Ever since I joined Rotary, I’ve been continuously inspired — watching hope, dignity and peace reach those who need it most. Rotary is a system-driven organisation that has grown stronger and taller over the last century, spanning over 200 countries.
Being born in Tamil Nadu, I grew up with Avvaiyar’s timeless words — Aram Seya Virumbu, “Desire to do good deeds.” This echoes with TRF’s motto Doing Good in the World. Our Foundation’s goodwill, exemplary stewardship and high ranking among global charities have made us one of the world’s most trusted organisations. I’m reminded time and again to give, and keep giving consistently, to our Foundation.
The Rotary Foundation offers donors a range of contribution options: you can choose to give through Annual Fund, Endowments, the End Polio initiative, or CSR funding — each designed to empower Rotarians and communities uniquely.
Think of the Annual Fund as a collective pool. Every gift, large or small, is invested for three years. Your investment then returns to your district as grant money, directly supporting vital projects in your community.
Endowment Fund giving is all about building Rotary’s future. When you contribute or leave a bequest, that money is invested forever. The earnings help support Rotary projects and programmes for generations to come, guaranteeing that as Rotarians, our legacy of service will never fade away.
CSR funds are the buzzword in India, offering enormous potential for scaling up Rotary’s reach. Embracing CSR partnerships will help us touch countless lives, cross new frontiers, and push the boundaries of what Rotary can achieve.
Just as the proverb says, “You may know by a handful, the whole,” Rotary’s End Polio initiative, launched in 1979, reflects the organisation’s phenomenal work and now stands on the edge of historic success.
Each of these giving modes helps Rotary fulfil its promise of advancing world understanding, goodwill, and peace by improving health, education, and alleviating poverty.
I have vivid memories of my time as a volunteer during a National Polio Immunisation Day. I crossed a canal in Tondamanpatti, a hamlet near Trichy, to bring vaccines to 150 children. That day, I felt the true power of Rotary in every drop of help delivered.
That experience inspired me to open my TRF account with a modest $100 contribution. As a young Rotaractor, my commitment grew, and I eventually became a Major Donor. Today, having moved to the Arch Klumph Society Members’ second circle, TRF, being the lifeline of Rotary, has become an integral part of my philosophy: to keep giving consistently so we can continue creating lasting change through our service.
The End Polio initiative is a cause very close to my heart. As a consistent contributor to the Polio Fund, I share with fellow donors the vision of a polio-free world — achieved not only through our contributions but also through steadfast advocacy and sustained awareness efforts.
“Doing Good in the World” isn’t just our motto; it’s a timeless invitation. Let’s practise it with all our heart and inspire those who come after us to keep giving to The Rotary Foundation. Now, it’s your turn to begin.
Together, let’s keep giving and say ‘Yes’ to TRF!
M Muruganandam
RI Director, 2025–27