Musing on Rotary Foundation Month
I found the following in a club bulletin. Unfortunately I did not write down which one it was. Nevertheless, with approval to print assumed, I share the following article with youOur Focus on November?
Why are Rotarians in over 200 countries and geographical areas focusing on the Rotary Foundation this month?
The short answer is we give to the Foundation so the Foundation can give back to us.
But wait! Most people join Rotary to meet people and volunteer in their own communities. Who needs a
Foundation to do that?
WE DO,
so we can make positive, lasting changes in our communities and the world.
The Rotary Foundation funds international activities such as Rotary International’s partnership with the WHO, UNICEF, the CDC and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to eradicate polio. In 1988, polio existed in 125 of 196 (64%) of countries in the world. Today, there are 3 Endemic countries left and 2.5 Billion children have been immunized against polio.
Rotary clubs worldwide have contributed over $1.2 billion to end polio. That happened because Rotarians like us gave to the Rotary Foundation.
The Rotary Foundation works on the local level as well. Each club may apply for a Foundation grant to support their own humanitarian projects, scholarships and training. We give to the Foundation so that all clubs may benefit.
The Rotary Foundation does not spend money to make money.
Donations are invested for three years and then disbursed to programs and grants. A portion of the interest income pays for promoting and managing the Foundation.
All – 100% – of the donations made by us Rotarians goes to projects, scholarships and training.
Why are we focusing on giving to the Rotary Foundation in November?
Because now is the time to continue to make a positive difference that will last for years.