Purpose: Provide the necessary funding for operation of Rotary Foundation programs. Contributions made by individuals, clubs, and districts are invested for three years. After three years: 60% of the original contribution is returned to the district through the District Designated Fund (DDF); 40% of the original contribution is provided to the World Fund to support humanitarian programs and to provide one Group Study Exchange per district; Investment earnings support administrative costs and may be used to benefit Foundation humanitarian and educational programs.
Goal: Encourage all Rotarians to become sustaining members with the district goal of $100 per member by 2005. For the 2005-2006 Rotary year, 100% Sustaining Member Clubs in District 6510 are the Rotary Club of O'Fallon, Rotary Club of St. Clair Valley, and the Rotary Club of Swansea.
The Annual Programs Fund is the primary source of unrestricted support for the programs of The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International. The mission of the Annual Programs Fund mirrors that of The Rotary Foundation: to support the efforts of Rotary International in the achievement of world understanding and peace through local, national, and international humanitarian, educational, and cultural programs.
The Annual Programs Fund supports Foundation programs in 163 countries on seven continents. From digging clean water wells for villages in Africa to teaching basic literacy skills to children in Latin America, during any given moment in a day, thousands of Rotarians volunteer their time and expertise to ensure that all contributions given to the Annual Programs Fund are spent wisely on quality Rotary projects.
A full 100 percent of each contribution to the Annual Programs Fund is spent directly on Foundation programs that truly make a difference in the world.
The Rotary Foundation Sustaining Member Program
"A Rotary Foundation Sustaining Member is a person who contributes US$100 or more per year to the Annual Programs Fund."
Why are Rotary Foundation Sustaining Members critical to the Foundation?
Rotarians recognize that without sustained support of the Annual Programs Fund, the programs of The Rotary Foundation cannot happen. With contributions of US$100 from every member every year, Rotary could nearly double its efforts to help needy people the world over, supporting the continued growth of programs. In April 2001, the Council on Legislation unanimously passed a resolution approving the goal of US$100 per capita by the year 2005.
Become a Rotary Foundation Sustaining Member Today
When you make a contribution to Rotary, you can be assured that your gift will be used to its fullest by Rotarians throughout the world.
Every Rotarian can become a Sustaining Member by making one or more gifts totaling at least US$100 each year.
Each and every Sustaining Member gift to The Rotary Foundation is a gift of hope to those less fortunate. Every gift truly makes a difference in someone's life.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Sustaining Member Program
Do my Rotary Foundation Sustaining Member gifts count toward Paul Harris Fellow Recognition?
Yes. All gifts given through the Sustaining Member program go to the Annual Programs Fund and are eligible for and count cumulatively toward the Foundation’s various recognition programs.
I am already a Paul Harris Sustaining Member. Do I need to become a Rotary Foundation Sustaining Member as well?
Prior to November 1998, Sustaining Members were often referred to as Paul Harris Sustaining Members. That name is no longer applicable; the Foundation’s Trustees have clarified the definition of Sustaining Members, and they are now referred to as Rotary Foundation Sustaining Members.
I have been a Sustaining Member for the past five years. Does that qualify me to become a Rotary Foundation Sustaining Member?
As of January 2001, the Foundation has obtained the technology to track its Rotary Foundation Sustaining Members. Those who contribute US$100 or more each year will be recognized as Rotary Foundation Sustaining Members.
Please note that previous contributions to the Rotary Foundation are not lost. All contributions given previously to the Sustaining Member program still count toward Paul Harris Fellow, Multiple Paul Harris Fellow, and Major Donor Recognition.
