Rotary International

Rotary International is a global network of community-based clubs dedicated to promoting peace, understanding, and the improvement of lives through local and international service projects. While the specific EIN mentioned relates to a local club, Rotary International itself is the overarching organization that these clubs belong to.

Overview

Rotary International, through its nonprofit arm, The Rotary Foundation (which has its own unique EIN), provides millions of dollars in grants each day to support a wide range of humanitarian efforts. These initiatives focus on areas such as health improvement, quality education, environmental sustainability, and poverty alleviation[1][3].

History

The Rotary Foundation was established in 1917 by Arch Klumph, Rotary International's sixth president, with an initial contribution of $26.50. Over time, it has grown into one of the world's largest and most prestigious fellowship programs, with donations exceeding $1 billion[1][4].

Mission and Activities

Rotary International's mission is to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through its service projects. This is accomplished by promoting health, enhancing education, and fostering economic development in communities worldwide[3][5]. Key initiatives include:

• Polio Eradication: Rotary has been at the forefront of global efforts to eradicate polio, partnering with organizations like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to vaccinate nearly 3 billion children[1].
• Education and Scholarships: Rotary offers various educational programs, including scholarships that have been awarded to over 350,000 students globally[1][4].
• Humanitarian Grants: Programs such as Disaster Recovery and Matching Grants support local and international projects addressing health, hunger, and human development[4].

Governance

Rotary International and The Rotary Foundation are governed by separate boards, with headquarters located in Evanston, Illinois. The organization has associate foundations in several countries around the world[3].

Local Clubs

Local clubs like the Rotary Club of Springfield North are part of Rotary International's extensive network, working to implement projects at the community level. These clubs often partner with The Rotary Foundation to access funding for their initiatives.