Understanding Rotary International and How You Can Make a Difference
Rotary International is a global humanitarian organization dedicated to service above self. Founded in 1905 by Paul P. Harris in Chicago, Illinois, Rotary has grown into a worldwide network of 1.4 million business and professional leaders unified across more than 46,000 clubs in over 200 countries and geographical areas. The mission of Rotary is to bring together business and professional leaders in order to provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world.
Rotary International undertakes a vast array of projects that focus on critical issues such as promoting peace, fighting disease, providing clean water and sanitation, supporting education, saving mothers and children, and growing local economies. One of Rotary’s most renowned initiatives is its relentless fight against polio, a commitment that has contributed to a dramatic reduction in polio cases worldwide.
The Organization’s Core Values
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Service: Rotary is dedicated to providing service to others, promoting integrity, and advancing world understanding, goodwill, and peace through its fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders.
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Fellowship: Encouraging fellowship, which is integral to building long-lasting relationships within and across communities.
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Diversity: Recognizing the critical importance of inclusivity and representing a multitude of perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds.
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Integrity: Encouraging ethical standards across all vocations and actions.
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Leadership: Supporting the development of leadership qualities through service projects, community engagement, and professional opportunities.
Why Donate to Rotary International?
Rotary’s projects create lasting changes in communities around the world. When you make a donation to Rotary International, you are supporting essential programs and projects that create sustainable impact. Contributions to The Rotary Foundation enable the continuation and expansion of key initiatives such as:
- Eradication of Polio: Rotary, in cooperation with partners, has immunized more than 2.5 billion children against polio.
- Global Grants: Large-scale, international projects that address the world's most pressing humanitarian needs.
- Scholarships and Fellowships: Opportunities for global scholars and aspiring peace professionals.
- Local Community Projects: Impact initiatives that address unique needs of the community where they are implemented.
How to Make a Donation to Rotary International
Making a donation to Rotary International is easy and can be done in various ways. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to contribute:
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Online Donations:
- Visit Rotary International’s Website.
- Navigate to the “Donate” section, which can usually be found at the top of the homepage.
- Choose the cause or program you wish to support; options include PolioPlus, the Annual Fund, the Disaster Response Fund, and more.
- Enter your donation amount and follow the prompts to provide your payment details.
- You can also choose to make a one-time donation or set up recurring donations on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis.
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Mail Donations:
- Fill out the donation form, which can be downloaded from Rotary International’s website.
- Indicate the purpose of your donation and your preferred fund.
- Mail the completed form with your check or credit card information to the address provided on the form.
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Donor Advised Funds:
- You can recommend a grant to The Rotary Foundation from your donor-advised fund.
- Contact Rotary for more information on how to establish a donor-advised fund if you do not already have one.
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Stock or Other Securities:
- Consider donating appreciated securities, which can be a tax-efficient method of giving.
- Contact Rotary International’s Contributions department for detailed instructions on this process.
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Planned Giving:
- Include Rotary International in your will or estate plan to ensure long-term support for Rotary’s mission.
- Rotary’s Planned Giving team can provide assistance and answer any questions regarding bequests, charitable remainder trusts, and other forms of planned giving.
Stay Connected with Rotary International
Stay updated with Rotary International’s latest activities, events, and success stories by connecting on social media:
Rotary International is a powerful force for good, fostering a global network that works tirelessly to address some of the world’s most critical challenges. Your support through donations, whether big or small, contributes significantly to the cause and helps create a better world. Join hands with Rotary International and be a part of the change! Visit Rotary’s Website today to learn more and make your impactful donation.
