Last month we took a look at Paul Harris and all he meant to the creation of Rotary and what he still means to us as Rotarians today. We also looked at different ways to be part of the different Societies within Rotary. This month I want to look at the Foundation in a broader sense in terms of what effects the Foundation has on the world and who else contributes to the Foundation. I've included a graphic that you can also download to take a visual look at all our Rotary Foundation does. 

First, I want to share with you some of the final numbers from the Foundation for 2025-2026 Rotary Year. The Foundation issued 1,804 Global Grants, 463 District Grants and 61 Disaster Response grants. The good news/bad news number is 61 Disaster Grants. However, as the world goes, so goes Rotary side by side to help where needed! Also of great note is the fact that over 350 million children were vaccinated in 28 countries!! Everywhere you look, Rotary is there working.

We as Rotarians raised over $477 million last year! These dollars head so many ways. For instance, some went to Mozambique to fight malaria, pneumonia, and diarrhea, and some to Uganda to help provide clean water in so many communities. In our own country, many dollars are directed to mentorship programs, health education programs, and even programs such as art therapy. Rotary is there to aid women who have been incarcerated for whatever the reason but are now ready to reenter society and need better skill sets to come back and be productive members of society. Rotary is there in a nonjudgmental way to help. That’s the power of Rotary! Your contribution dollars go far and wide.

I want to turn your attention in the remainder of this month’s article to a group within Rotary you might not know as well, particularly if you are newer to the Rotary family. Have you heard of Rotaract Clubs within Rotary? Rotaract clubs are special not in the sense of the community service portion of Rotary but rather in the target age group and the career stage of its members. The standard Rotary clubs are generally made up of members who are at least 30 years of age and above. The Rotaract clubs are aimed at involving younger adults ages 18 to 30 years of age. Rotaract stands for “Rotary in Action." These younger members’ clubs are sponsored and mentored by a standard Rotary club. My home club of Roswell sponsors a similar club called Roswell After Hours (A Rotary Satellite Club). There are a few Rotaract clubs in our district such as the Oglethorpe University, Peachtree City, Kennesaw State University and La Grange College. I focus on this section of Rotary clubs to highlight the incredible work that Rotaract Clubs do within our organization. Their work is highly significant, and their contributions are equally so. In 2025-2026, there were 1,193 Rotaract Clubs that received the Rotaract Giving Certificate. Clubs that receive the certificate have contributed $2 million to the Foundation over the last six years. The recognition is in celebration of clubs whose members have contributed $100 or more to the Rotary Foundation in a given year. District 6900 had one club that received the certificate and that was the Atlanta Rotaract Club. Congratulations to them!!

Our district has long been a strong supporter of the Foundation, and we have received so many accolades for our service. District 6900 is a leader in Rotary, and we are proud of our contributions. It is truly my honor to be the District Foundation Chair and the work you all do has made it an easy position for me to hold. Thank you to all of you!

Keep in mind, we are getting ready to celebrate Foundation month in November. More exciting information to come!

Our District has a team of people here to answer any questions you may have regarding any type of Foundation funding.

I can personally assist you in any way, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me via cell or email. Until next time, I’m here to help and together we will Create Lasting Impact!