The
Rotary Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation
that supports the efforts of Rotary International
to achieve world understanding and peace through
international humanitarian, educational, and cultural
exchange programs. It is supported solely by voluntary
contributions from Rotarians and friends of the
Foundation who share its vision of a better world.
The Foundation was created in 1917 by Rotary International's
sixth president, Arch C. Klumph,
as an endowment fund for Rotary "to do good
in the world." It has grown from an initial
contribution
of US$26.50 to more than US$55 million contributed
in 2002-03. Its event-filled history is a story
of Rotarians learning the value of service to humanity.
The Foundation's Humanitarian Programs fund international
Rotary club and district projects to improve the
quality of life, providing health care, clean water,
food, education, and other essential needs primarily
in the developing world. One of the major Humanitarian
Programs is PolioPlus, which seeks to eradicate
the poliovirus worldwide. Through its Educational
Programs, the Foundation provides funding for some
1,200 students to study abroad each year. Grants
are also awarded to university teachers to teach
in developing countries and for exchanges of business
and professional people. Former participants in
the Foundation's programs have the opportunity to
continue their affiliation with Rotary as Foundation
Alumni. |