The Rotary Foundation
T he Rotary Foundation of RI is a charitable organization supported entirely by voluntary contributions. The Foundation’s mission is to enable Rotarians to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through projects that improve health, support education, and help alleviate poverty.
Educational Programs
The Foundation supports educational programs that promote international understanding by bringing together people from different countries and cultures.
Humanitarian Grants
The Foundation provides humanitarian grants that enable Rotarians to increase their support of international service projects. Clubs and districts use Foundation grants for projects that provide essentials to people in need, such as water wells, medical care, and literacy classes.
PolioPlus
Eradicating polio is Rotary’s top priority. The PolioPlus program provides funding and support for the final stages of global polio eradication. Rotary is a spearheading partner with the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in this initiative.
As a result of our efforts, over two billion children under age five have received the polio vaccine, five million people who might otherwise be paralyzed are walking today, 500,000 new cases of polio are prevented each year, and the number of polio cases has declined by 99 percent worldwide.
Financial Support
Every dollar contributed to the Foundation funds its humanitarian and educational programs and program operations. The Every Rotarian, Every Year initiative encourages annual per capita giving worldwide of $100 or more to support these vital Foundation programs.
The Rotary Foundation has three main funds: