Foundation wins major plaudit
ROTARY INTERNATIONAL
Rotary ’ s charitable arm has been named 2016 Outstanding Foundation by the Association of Fundraising Professionals ( AFP ).
AFP president and chief executive Jason Lee says , while most people are familiar with Rotary , not everyone might realise just how much of an impact our organisation , including the Rotary Foundation , has had on countless people and communities across the globe .
“ On behalf of the entire charitable sector and people around the world , all of us at AFP are honoured to be able to recognise the Rotary Foundation as our 2016 Outstanding Foundation .”
Rotary Foundation Trust chair Kalyan Banerjee says , from its first contribution of $ 26.50 almost a century ago , the foundation ’ s assets have grown to about $ 1 billion , and more than $ 3 billion has been spent on projects promoting peace , fighting disease , providing clean water , supporting education , saving mothers and children , and growing local economies .
With a top global priority of eradicating polio , Rotary launched the PolioPlus program in 1985 , and , in 1988 , became a leading partner in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative .
Since then , Rotary has contributed more than $ 1.6 billion and countless volunteer hours to protect more than two billion children in 122 countries from this paralyzing disease , Kalyan says .
“ The foundation ’ s advocacy efforts have also resulted in another $ 9 billion from world governments and foundations , increasing its impact ,“ Kalyan says .
“ Today , polio is on the verge of becoming only the second human disease ever to be eliminated , after smallpox , with a 99.9 percent decrease in cases since the initiative began .“
To mark the foundation ’ s centennial year , Rotary members aim to raise $ 300 million by July .
“ We are honoured to receive this recognition from the AFP , which gives us even more reason to celebrate during our foundation ’ s centennial year .
Arch Klumph , one of the Rotary Foundation ’ s founders
“ The continued strong support of Rotary members will help us
Kalyan Banerjee keep our promise of a polio-free world for all children , and enable the foundation to carry out its mission of advancing world understanding , goodwill and peace . We look forward to another 100 years of Rotary members taking action to make communities better around the world .”
Rotary clubs have long embraced the call for peace at the grassroots level by addressing the underlying causes of conflict and violence , such as hunger , poverty , disease and illiteracy , he says .
In 2002 , the Rotary Foundation took a direct approach by providing future leaders the tools to become catalysts for peace in their communities .
Each year , up to 100 Rotary peace fellows are chosen to participate in a master ’ s degree or certificate program at one of Rotary ’ s Peace Centres , in partnership with universities around the world . Today , more than 1000 peace fellow alumni serve as leaders in national governments , nongovernmental organisations , the military , law enforcement , and international institutions such as the United Nations and World Bank .
The Rotary Foundation will receive its award at AFP ’ s 2017 International Fundraising Conference which runs between April 30 and May 2 .
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