THE ROTARY FOUNDATION

HISTORY

The Rotary Foundation was initiated in 1917 by past world president Arch Klumph who said, 'We should accept endowments for the purpose of doing good in the world in charitable, educational and other avenues of community service.

THE FOUNDATION FUNDS

Annual Programs Fund
Contributions made by individuals, clubs and districts are invested for three years.  After three years 50 % of the original contribution is returned to the District through the District Designated Fund (DDF) 50% is used to support Foundation programs. Investment earnings are used for administration and Foundation programs.

Permanent Fund
Contributions are invested in perpetuity to ensure the long term viability of the Foundation.  Investment earnings are used for established and new Foundation programs. Contributions come from outright gifts and testamentary gifts through a will or estate plan.

Restricted Fund
Contributions are directed to the Polio Eradication Campaign.

FOUNDATION PROGRAMS

Matching Grants
TRF provides a 1:1 match of DDF and a 0.5:1 match of sponsor contributions to assist in funding humanitarian programs in another country.  Grants range from US $5,000 to $150,000. There are set criteria for Matching Grants including an international and host partnership.

District Simplified Grants (DSG)
A maximum of 20% of DDF can be allocated to District Simplified Grants to support local or international humanitarian projects.

Health Hunger and Humanitarian (3-H) Grants
TRF provides US$100,000 - $300,000 for long term integrated sustainable projects to improve health, alleviate hunger or enhance development through self help activities.

Ambassadorial Scholarships
These include academic one year scholarships, two year degree orientated studies and three to six month cultural scholarships. The students serve overseas as ambassadors of goodwill to improve international understanding.  Past GG Sir William Dean was an Ambassadorial Scholar.

Rotary Centres for International Studies in Peace and Conflict Resolution
World Peace Fellowships allow students to pursue a master's degree or professional development certificate in international relations, peace, conflict resolution and related subjects at one of the seven Rotary Centres for International Studies in Peace and Conflict Resolution.

Group Study Exchange
The Foundation funds an exchange of teams of outstanding young non Rotarian business and professional people between districts in different countries.  The cost of transport for four team members and a Rotarian team leader for four to six weeks is met by the Foundation.

www.rotary.org