The people who make Rotary effective, through their generosity and passion for positive change, come from all over the world and all walks of life. Even so, we all share a powerful common trait: we are compelled by a desire to share our good fortune with others, simply because we can make a positive impact for someone whose life has not been easy.

Giving works because Rotary works.

And Rotary works because of people like us.

Major Gifts               

A major gift to The Rotary Foundation is a powerful catalyst for empowering Rotarians in communities at home and abroad. Whether through an immediate gift or a bequest, your generosity

• Enhances Rotary’s capacity to initiate projects

• Demonstrates leadership and values

• Distinguishes you among your peers

• Inspires others to give

• Can be used to commemorate and honor someone you love or respect

Your major gift has immediate and future impact. When you make a major gift, you may have the ability to direct how it is used by The Rotary Foundation.

Immediate Impact

One-time gifts for a global grant

 

One-time gifts for Rotary Peace Centers

 

Future Impact

Named endowed funds for SHARE, World Fund, and global grants

 

Named endowed funds for Rotary Peace Centers

 

Rotary International recognizes individuals or couples making cumulative outright gifts of $10,000 or more as Major Donors. Named endowed funds recognize gifts of $25,000 or more. Cumulative gifts of $250,000 or more are recognized with membership in the Arch Klumph Society, The Rotary Foundation’s premier giving circle.

 

What’s Next

To learn more about major gift opportunities at Rotary International, please contact your Rotary Foundation endowment/major gifts adviser or a district Foundation volunteer. Major gifts and planned giving officers are available to help you create a giving plan that supports The Rotary Foundation programs while accomplishing your philanthropic goals.

We’re All Gonna Die!

Now that we’ve got that out of the way, we can move on.

You may be gone, but your Rotary legacy can endure.

The Endowment Fund of The Rotary Foundation provides multiple ways that you can leave a lasting testament to your support of Rotary’s global efforts. Posthumous giving recognition starts at $1,000; additional directive options are available at larger amounts.

You already know giving to The Rotary Foundation helps people around the world live better lives today. Through planned giving, you can ensure that same benefit lasts forever.

 

Donor Recognition

When you make a future commitment to give to The Endowment Fund, you are joining a 100-year tradition that unites leaders from across continents, cultures, and industries in working for the common good. The Rotary Foundation Trustees are pleased to share their gratitude and offer membership in special societies.

• Benefactor recognition for those who pledge $1,000 to $9,999

• Bequest Society membership for those who commit $10,000 or more

• Legacy Society membership for those who promise a gift of $1,000,000 or more

Naming opportunities are available when you make a direct gift or commitment of $25,000 or more to The Endowment Fund. The fund will bear your name or that of a loved one and carries on your Rotary legacy. A named fund can also be directed to a specific area of focus that is significant to you. Annual financial updates to your District lets Rotarians of the future know that your generosity supports their projects.

All legacy donations can also be entered into the SHARE program, providing your District(s) with ongoing funding. A gift of $25,000 can generate $1,000 or more per year for the assigned District(s).

 

Growth and Earnings Example

Since the principle is never spent or returned to the District(s), your impact continues to grow. For example, a bequest of $25,000, made in 1994, has provided more than $58,000 in earnings, which were spent on Rotary causes during the last 30 years. That is more than the original gift, and the fund continues to grow. The initial gift of $25,000 now has a market value of $46,943, providing an enhanced benefit in perpetuity.

 

How to Give

Posthumous giving to The Endowment Fund is simple. You can

• Include a gift in your will or estate plan

• Name The Rotary Foundation as a beneficiary of a retirement account, wholly-owned life insurance policy, or annuity

• Give from your IRA, which counts towards your Required Minimum Distribution and may reduce your tax burden

• Make a gift that provides income by funding with cash, appreciated securities, your IRA, or real estate

 

Charitable Remainder Trust

The Endowment Fund also accepts similar gifts given while you are still alive. A Charitable Remainder Trust provides a fixed or variable percentage return to you while you live, then reverts the entire balance and future earnings to The Endowment Fund when you die.

This is available starting with a minimum contribution of $100,00. You fund a lifetime income agreement with cash or securities. You qualify for an income tax charitable receipt and reduce capital gains. You receive payments for life and support The Rotary Foundation efforts in perpetuity. This donation also qualifies you for recognition as a Level 4 Major Donor.

When you establish a Charitable Remainder Trust, you select the desired rate of return, usually between 5% and 6% annually. With an initial gift of $100,000, this delivers between $5,000 and $6,000 a year for life. You also recognize a potential charitable income tax deduction. Upon your death, the full gift amount, plus future earnings, is made available to The Endowment Fund. You gain remuneration throughout your life while providing future benefits to Rotary. Of course, you can also fund this trust at a higher level, providing greater returns and higher Rotary recognition.

What’s Next

To learn more about legacy gift opportunities at Rotary International, please contact your Rotary Foundation endowment/major gifts adviser or a district Foundation volunteer. Major gifts and planned giving officers are available to help you create a giving plan that supports The Rotary Foundation programs while accomplishing your philanthropic goals.