The mission of The Rotary Foundation is to support the efforts of Rotary International in the fulfillment of the Object of Rotary, Rotary's mission, and the achievement of world understanding and peace through local, national, and international humanitarian, educational, and cultural programs.

The Foundation was created in 1917 by Rotary International's sixth president, Arch C. Klumph, as an endowment fund for Rotary "to do good in the world." It has grown from an initial contribution of US$26.50 to more than US$55 million contributed in 2002-03.

The Rotary Foundation is supported solely by voluntary contributions from Rotarians and friends of the Foundation who share the vision of a better world. The Trustees of the Foundation offer a variety of ways of expressing gratitude and recognition. Perhaps the best known is the designation of a Paul Harris Fellow - a recognition presented in honor of our founder Paul Harris. Anyone who contributes - or in whose name is contributed a gift of US$1,000 or more may become a Paul Harris Fellow.