Rotary International

Rotary International is a global service organization founded on February 23, 1905, by Paul P. Harris. It is recognized as one of the largest service club organizations worldwide, boasting a membership base of approximately 1.4 million individuals across more than 46,000 clubs. These members, known as Rotarians, unite to provide community service, promote integrity, and foster world understanding, goodwill, and peace. The organization is non-political and non-religious, emphasizing fellowship among business, professional, and community leaders[4][1].

Mission and Vision

Rotary International’s mission is to provide service to others, uphold integrity, and advance global understanding and peace through collaborative fellowship. The organization's vision is a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change locally, globally, and personally[1].

Structure and Membership

Rotary is composed of a vast network of over 1.2 million members who volunteer their skills and resources in more than 45,000 clubs worldwide. Membership is by application or invitation and considers various social factors. Besides Rotarians, the Rotary family includes other groups such as Interact and Rotaract clubs, which engage younger members[4][3].

Areas of Focus

Rotary International concentrates its efforts on seven key areas to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges:

• Promoting peace
• Fighting disease
• Providing clean water, sanitation, and hygiene
• Saving mothers and children
• Supporting education
• Growing local economies
• Protecting the environment[1][4]

Programs and Initiatives

Rotary members engage in sustainable, action-oriented projects addressing these focus areas. The organization’s global network collectively contributes approximately 47 million volunteer hours annually and funds sustainable projects with grants totaling nearly $291 million in the 2023–24 period[3].

The Rotary Foundation

The Rotary Foundation, established in 1917 by Rotary International’s sixth president Arch Klumph, functions as the philanthropic arm of the organization. It began as an endowment fund with a modest initial contribution and has since grown to manage assets exceeding $1 billion. The Foundation supports projects that improve health, education, and alleviate poverty, disbursing over $1 million daily to fund Rotary-led initiatives worldwide. Since its founding, it has contributed more than $4 billion to life-changing, sustainable projects. It is governed by a Board of Trustees and headquartered in Evanston, Illinois, with associated foundations in other countries[2][5].

Global Impact

Rotary International’s extensive volunteer network and funded projects make a substantial impact on global and local communities. Its work exemplifies commitment to solving real problems through collaborative action, fostering peace, health, education, and economic development around the world[1][3].

Note: The organization referenced by the EIN 237370779 and website orange-rotary.org corresponds to Rotary International, a well-established nonprofit service organization headquartered in the United States.