? History of The Rotary Foundation
A Legacy of Service, Humanitarian Action & Doing Good in the World
The Rotary Foundation (TRF) is the charitable and humanitarian arm of Rotary International. It was established with the vision of creating a world where people come together to take action and improve the lives of others.
? A Journey Through History
At the Rotary International Convention in Atlanta, Rotary President Arch C. Klumph proposed the creation of an “endowment fund” to support Rotary's humanitarian and educational activities. This idea became the foundation of The Rotary Foundation.
The first contribution to the fund— US$26.50—was received from the Rotary Club of Kansas City, Missouri.
The organization was formally named The Rotary Foundation and became a distinct entity within Rotary.
The Foundation made its first major grant, supporting the National Society for Crippled Children in the United States.
Following the death of Paul Harris, the founder of Rotary, contributions to the Foundation increased significantly in his memory. This helped establish the Foundation as a major force for humanitarian service.
Rotary introduced the Matching Grants program, enabling Rotary clubs and districts to work together on international service projects.
Rotary launched PolioPlus, one of the most ambitious humanitarian initiatives in Rotary's history, with the goal of eradicating polio worldwide.
The Rotary Foundation established the Rotary Peace Fellowship, supporting the development of future leaders in peace and conflict resolution.
Rotary introduced the District Grants and Global Grants structure under the new Rotary Foundation grants model, providing clubs and districts with greater flexibility to implement sustainable projects.
The Rotary Foundation supports humanitarian service, disease prevention, education, peacebuilding, clean water and sanitation, maternal and child health, community economic development, and environmental sustainability in communities around the world.
?? Rotary Foundation Today
The Rotary Foundation has grown from Arch Klumph's simple idea of an endowment fund into one of the world's leading humanitarian organizations.
Rotarians and Rotary clubs around the world contribute to the Foundation, enabling Rotary to undertake sustainable projects and create lasting positive change.
