Host Project Steward
Grace Wanjiku, Water Infrastructure, Kenya
Leading participatory village assessments helped Grace’s club design solar-powered borehole kiosks that women’s cooperatives maintain profitably on their own.
Read Kenya WASH report
Who We Are
The Rotary Foundation is the charitable engine of Rotary’s global network of 1.2 million neighbors, friends, and problem-solvers—turning donations into sustainable Global Grants across the globe.
45,000+ Rotary & Rotaract Clubs
Rooted in local communities across nearly every country, clubs identify authentic grassroots priorities and steward every dollar on the ground.
Explore programsCadre of Technical Advisers
Hundreds of volunteer Rotarian engineers, physicians, hydrologists, and auditors provide independent technical review and site visits for Global Grants.
Inspect verified grantsSee how Global Grants empower leaders and communities
International Sponsor
Marcus Lindqvist, Multi-Club DDF Coalition, USA
Marcus coordinates cross-district funding coalitions, turning modest single-club donations into US$90,000+ Global Grants through the Foundation’s 80% World Fund DDF match.
Explore grant funding pathways
Global Grant Scholar
Dr. Ananya Rao, Maternal Epidemiology, India
Supported by Host and International Rotarians during her graduate studies, Ananya now leads neonatal survival training across rural district hospitals.
Explore graduate scholarships
Unmatched financial stewardship
For 16 consecutive years, The Rotary Foundation has earned the highest 4-star rating from Charity Navigator. Approximately 91% of Foundation funds are spent directly on programs and operations—backed by dedicated bank accounts, annual club qualification, and Cadre technical audits.
Host & International co-leadership
Unlike top-down aid programs, Global Grants require equal partnership between a local Host Rotary Club and an International Sponsor Club. Local leaders define the need, oversee procurement, and train community operators, while international partners contribute technical expertise, District Designated Funds, and advocacy.
Strategic & cooperating partnerships
Global Grants amplify reach by collaborating with respected cooperating organizations—from local universities and ministries of health to global partners such as the Gates Foundation, UNICEF, ShelterBox, and World Vision—combining grassroots trust with specialized technical delivery.
Explore partnership storiesOur pledge to build resilient, sustainable communities
Every Global Grant application evaluated by The Rotary Foundation is measured against six core sustainability standards so benefits endure long after grant funding concludes:
- Community-identified solutions: Projects originate directly from documented community listening assessments.
- Local procurement & maintenance: Equipment and spare parts can be sourced and serviced locally.
- Capacity building & training: Local educators, technicians, and health workers are certified to train peers.
- Measurable baseline & outcome data: Clear quantitative benchmarks track progress over multiple years.