The Rotary Foundation

In 2016-17, our Rotary Foundation turns 100. That’s a century of Rotary members changing lives and improving communities all over the world. And that’s definitely something worth celebrating.

Through our Foundation, Rotary members have supported thousands of projects to provide clean water, fight disease, promote peace, provide basic education, and grow local economies. We’ve also been a leader in the fight to eradicate polio worldwide.

The centennial is the perfect time to share this impressive record with the world. Join us in making sure that every Rotary member and people in every community know about the vital work of Rotary and its Foundation.

Events

We are marking the centennial with a year of festivities beginning with the 2016 Rotary Convention in Korea. Make a note of these celebration opportunities:

At the Korea convention

• Visit the Centennial booth in the House of Friendship
• Attend the breakout session The Rotary Foundation: 100 Years of Doing Good in the World
• Have your copy of “Doing Good in the World: The Inspiring Story of The Rotary Foundation’s First 100 Years” signed by its author, David C. Forward (you can purchase the book at the Rotary Resource Center)

At the Atlanta convention:

• Register for the Atlanta convention, 10-14 June 2017, so you can take part in the Foundation’s 100th birthday party
• Join past and current Rotary leaders and author David Forward for a book signing
• Visit The Rotary Foundation centennial exhibit in the House of Friendship

Ways to celebrate

Here are just a few ways you can join in and commemorate this historic milestone:

• Plan a special Rotary Day and invite everyone in your community to participate. It can be anything from a concert to a race to a birthday party with a giant cake in the shape of the Rotary wheel.
• Hold a fundraiser in your community to support a Foundation grant project, the Rotary Peace Centers, or PolioPlus.
• Organize or participate in a global grant or district grant project.
• Promote your club or district projects that are funded by the Foundation.
• Dedicate some club meetings to Rotary Foundation topics.
• Challenge members to increase your club’s contributions to the Foundation.

See more ideas for a Rotary Day event in the Centennial promotion kit.

Publicize your events

Promote your centennial events and projects by contacting local media and by using #TRF100 on social media. List the events on Rotary Showcase for more exposure.