The Rotary Foundation

The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International was established in 1917. 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 … emphasizing and strengthening educational and cultural programs, which enhance goodwill and understanding; making grants that fulfill humanitarian needs in all areas of the world; and expanding programs intended to strengthen peaceful relations among people.”

The Rotary Foundation accepts contributions from Rotarians and friends of Rotary that are allocated to one of the following: the Annual Programs Fund, a Permanent Fund, or the PolioPlus Fund.

The Annual Programs Fund supports most Foundation programs, returning 100% of the contributions to programs.  A portion of the money contributed to the Annual Programs Fund is returned to individual Rotary clubs for programs in peace and conflict prevention and resolution; disease prevention and treatment; water and sanitation; maternal and child health; basic education and literacy; and economic and community development.

The Permanent Fund is completely invested and only the interest is used to pay administrative costs and fund programs.

Currently programs of The Rotary Foundation include scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students to study outside their own country as well as for qualified professionals pursuing vocational studies. A master’s level program , World Peace Scholars, is aimed at equipping the next generation of global and community leaders with skills needed to reduce the threat of war and violence.

Group Study Exchanges bring young professionals from one country and a variety of vocations to learn from their counterparts from a different country.