The motto of the Rotary International Foundation is “Doing Good in the World.” To that end, the foundation spends 89% of the money it raises on programs. Nine percent goes to fund raising and two percent to administrative costs.
Each Rotarian pays $54 in annual dues to the Foundation that had $128 million in net assets at the end of 2015. The Foundations is comprised of five funds: Annual fund (spent yearly), Endowment Fund, Peace Fellows Fund, Grant Programs Fund, and Polio Plus.
The Foundation partners with other organizations such as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, UNICEF, WHO, and the CDC to achieve its goal of eradicating polio. There are only two counties that have not yet been declared polio-free: Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Ten Peace Fellowships are awarded each year to college graduates with at least 3 years’ post graduate experience. There are 6 partner universities throughout the world where Peace Fellows can study for a master’s degree. Most end up working for NGO’s after graduating from the program. A goal was recently set to raise a $150 million endowment for the program.
The Global Grants program replaced the Ambassadorial Scholars program. It funds one year of post graduate education abroad. The deadline to apply for the program is February 15. Birol—along with the Portland Rotary Club– is currently working on a global grant application for Cypress.
There are many ways to give to the Rotary International Foundation. Rotary Direct makes it easy to give by setting up automatic payments to the foundation from either your checking account or credit card. You can also make a one-time donation on the foundation web site. Recognition begins at $100 per year to achieve the Sustainer level. $1000 in cumulative donations earns you entrance into the Paul Harris Fellow recognition level, and $1000 per year earns a spot in the Paul Harris Society.