The Rotary Foundation is a non-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. 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$26.5M to more than US$1B.
Globally well respected, the Rotary Foundation has earned a 4 Star ranking from Charity Navigator, scoring highly in Finance, Accountability and Transparency and has one of the largest and most prestigious international fellowship programmes in the world. The Rotary Foundation helps Rotary members, clubs and districts advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace by improving health, providing quality education, improving the environment, and alleviating poverty through 7 Areas of Focus.
1 Peace and Conflict Prevention / Resolution.
2 Disease Prevention and Treatment.
3 Water and Sanitation.
4 Maternal and Child Health.
5 Basic Education and Literacy.
6 Economic and Community Development.
7 Protecting the Environment.