The Foundation began after Rotary’s sixth president, Arch Klumph, suggested in 1917 that Rotary should have an endowment fund “for the purpose of doing good in the world.”
Starting from an initial contribution of US$26.50 from the Rotary Club of Kansas City, Missouri, USA, the Foundation has received more than $6.1 billion in total contributions.
The Foundation made a grant of $500 to an organization supporting children with special needs in 1930 and continues to do good around the world in Rotary’s name.