In an uncertain world, The Rotary Foundation stands as a beacon of hope. Hope for mitigating suffering, healing wounds and hope for peace and goodwill in our world.
November is TRF month; a time for learning and dedication to the Foundation and its many worthwhile programmes. A time to focus our attention on the pillar which gives real internationality to Rotary — TRF.
From a tiny beginning in the mind and heart of Arch Klumph as an Endowment Fund “for doing good in the world”; today it has evolved into one of the foremost agencies of humanitarian service — a Foundation which is respected, transparent, increasingly nimble and one of the best managed foundations in the world, which has been given the highest Four Star Rating by Charity Navigator on multiple parameters ranging from efficiency to transparency for 16 years in a row.
Through the various programmes and projects, TRF is truly improving lives and transforming communities. The impact of global grants happens across the world and district grants allow us to meet local needs. And we are closer than ever to a Polio-free world. All this depends on our support to TRF. It is important that we support all 3 funds.
Our support to the Annual Fund today helps us to do global grants tomorrow; Endowment fund support ensures a bright future for TRF. And it is important to support our End Polio Now Fund. Join the PolioPlus Society in your district and engage all members in this historic moment when we are so close to ending polio forever. And remember, the Gates Foundation continues to amplify Rotary’s donations to polio eradication with a 2-to-1 match for every dollar.
The University of Notre Dame’s Science of Generosity Project defines generosity as “the virtue of giving good things to others freely and abundantly.” When we think deeply about this definition, three parts stand out clearly. Generosity is giving good things, freely and abundantly. That’s what we do when we give to TRF. We give good things — our time, talent and our treasure to fund the various programmes of TRF that change lives close to our homes and across the world.
As we celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights and look forward to Christmas, the Festival of Joy, let us continue investing in TRF to keep doing good in the world.
Bharat Pandya
TRF Trustee