio.
$50 can maintain water filters to help fight waterborne illness.
$200 to develop work opportunities by replacing livestock for people impacted by disasters.

Please see the recording of April 2025 TRF Webinar here and download slides here

New Zealand Rotary Clubs Charitable Trust (NZRCCT)

NZRCCT manages all NZ donations to the Rotary Foundation and has Schedule 32 status allowing donations to be remitted offshore. The NZRCCT issues NZ tax deductible receipts. Donations can be made directly to the NZRCCT or more commonly through your district foundation committee.

The trustee for the NZRCCT is the Perpetual Guardian with the Governor Train from all 5 NZ Districts making up the advisory trustees. The current chair is DGE Brent Gerrard from D9940.

Only donations to the Rotary Foundation through ROZOP's, your district or NZRCCT are eligible for tax receipts.

NB: Donations directly to the Rotary Foundation will not receive a receipt suitable for NZ tax purposes.

Key Resources

Please note that some of the forms below are Australian or US forms. We are working on updating these. Any credit card payments need to be made using the Make a donation today button above (in order to receive a NZ tax receipt). Other payments are to be made to your District Foundation Committee.

Recognition programs

Every Rotarian, Every Year every club member must personally contribute at least $25 to the Annual Fund during the year.

Paul Harris Society link When you elect to contribute $1,000 or more annually to the Annual Fund, PolioPlus, or an approved Foundation grant

Arch Klumph Society When your cumulative donations reach $250,000. Recognition includes an induction ceremony and your picture and biography in the Arch Klumph Society interactive gallery at the Rotary International headquarters in Evanston, Illinois, USA. You also receive invitations to society events, along with membership pins and crystals that commemorate giving at the following levels.