The Rotary International Foundation

The mission of The Rotary International Foundation (RIF) is to support the efforts of Rotary International to pursue the objectives of world understanding and peach through local, national, and international humanitarian, educational and cultural programs.

 

The RIF was created in 1917 as an endowment fund for Rotary "to do good in the world". It has grown from an initial contribution of $26.50 to more than $90 million in contributions in 2002. It is the world's largest privately funded international scholarship program.

 

Rotary's Core Areas of Focus: While Rotarians can serve in countless ways, Rotary has focused its efforts in six areas, which reflect some of the most critical and widespread humanitarian needs:

Rotary International Foundation is funded by Paul Harris Fellow contributions. Named after the founder of Rotary, you become a Paul Harris Fellow by contributing $1,000 to the RIF. Every club member is encouraged to participate in this program, which is strictly voluntary. Some club members make a lump sum donation, while others make smaller donations over a period of times to reach the total of $1,000. A Paul Harris Fellow award is an honor you may elect for yourself or for another. The presentation of a Paul Harris Fellow award is a way for Rotary to express apprecation to a member for a substantial contribution to its humanitarian and educational programs. To date, well over one million Paul Harris Fellow awards have been given out.