The Rotary Foundation

The Rotary Foundation is one of the largest foundations in the world. It is a charitable organisation and the "engine room" which drives Rotary in all aspects of its Global International Service.

The Foundation was created in 1917 by Rotary International's sixth President, Arch C. Klumph, as an endowment fund for Rotary "to do good in the world". It has grown from an initial contribution of US$26.50 to more than US$250 million contributed in 2009-10. Its event-filled history is a story of Rotarians learning the value of service to humanity.

Funding the Foundation is obviously important and anyone can contribute, Rotarians and non-Rotarians alike. The Rotary Club of Belconnen, for example will donate $10,000 to the Foundation this year and our Club's policy is to make a donation of $US100 for each new member that joins the Club.

The Annual Fund is the primary source of funds that support The Rotary Foundation's programs and areas of focus. Contributions to the Annual Fund are invested for three years and the income earned from these investments pays for all the Foundation's operating expenses. Every annual giving dollar contributed to the Foundation is available for its programs approximately three years later.

Between the years 1947 and 2005 approximately US$1.5 billion had been spent on the Foundation's programs.

Through its Educational Programs the Rotary Foundation provides funding for some 1,200 students to study abroad each year.

This year the Rotary Club of Belconnen is actively promoting the Centurion Program. This is a uniquely Australian program run through The Australian Rotary Foundation Trust which is designed to enable individual Rotarians and non Rotarians to support The Rotary Foundation by contributing a minimum of AUD $100 each year for as long as they are in a position to do so. Donations are fully tax deductable. Centurion members are issued with a membership certificate and a recognition pin. It is a good way to make the Rotary Foundation your charity of choice to support.

Further details regarding the Rotary Foundation can be found through the links on the left.