Rotary Foundation

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 Rotary Foundation who share its vision of a better world.

The Rotary 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$245 million contributed in 2007-08.  Its event-filled history is a story of Rotarians learning the value of service to humanity.

The Rotary Foundation's Humanitarian Programs funds 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 polio virus worldwide.