About Rotary International

Rotary International is a global network of 1.4 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.

Solving real problems takes real commitment and vision. For more than 110 years, Rotary’s People of Action have used their passion, energy, and intelligence to take action on sustainable projects. From literacy and peace to water and health, we are always working to better our world, and we stay committed to the end.

Learn more about our structure and our foundation and our strategic vision.

Rotary International’s Mission

We provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through our fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders.

Rotary Foundation – The Engine of Rotary

The Rotary Foundation was stablished in 1917 by Arch C. Klumph, Rotary’s sixth president. Klumph proposed setting up an endowment for the purpose of doing good in the world, a vision that has been realized and amplified over the past century. The first donation was a mere $26.50.  

The Foundation is the backbone of Rotary International’s mission to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace. It facilitates Rotarians’ abilities to change lives and serve communities on a local and global scale. 

Since its inception, the Rotary Foundation has spent more than $4 billion on life-changing, sustainable projects that translate into improved peace, health, and education for communities across the globe. The Foundation’s support has been crucial in realizing Rotary’s most ambitious endeavors, most notably its bid to eradicate polio worldwide.

Rotary Foundation's Seven Areas of Focus

The Rotary Foundation’s funding model is built on voluntary contributions from Rotary members and friends of the Foundation who share its vision of a better world. These funds are channeled into several key areas in line with Rotary’s Seven Areas of Focus: peace and conflict resolution, disease prevention and treatment, water and sanitation, maternal and child health, basic education and literacy, economic and community development and protecting the environment.