November is ROTARY FOUNDATION Month
The Rotary Foundation is Rotary's Charity that supports the efforts of Rotary International. Its mission 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 Rotary Foundation helps fund our humanitarian activities, from local service projects to global initiatives. Clubs and/or Districts can apply for grants from the Foundation to invest in projects and provide scholarships. The Foundation also leads the charge on worldwide Rotary campaigns such as eradicating polio and promoting peace. Rotarians and friends of Rotary support the Foundation’s work through voluntary contributions.
History of the Rotary Foundation
At the 1917 convention, outgoing RI President Arch C. Klumph proposed to set up an endowment “for the purpose of doing good in the world.” In 1928, it was renamed The Rotary Foundation, and it became a distinct entity within Rotary International.
Growth of the Foundation
In 1929, the Foundation made its first gift of $500 to the International Society for Crippled Children. The organization, created by Rotarian Edgar F. “Daddy” Allen, later grew into Easter Seals.
When Rotary founder Paul Harris died in 1947, contributions began pouring in to Rotary International, and the Paul Harris Memorial Fund was created to build the Foundation.
Evolution of Foundation programs
1947: The Foundation established its first program, Fellowships for Advance Study, later known as Ambassadorial Scholarships.
1965-66: Three programs were launched: Group Study Exchange, Awards for Technical Training, and Grants for Activities in Keeping with the Objective of The Rotary Foundation, which was later called Matching Grants.
1978: Rotary introduced the Health, Hunger and Humanity (3-H) Grants. The first 3-H Grant funded a project to immunize 6 million Philippine children against polio.
1985: The PolioPlus program was launched to eradicate polio worldwide.
1987-88: The first peace forums were held, leading to Rotary Peace Fellowships.
2013: The Rotary Foundation Global and District Grants enable Rotarians around the world to respond to the world’s greatest needs.
Since the first donation of $26.50 in 1917, the Foundation has received contributions totalling more than $1 billion.
Squamish Rotary Contributions
Included in our members’ dues each year is a $30 donation to the Rotary Foundation, with an option to increase that amount. In addition, many members choose the Foundation as their charity of choice to make further donations.
Foundation PolioPlus
All-time Contributions $ 220,200 $ 46,500
2014-15 Contributions $ 7,730 $ 3,930
Paul Harris Fellows
The Paul Harris Fellow recognition acknowledges individuals who contribute, or who have contributions made in their name, of US$1,000 to The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International. You are recognized as a Multiple Paul Harris Fellow with each additional gift of US$1,000.Currently our club has 40 Paul Harris Fellows.
Foundation Benefactors
A Benefactor is anyone who has made a provision in their will naming the Foundation as a beneficiary of US$1000 or more.
Our club currently has 9 Benefactors.
PolioPlus Update
October 23rd was World Polio Day. Several events were held in support of Polio including the Irish Whiskey auction, information booths at the Chieftain and Garibaldi Malls, Interactor "pennies for polio", and individual donations. The amount raised is over $2,600 and still counting.
Foundation Speaker
November 26th: Don Evans
Don Evans, District Governor Nominee (2017-18) and TRF committee member, will be our guest and speak about The Rotary Foundation, its role, what it does, and how it works.
Paul Harris Fellow recognition awards will also be presented at the meeting.
Foundation Dinners
Foundation dinners are hosted by members in their homes generally for 6 guests. Guests make a donation of $100 each to the Rotary Foundation, and the hosts receive recognition points towards their PHF awards.
If you would like to host a dinner, or be a guest, please contact Don Patrick.
Upcoming Dinners:
November 7th: Asian Delights, hosted by Melanie and Kathleen.
November 17th: A Taste of India, hosted by Sukhi and Satveer.
January 16th: On the Farm, hosted by Glen and Toni.
January 23rd: Bangers and Mash?, hosted by Mark and Gerry.
January 30th: An Evening in Japan, hosted by Mike and Natasha.
Recent Club Projects supported by Foundation Grants.
1. Rotary Pavilion at the Squamish Legacy Sports Park (2015).
The Rotary Pavilion project received a District Grant of $10,000 in support of the Club’s contribution of $20,000. The pavilion will be the focal point of the new all-season Nordic sports park.
Construction will be completed in the next few weeks.
2. Escuela de Educacion Especial, a Special Education School for the Deaf, in San Miguel, Mexico. (2015)
The mission of the San Miguel School for Special Education is to ensure that all San Miguel de Allende children who are Deaf or Hearing Impaired become literate, independent, and productive citizens. The Rotary project will provide additional facilities for the school.
Our club contributed US$10,000 which was matched by a Foundation Global Grant.
This Year's planned Project.
Casa Colibri in Guatemala (2016).
Casa Colibrí is committed to helping the Mayan people of northwest Guatemala improve their lives through programs in health, education, and related infrastructure. A past Rotary project provided a medical clinic and the planned project will expand the facilities.
