In 1917, RI President Arch C. Klumpf proposed that an endowment be set up "for the purpose of doing good in the world". In 1928, when the endowment fund had grown to more than $5,000 US, the fund was renamed The Rotary Foundation, and it became a distinct entity within Rotary International.Two years later, the Foundation made its first grant of $500 to the International Society for Crippled Children. The organization, created by Rotarian Edgar F. "Daddy" Allen, later grew into the Easter Seals.
The Great Depression and World War II both impeded the Foundation's growth, but the need for lasting world peace generated great postwar interest in its development. After Rotary's founder, Pau P. Harris, died in 1947, contributions began pouring into Rotary International, and the Paul Harris Memorial Fund was created to build the Foundation.
Throughout the years following, support for the Foundation grew tremendously. Since the first donation of $26.50 in 1917, the Foundation has received contributions totalling more than $1 billion. To date, more than one million individuals have been recognized as Paul Harris Fellows; people who have given $1,000 US to the Annual Programs, fund of the Foundation, or who have had that amount contributed in their name.
Such strong support, along with Rotarian involvement worldwide, ensures a secure future for the Rotary Foundation as it continues its vital work for international understanding and world peace.
The Great Depression and World War II both impeded the Foundation's growth, but the need for lasting world peace generated great postwar interest in its development. After Rotary's founder, Pau P. Harris, died in 1947, contributions began pouring into Rotary International, and the Paul Harris Memorial Fund was created to build the Foundation.
Throughout the years following, support for the Foundation grew tremendously. Since the first donation of $26.50 in 1917, the Foundation has received contributions totalling more than $1 billion. To date, more than one million individuals have been recognized as Paul Harris Fellows; people who have given $1,000 US to the Annual Programs, fund of the Foundation, or who have had that amount contributed in their name.
Such strong support, along with Rotarian involvement worldwide, ensures a secure future for the Rotary Foundation as it continues its vital work for international understanding and world peace.