The mission of The Rotary Foundation is to enable Rotarians to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education, and the alleviation of poverty.

The Foundation was created in 1917 by Rotary International's sixth president, Arch C. Klump, as an endowment fund for Rotary "to do good in the world." Since the first donation of $26.50, it has received contributions totaling more than $1 billion.

Such strong support, along with Rotarian involvement, ensures a secure future for The Rotary Foundation as it continues its vital work for international understanding and world peace.

The Foundation's Humanitarian Programs fund International Rotary club and district projects to improve the quality of life, providing health care, clean water, food, education and other essential needs primarily in the developing world. One of the major Humanitarian Programs is PolioPlus, which seek to eradicate the polio virus worldwide. Through its Educational Programs, the Foundation provides funding for some 1,200 students to study abroad each year. Grants are also awarded to university teachers to teach in developing countries and for exchanges of business and professional people. Former participants in the Foundation's programs have the opportunity to continue their affiliation with Rotary as Foundation Alumni.

"No one can tell us what
Rotary will be tomorrow,
but one thing is certain:
What Rotary will be
tomorrow depends upon
what we Rotarians do today."

Arch Klump, founder of
The Rotary Foundation