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The Rotary Foundation of Rotary
International is a not-for-profit
corporation that promotes world
understanding through international
humanitarian service programs and
educational and cultural exchanges.
It is supported solely by voluntary
contributions from Rotarians and
others who share its vision of a
better world. Since 1947, the
Foundation has awarded more than
US$1.1 billion in humanitarian and
educational grants, which are
initiated and administered by local
Rotary clubs and districts.
The Foundation was created in 1917
by Rotary International's sixth
president, Arch C. Klumph, as an
endowment fund for Rotary "to do
good in the world." It has grown
from an initial contribution of
US$26.50 to more than US$73 million
contributed in 2000-01. Its
event-filled history is a story of
Rotarians learning the value of
service to humanity. |
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The Foundation's Humanitarian
Programs fund international Rotary
club and district projects to
improve the quality of life,
providing health care, clean water,
food, education, and other essential
needs primarily in the developing
world. One of the major Humanitarian
Programs is PolioPlus, which seeks
to eradicate the polio virus
worldwide. Through its Educational
Programs, the Foundation provides
funding for some 1,200 students to
study abroad each year. Grants are
also awarded to university teachers
to teach in developing countries and
for exchanges of business and
professional people. Former
participants in the Foundation's
programs have the opportunity to
continue their affiliation with
Rotary as Foundation Alumni. |
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