Supporting Rotary Giving for Lasting Impact
Rob Brookwell
Giving back is at the heart of Rotary—and the Calgary Rotary Clubs Foundation (CRCF) was created to help that generosity go even further.
The idea started with our own Rotary Club of Calgary Downtown in the early 1970s. Members saw the potential of building a shared endowment fund to strengthen Rotary’s long-term impact—and invited other Calgary clubs to join. CRCF was officially incorporated in 1972 and today manages more than $68 million in assets on behalf of 12 member clubs. A detailed history of the CRCF is available on our About Us page.
Each year, clubs receive a share of the fund’s earnings, based on what they’ve contributed. That money goes right back into service projects chosen by the clubs themselves—local or global, large or small. CRCF’s pooled investment approach and strong governance provide stability, transparency, and long-term growth. Most importantly, decisions stay with the clubs.
In 2025, CRCF-supported projects included the Garden of Hope at Ruth’s House, a transitional home where women in recovery are building community, growing food, and finding healing. Another initiative helped install a new accessible lift at Bowmont Commons, a community hub operated by Carya Calgary, improving safety and inclusion for all users.
CRCF isn’t a separate charity—it’s a tool that Calgary Rotary clubs built for themselves to grow the power of their giving. When you make a donation through CRCF, be sure to indicate the Downtown Club so your contribution supports the legacy we’ve helped shape from the beginning.
To learn more—or to read the 2025 Impact Report—visit www.calgaryrotaryfoundation.ca.