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The Rotary Foundation is the charitable arm of Rotary International, established in 1917 by Rotary’s sixth president, Arch Klumph. Its mission is to enable Rotarians to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education, and the alleviation of poverty.
The Rotary Foundation supports various programs and projects worldwide, concentrating on these key areas:
1. Promoting Peace: Funding peace fellowships and initiatives that address the underlying causes of conflict, such as poverty, inequality, ethnic tension, and lack of access to education.
2. Fighting Disease: Supporting health initiatives, including the global campaign to eradicate polio, as well as efforts to combat diseases like malaria, HIV/AIDS, and diabetes.
3. Providing Clean Water and Sanitation: Ensuring people have sustainable access to clean water and sanitation, improving hygiene practices, and helping communities develop systems for managing water resources.
4. Supporting Education: Enhancing literacy and educational opportunities for all, particularly in impoverished regions, through scholarships, teacher training, and building educational infrastructure.
5. Growing Local Economies: Offering microloans and training to entrepreneurs, supporting agricultural development, and creating sustainable economic opportunities.
6. Saving Mothers and Children: Improving access to essential medical services, promoting healthy lifestyles, and supporting maternal and child health programs.
Funding and Grants
The Rotary Foundation transforms donations into service projects that change lives both close to home and around the world. The Foundation offers several types of grants:
– District Grants: These grants fund smaller, short-term projects that address immediate needs in local communities.
– Global Grants: Supporting large-scale international activities with sustainable, measurable outcomes in Rotary’s areas of focus.
– Disaster Response Grants**: Providing funds for immediate assistance in disaster-stricken areas.
Polio Eradication Efforts
One of the Foundation’s most significant initiatives is the **End Polio Now** campaign. Since its launch, Rotary and its partners have immunized more than 2.5 billion children worldwide, reducing polio cases by 99.9%. The Foundation continues to support immunization campaigns and surveillance efforts to ensure the world remains polio-free.
Scholarships and Fellowships
The Rotary Foundation also invests in the future through scholarships and fellowships, including the prestigious Rotary Peace Fellowship, which funds study at one of Rotary’s Peace Centers worldwide. These programs develop leaders who are committed to advancing peace and conflict resolution.
The Rotary Foundation is known for its excellent financial stewardship. It has consistently received high ratings from charity evaluators for its transparency and effective use of donations.
Through its comprehensive and strategic approach, the Rotary Foundation continues to make a significant impact on communities globally, embodying the spirit of Rotary’s motto: “Service Above Self.”