In 1917, RI President Arch C. Klumph proposed that an endowment be set up “for the purpose of doing good in the world.” In 1928, when the endowment fund had grown to more than US $5,000, it was renamed The Rotary Foundation, and it became a distinct entity within Rotary International. Two years later, the Foundation made its first grant of US $500 to the International Society for Crippled Children. After Rotary’s founder, Paul P. Harris, died in 1947, contributions began pouring into Rotary International, and the Paul Harris Memorial Fund was created to build the Foundation.

Support of the Foundation grew tremendously. Since the first donation of US $26.50 in 1917, it has received contributions totalling more than US $1 billion. To date, more than one million individuals have been recognized as Paul Harris fellows – people who have given $1,000 to the Annual Programs Fund or have had that amount contributed in their name. In April 2008, District 7690 (North Carolina, USA) became the first district of 100% Paul Harris Fellows, all 3,200 members!

Such strong support, along with Rotarian involvement worldwide, ensures a secure future for The Rotary Foundation as it continues its vital work for international understanding and world peace.