The Rotary Foundation Canada
27,000+
Canadian Rotarians support Rotary Foundation work worldwide
CAN $44.5 million
Contributed in 2024-25, funding projects to improve lives locally & globally
CAN $1 billion+
To Polio eradication efforts helping protect millions of children each year
About
Rotary members advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace by improving health, providing quality education, improving the environment, and alleviating poverty through a global network of 1.2 million members. Rotary is dedicated to causes that build international relationships, improve lives, and create a better world to support peace and help end polio forever. Through a fellowship of business, professional and community leaders, Rotary provides service to others, promotes integrity, and advances understanding.
Our Impact
With decades of providing humanitarian assistance and scholarships to those in need around the world, Rotary has focused its expertise and ability on activities designed to have a tangible, positive impact in specific areas. In 2024-25 alone, $273 million was awarded for global service initiatives worldwide.
By advancing access to clean water, environmental protection, disease prevention and treatment, maternal and child health, education and literacy, and economic development, Rotary is committed to addressing the root causes of conflict and removing barriers to lasting peace.
Rotary has been a global leader in the fight to eradicate polio since launching its first vaccination project in the Philippines in 1979. Through decades of bold leadership, action, and commitment, Rotary and its partners have helped protect billions of children from this crippling and potentially deadly disease. In 2024 alone, more than 1 billion doses of oral polio vaccine were delivered to reach 270 million children worldwide. Since the effort began, $2.9 billion has been invested to protect 3 billion children across 122 countries.
Take a look at the difference Rotary has made: https://www.rotary.org/our-work. Rotary Foundation grants empower communities and deliver solutions that endure. Donors are not only responding to today’s challenges, but helping create a healthier, more peaceful world for generations to come.
How your gift will be used
The Rotary Foundation has earned Charity Navigator’s highest four-star rating for seventeen consecutive years in recognition of its strong financial stewardship, transparency, and commitment to delivering meaningful, lasting impact. Rotary uses more than 90% of all contributions directly for humanitarian projects, disaster relief, and scholarships. Less than 10% goes toward administrative and operational expenses. You may choose whether the gift is used immediately or invested in the endowment for perpetual support.
A gift to the Rotary Foundation (Canada) supports sustainable projects that improve lives in communities at home and around the world. Your gift can be designated to the causes closest to your heart. Our mission priorities include:
- The eradication of polio worldwide, as part of our Global Polio Eradication Initiative partnership and promise to the children of the world.
- Educating and cultivating greater world peace by funding fellowships at our global Rotary Peace Centers with 1800+ graduates and growing. (Peace)
- Improving access to basic education and literacy for all people. (Basic Education and Literacy)
- Alleviating poverty and creating measurable and enduring economic improvements for poor and underserved areas. (Community Economic Development)
- Reducing the causes and effects of disease and strengthening health care systems (Disease Prevention and Treatment)
- Protecting, preserving, and conserving our environment. (Environment)
- Improving maternal health and reducing mortality for children under five years of age. (Maternal and Child Health)
- Increasing sustainable access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene. (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene)
Legal Name
The Rotary Foundation Canada
Charity Number
BN: 11912 5797 RR0001
Contact: Carolyn Ferguson, CFRE, Senior Major Gifts Officer
