Rotary Foundation

The Rotary Foundation, existing through the support of Rotarians around the world, transforms gifts from Rotarians into projects that change lives both close to home and around the world. Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Wilmington have donated more than $1,000,000 over the past century to the Foundation in support of its charitable global works.

Foundation grants empower Rotarians to approach these challenges with sustainable solutions that leave a lasting impact. For example, Rotary members have played a key role in bringing the world to the brink of polio eradication. Their efforts have not only ended polio in 122 countries but also created a system for tackling myriad other health priorities. During the past 100 years, the Foundation has spent $3 billion on life-changing, sustainable projects.

The Paul Harris Society is named after the founder of Rotary International. The Society recognizes donors to The Rotary Foundation who annually contribute $1000 or more to the Annual Fund, PolioPlus, or other approved Foundation grant activities. Society contributions will count toward Rotary Foundation Sustaining Member, Paul Harris Fellow, Multiple Paul Harris Fellows and major donor recognition.

Donors who contribute to the Rotary Foundation Endowment Fund or who notify the Foundation in writing that they have made provisions in their estates for the Foundation are recognized as Benefactors.

* Annual Fund (for both local District Funds and World Funds)

* PolioPlus (restricted to the polio eradication campaign)

* Endowment Fund (providing future sustainability for the Rotary Foundation). 

Half of the funds contributed to the Annual Fund are returned to the local District to make grants in their District; the other half goes to the World Fund to support grants around the world. 

Our Club has leveraged Global Grants to design and build education stations in our Rotary Centennial Park in downtown Wilmington and to contribute to mobile cancer screening bus in rural India.

District Grants have allowed us to support our local Community Partners in a variety of ways, service projects with Stubbs Elementary School and building urban gardens at the Latin American Community Center.

Strong financial oversight, a stellar charity rating and a unique funding model mean that the Rotary Foundation makes the very most of your contribution. With your help, we can make lives better in our community and around the world.

Give and become part of Rotary’s life-changing work!