FOUNDATION MINUTE: NOVEMBER 2, 2026.
Welcome to Week ONE of RI’s Rotary Foundation Month
For those who observe Halloween, hope everyone had a frighteningly great time!
The report this week is a pleasantly enlightening one, as it recalls what The Rotary Foundation stands for:
TRF is the philanthropic and charitable arm of Rotary International, working to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace.
Key Facts
The Rotary Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation supported solely by voluntary contributions from Rotarians, friends, and supporters.
Founded: 1917 by Arch C. Klumph with a $26.50 contribution.
Headquarters: Evanston, Illinois, USA.
Mission: To advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through health, education, environmental protection, and poverty alleviation.
Impact & Funding: Invested over $4 billion globally, funded by voluntary contributions with ~90% going to programs.
Seven Areas of Focus
Grants target peace, fighting disease, clean water, maternal and child health, education, local economies, and the environment.
Flagship Initiatives
PolioPlus: Rotary's premier 1985 initiative to eradicate polio.
Programs: Includes Peace Fellowships and comprehensive global/district grants.
In Rotary,
Olabisi Gwamna, PhD
Editor, Foundation Minute.