What is Rotary?

Rotary is a global network of 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who come together to make positive, lasting change in communities at home and abroad.

Solving real problems takes real commitment and vision. Founded on February 23, 1905, Rotary members have used their passion, energy, and intelligence to take action on sustainable projects. From literacy and peace to water and health, we are always working to better our world, and we stay committed to the end.

Organizational structure

Rotary is made up of three parts: individual Rotary clubs, Rotary International, and The Rotary Foundation. Together, we work to make lasting change in our communities and around the world.

Rotary Clubs

The heart of Rotary is our members, dedicated people who share a passion for community service and friendship.

Rotary members share ideas, make plans, hear from the community, and catch up with friends during club programs that fuel the impact we make.

While Rotary clubs are grounded in the same values, no two are the same, because each community has its own unique needs. At club meetings in communities across the globe, our members come together to strengthen their connections to friends and neighbors and their commitment to improving lives.

Rotary International

Rotary International supports Rotary clubs worldwide by coordinating global programs and initiatives.

Rotary members believe that we have a shared responsibility to take action on our world’s most persistent issues. Our 35,000+ clubs work together to:

  1. Promote peace
  2. Fight disease
  3. Provide clean water, sanitation, and hygiene
  4. Save mothers and children
  5. Support education
  6. Grow local economies
  7. Protec the environment

The Rotary Foundation

The Rotary Foundation helps fund our humanitarian activities, from local service projects to global initiatives.

During the past 100 years, the Foundation has spent $3 billion on life-changing, sustainable projects.

With your help, we can make lives better in your community and around the world.

Why should I donate to The Rotary Foundation?

Your donation makes a difference to those who need our help most. More than 90 percent of donations go directly to supporting our service projects around the world.

How does The Rotary Foundation use donations?

Our 35,000 clubs carry out sustainable service projects that support our six causes. With donations like yours, we’ve wiped out 99.9 percent of all polio cases. Your donation also trains future peacemakers, supports clean water, and strengthens local economies.

What impact can one donation have?

It can save a life. A child can be protected from polio with as little as 60 cents. Our partners make your donation go even further. For every $1 Rotary commits to polio eradication, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has committed $2.