Take a closer look
When you joined Rotary, chances are it was because you wanted to make a lasting difference. Arch Klumph felt the same way.
When he proposed The Rotary Foundation in 1917, he envisioned more than just a fund. He saw an enduring vehicle for Rotary members to serve their communities and create lasting change. More than a century later, that vision thrives, thanks to your dedication and to the Foundation’s unique structure, which empowers members to identify and solve global problems at every level.
Today, I am not asking you for a donation. Instead, I invite you to look at The Rotary Foundation with fresh eyes. Imagine a charity governed by its own members. A global mission carried out by those very members. A Foundation that reflects the shared values of its members — ensuring clean water and literacy for all, eradicating the scourge of polio, building local economies through entrepreneurship, and making the world more peaceful through conflict resolution training.
Doesn’t this sound like an interesting charity? The Rotary Foundation is trusted around the world because we have earned that trust. After our successful Programs of Scale initiative in Zambia, the Gates Foundation and World Vision invited us to lead again — resulting in the $30 million Rotary Healthy Communities Challenge across four African nations.
We are efficient, strategic, and guided by dedicated professional staff and passionate volunteers. Our Foundation consistently receives top marks from Charity Navigator. And the Gates Foundation matches our $50 million annual commitment to polio eradication 2-to-1, depositing $100 million into our account each year. That is trust, delivered.
Even in conflict zones, we are there. In Gaza, a single confirmed polio case triggered a humanitarian pause in the war, allowing health workers to vaccinate children and quell an outbreak. Rotary helped fund that urgent response. Once again, we proved to be a reliable partner in a crisis.
We can be proud that we made a difference. Now we look ahead to our ambitious $500 million fundraising goal for 2025–26. We can reach it together, as we boldly support a Foundation that is doing bold things.
Rotary is not going anywhere, because Rotary is everywhere! That is our strength. That is our unique opportunity. Be part of the legacy of The Rotary Foundation. It is one that Arch Klumph would be proud of. It is a legacy that has changed the world and will continue to do so, as long as we are all part of it.
Holger Knaack
TRF Trustee Chair
