Let’s work for TRF with shared purpose
As we step into November, a month dedicated to The Rotary Foundation and its profound global impact, we find ourselves at the threshold of hope.
The Rotary Foundation shines as a guiding light for hope, embodying the values and dreams we all share. It’s here that every contribution, idea and action fuels our ability to drive positive change.
Trustee Chair Barry Rassin set an exemplary precedent by gracing us with his presence just two months into the new Rotary year. His visit was not merely symbolic; it underlined the paramount importance we place on our goals and targets.
The Annual Fund, often referred to as the lifeblood of TRF, is the engine that propels us. It empowers us to expand our reach, respond swiftly to emerging needs and maintain financial stability.
While India consistently ranks second in total donations, there’s room to increase the percentage of Annual Fund donors contributing within the range of $25 to $1,000. This will not only elevate our ranking but also provide more resources for our projects.
Every single member, without exception, should make contributions to the Foundation’s mission. Currently, 30 per cent of our clubs are not contributing, and this is where our collective focus should be.
In just two and a half months of this Rotary year, several districts have already achieved the remarkable feat of 100 per cent club contribution to the Foundation. This showcases what we can achieve when we work together with a shared purpose.
The trustees of TRF have set an audacious target of $500 million this year, with a significant portion allocated to the Endowment Fund, which is the cornerstone of the Foundation’s future. It’s time for us to unlock the potential hidden within the folds of the Endowment Fund, with a goal of reaching $2.025 billion by 2025.
Partnerships are integral to our success. While we’ve made strides with corporate partnerships through CSR initiatives in India, let’s expand our horizons globally and explore partnerships with charitable trusts and foundations on a global scale, as exemplified by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Allocating a portion of Major Gifts to the Annual Fund will significantly enhance our ability to make a more substantial impact and pave the way for a future filled with meaningful service.
Friends, let’s seize this month with renewed commitment. We can be the changemakers and trailblazers, illuminating the path of hope and making a lasting impact on countless lives and communities worldwide.
Anirudha Roychowdhury
RI Director, 2023–25
