Rotary International

Rotary International is a global network of service clubs with a strong presence in the United States, operating under the U.S. nonprofit organization with EIN 39-1595718. The organization is known for its robust community service initiatives and humanitarian projects worldwide.

History and Formation

Rotary International was founded on February 23, 1905, by Paul P. Harris in Chicago. It has since grown to become one of the largest service organizations in the world, with more than 1.4 million members across over 46,000 clubs globally[3].

Mission and Programs

Rotary's mission is to provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through fellowship among business, professional, and community leaders. The organization focuses on seven key areas of service:

• Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention
• Disease Prevention and Treatment
• Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene
• Saving Mothers and Children
• Education and Literacy
• Economic and Community Development
• Supporting the Environment

The Rotary Foundation

Rotary International's charitable arm, The Rotary Foundation, was established in 1917 by Arch C. Klumph with an initial contribution of $26.50. Today, it supports a wide range of humanitarian grants and educational programs, including scholarships, fellowships, and disaster recovery projects. It has spent over $4 billion on life-changing projects since its inception and has been recognized for its financial management, receiving top ratings from Charity Navigator every year from 2008[1][2][4].

PolioPlus and Global Initiatives

One of Rotary's most successful initiatives is the PolioPlus program, launched in 1985 to eradicate polio globally. Alongside partners like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Rotary has contributed significantly to reducing polio cases worldwide, vaccinating over 2 billion children and reducing the incidence of polio by nearly 100% since the program began[3].

Membership and Structure

Membership in Rotary is by invitation and application, targeting business and professional community leaders. The organization is structured in a hierarchical manner, with clubs forming the basic units. These clubs are grouped into districts, which are further divided into zones for administrative purposes. This structure allows for localized service projects while maintaining global coordination[3].