Foundation Programme

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The mission of the Rotary Foundation 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 Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation supported solely by voluntary contributions from Rotarians and friends of the Foundation who share its vision of a better world. Rotary Foundation programs are funded by voluntary contributions from Rotarians worldwide. Contributions sent to the Foundation can be directed to the Annual Programs Fund, the Permanent Fund, or the Polio Plus Fund. Clubs and Districts may apply for and receive Foundation grants to carry out worthy projects worldwide.

The Rotary Foundation Committee has the following responsibilities:-

• Planning and achieving club Foundation goals for the coming year.
• Educating club members about the Foundation.
• Encouraging club members to participate in Foundation programs and support the Foundation financially.
• Communicating the Foundation goals of the District and Trustees of The Rotary Foundation to club members.

Rotary Foundation Programs

The Rotary Foundation has three main program areas:

• Educational Programs
• Humanitarian Grants Program
• Polio Plus

Educational Programs

Through Educational Programs, The Rotary Foundation furthers international understanding by providing opportunities for students,  educators, and business and professional people to experience another culture and develop long-lasting relationships with peers in other countries. Educational programs help participants learn about the needs of their local and world communities and the opportunities available through Rotary to address those needs.

The educational programs include:

• Ambassadorial Scholarships
• Rotary Grants for University Teachers
• Group Study Exchange
• Rotary Centres for International Studies in peace and conflict resolution
• Rotary Peace and Conflict Studies

Humanitarian Grants Program

The Humanitarian Grants Program provides grants to Rotary clubs and districts to implement humanitarian projects. The following grants are available to address different service needs and funding options:

• Matching Grants
• District Simplified Grants
• Health, Hunger and Humanity (3-H) Grants
• Volunteer Service Grants

All grants must display a commitment to stewardship of funds, which reflects 'The Four-Way Test' and responsible fiscal oversight.

Polio Plus

Polio Plus is the corporate program of Rotary International and its Foundation. It is Rotary's most recognized program, and its goal is to eradicate polio. More than one million Rotarians worldwide have contributed US$650 million to Polio Plus. In  addition, Rotarians serve as a powerful volunteer network at the local level providing support at clinics and mobilizing their communities for immunization or other polio eradication activities. The Polio Plus Partners program allows Rotary clubs, districts, and individual Rotarians to voluntarily assist in reaching Rotary's goal of a polio free world.