Dear Rotarians,
Without these contributions, our ability to fund and support projects would be significantly limited. This year, more than ever in recent years, we need your help!
For those members that are "seasoned" within Rotary, this should come as no surprise. For newer Rotarians or clubs with their own foundations, this is a gentle nudge to inform or remind you that your donations to TRF matter greatly. If Rotary is to be there to teach children to read, build wells, feed the hungry, care for the sick, shelter the poor; then Every Rotarian is invited and encouraged to support the Annual Fund with a personal contribution, Every Year.
Our Foundation team, led by Past District Governor Jerry Hardy (DRFC), is doing a fantastic job working to raise awareness and monetary support. Join PDG Jerry Hardy and Amy Bawcom (Major Gifts/Endowments) this Thursday at 6:30 p.m. for our next District Town Hall!
Our District Foundation Goals for 2020-21
- Every Rotarian Donate at least $25 To The Rotary Foundation
- Every Club Increase Their End Polio Now Giving
- Increase support and awareness for The Rotary Foundation
Growth of The Foundation
In 1929, the Foundation made its first gift of $500 to the International Society for Crippled Children. The organization, created by Rotarian Edgar F. "Daddy" Allen, later grew into Easter Seals.
When Rotary founder Paul Harris died in 1947, contributions began pouring into Rotary International, and the Paul Harris Memorial Fund was created to build the Foundation.
The Evolution Of The Foundation Programs
1947: The Foundation established its first program, Fellowships for Advance Study, later known as Ambassadorial Scholarships.
1965-66: Three programs were launched: Group Study Exchange, Awards for Technical Training, and Grants for Activities in Keeping with the Objective of The Rotary Foundation, which was later called Matching Grants.
1978: Rotary introduced the Health, Hunger, and Humanity (3-H) Grants. The first 3-H Grant funded a project to immunize 6 million Philippine children against polio.
1985: The PolioPlus program was launched to eradicate polio worldwide.
1987-88: The first peace forums were held, leading to Rotary Peace Fellowships.
2013: New district, global, and packaged grants enable Rotarians worldwide to respond to the world's greatest needs.
Since the first donation of $26.50 in 1917, the Foundation has received more than $1 billion and counting.
Can We Count On You?