What do they do with my money?

The Rotary Foundation was started 100 years ago with a $26 donation.  Since then the Foundation has raised and spent more than $3 billion in humanitarian efforts world-wide.  The Annual Fund is the primary funding source for Foundation activities, and every Rotarian is encouraged to make a personal gift of at least $100 to the Annual Fund every year.

 

Al noted that the Foundation has received a four-star rating from Charity Navigator. Each year the contributions received by the Foundation from the Annual Fund are divided up between the World Fund and the District Designated Fund.  Al gave two personal examples of the leveraging opportunities available through matching funds.  In 2008 Al became aware of the plight of polio victims in Nigeria, and he started a project to raise funds for the manufacture of wheel chairs.  His own club raised $30,000, but through matching grants this became $126,000.  Similarly through Al's encouragement an exchange student was able to raise enough money to build a shelter for battered women back in her home country of Argentina.

 

Al says that he is proud to be a Rotarian, and Rotary is lucky to have him!