by Marilyn Bedell, Endowment/Major Gifts Officer
In this season for giving thanks, take a moment to thank the members of your club who annually support the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International. They are helping us to do projects here in our district and around the globe.
In addition, as your Endowment/Major Gifts Advisor, I’d like you to know how important our outright and estate gifts to the Rotary Foundation.
From the Rotary Foundation Endowment web page:
Gifts to Rotary's Endowment ensure that future Rotarians will have the resources they need to design and implement sustainable projects year after year...Rotary strives to increase the value of your gift to the Endowment by preserving and investing your initial contribution and spending only a portion of the earnings…This strategy supports Rotary's causes today while generating funds that will further the work of future Rotarians committed to Doing Good in the World
This link will take you to additional information about the Rotary Foundation Endowment.
Gifts to Annual Programs Fund/Share are equally important, but gifts to the endowment will augment what we are able to raise annually and help assure we have funds into perpetuity that will permit us to do even more here at home and around the globe..
Our Rotary Foundation efficiently uses our donations to fund sustainable, impactful projects that promote peace, fight disease, care for mothers and children, provide clean water and sanitation, support education, build economies, protects the environment, and grow local economies.
The foundation has a strong track record, earning a top rating from Charity Navigator (17 years) for its accountability, with 91-92% of donations going directly to projects. Donations have been crucial in efforts like eradicating polio and will help support a wide range of local and global initiatives.
Click here to read about our club’s District Grants Awarded in 2024/2025
Click here to read about our club’s District Grants awarded for this Rotary year, 2025/2026
Remember to access funds and apply for district or global Grants in 2026/2027, someone from your club must attend a Grants Management Seminar. Click here to register for training sessions that will be held via Zoom, in January and February. A person from your club only needs to attend one session.