Service | Volunteerism | Progress
Our Story
The Rotary Foundation of Washington, DC was established to solve a massive problem we couldn’t overlook: our beloved capital fell short of being the beacon of hope and liberty for all its citizen. People, families and neighborhoods in our backyard were not receiving the services and support they deserved to thrive.
But we knew there was a better way.
Fueled by the Rotary Club’s enduring motto, “Service Above Self,” our members joined forces to create a foundation in 1922 that would blend our values of service, volunteerism and progress with the expertise and resources of our members.
The mission of the Rotary Foundation of Washington, DC quickly took shape. We vowed to dedicate our foundation to promoting peace and the well being of people and communities through service within the metropolitan area and across the globe.
Our Mission
Through charitable giving, we support our Club and its partners in their service activities with vulnerable populations, in our community and around the world, working together at the grass-roots level to foster economic opportunity, justice and equity, education and literacy, health, and a sustainable environment.
The Seven Pillars of Rotary
The Bedrock of Our Legacy in Washington, DC
At the Rotary Foundation of Washington, DC, we actively bridge local needs with Rotary International’s global vision. Since 1922, our work has been a testament to the power of local engagement in achieving global goals.
Provide Clean Water
Promoting Peache
Saving Mothers and Children
Protecting the Environment
Supporting Education
Growing Local Economies
Fighting Disease
Local Action with
a Global Heartbeat
The Rotary Foundation International has established a mission built on seven pillars that bridge continents and connect communities.
At the Rotary Foundation of Washington, DC, we tailor those seven pillars to the specific needs of our region. This approach helps us foster meaningful local progress that echoes Rotary International's global initiatives, reflecting a perfect blend of local dedication and worldwide commitment.
Fighting
Disease
Providing
Clean Water
Supporting
Education
Protecting
Environment
Growing Local
Economies
Saving Mothers
and Children
Promoting
Peace
Discover How to give back
Begin
Your
Legacy
Giving
Journey
Will Bequests
Designate a portion of your estate to support our mission, empowering our community work.
Non-Cash Donations
Donate real estate or other assets
for tax benefits while advancing
our causes.
Beneficiary Designation
Support our work by naming us in retirement plans, insurance policies,
and annuities.
IRA Contributions
If you're 70.5 or older, donate up to $100,000 yearly from your IRA to
aid our efforts.
Take the first step in leaving a meaningful legacy today. Contact us at office@dcrotaryclub.org to learn how you can make a lasting difference through legacy giving with the Rotary Foundation of DC.
Discover How to give back
Begin
Your
Legacy
Giving
Journey
Will
Bequests
Designate a portion of your estate to support our mission, empowering our community work.
Non-Cash
Donations
Donate real estate or other assets
for tax benefits while advancing
our causes.
Beneficiary
Designation
Support our work by naming us in retirement plans, insurance policies,
and annuities.
IRA
Contributions
If you're 70.5 or older, donate up to $100,000 yearly from your IRA to
aid our efforts.
Take the first step in leaving a meaningful legacy today. Contact us at office@dcrotaryclub.org to learn how you can make a lasting difference through legacy giving with the Rotary Foundation of DC.
The Historic Journey of Rotary in Washington, DC
Our History
Rotary International
A Century of
Community and
Global Service
Explore our century-long journey in Washington, DC. Discover the milestones that define us – a legacy of enduring action and transformative impact.
A Visionary Beginning
Rotary's
Foundation
Rotary's journey began with Paul Harris in 1905, when Paul Harris founded the first Rotary Club in Chicago. This laid the groundwork for a global movement dedicated to professional fellowship and community service. By 1917, Rotary International proposed an endowment for global good, starting with just $26.50. That gift planted the seeds for a global network of philanthropy, which now includes both the Rotary Foundation International and the Rotary Foundation of Washington, DC .
Local Commitment Since 1922
Washington, DC's
Chapter
In 1922, the Rotary Foundation of Washington, DC was established and started funding local projects, echoing Rotary International's expanding humanitarian mission. As one of the early chapters, we've been pivotal in addressing community challenges while contributing to Rotary's global initiatives.
Global Impact
From Local Action
to Global Impact
Through the decades, we've played an instrumental role in Rotary International's signature campaigns, including the worldwide fight against polio. At the same time, we've focused the majority of our efforts local, where we are uniquely positioned to make a difference.
The Rotary Legacy
Upholding a
Century-Long Legacy
Today, the Rotary Foundation of Washington, DC, stands as a beacon of service and fellowship. We continue to champion impactful local projects and global causes, embodying the enduring spirit of Rotary's service above self.
Rotary International
A Century of
Community and
Global Service
Explore our century-long journey in Washington, DC. Discover the milestones that define us – a legacy of enduring action and transformative impact.
A Visionary Beginning
Rotary's
Foundation
Rotary's journey began with Paul Harris in 1905, when Paul Harris founded the first Rotary Club in Chicago. This laid the groundwork for a global movement dedicated to professional fellowship and community service. By 1917, Rotary International proposed an endowment for global good, starting with just $26.50. That gift planted the seeds for a global network of philanthropy, which now includes both the Rotary Foundation International and the Rotary Foundation of Washington, DC .
Local Commitment Since 1922
Washington, DC's
Chapter
In 1922, the Rotary Foundation of Washington, DC was established and started funding local projects, echoing Rotary International's expanding humanitarian mission. As one of the early chapters, we've been pivotal in addressing community challenges while contributing to Rotary's global initiatives.
Global Impact
From Local Action
to Global Impact
Through the decades, we've played an instrumental role in Rotary International's signature campaigns, including the worldwide fight against polio. At the same time, we've focused the majority of our efforts local, where we are uniquely positioned to make a difference.
The Rotary Legacy
Upholding a
Century-Long Legacy
Today, the Rotary Foundation of Washington, DC, stands as a beacon of service and fellowship. We continue to champion impactful local projects and global causes, embodying the enduring spirit of Rotary's service above self.
Local Action with a Global Heartbeat
Amplifying Rotary's Global Mission
The Rotary Foundation
of Washington, DC
In the heart of the nation's capital, the Rotary Foundation of Washington, DC stands as a crucial link between Rotary International's global mission and the local community's needs. Since 1922, our work has been a testament to the power of local engagement in achieving global goals.
Our priorities include Economic Opportunity, Health, Education and Literacy, a Sustainable Environment, and Justice and Equity, and we tailor Rotary's global vision to the specific needs of the DC area. With 90% of our philanthropy focused on projects in our Nation's Capitol, you can rest easy knowing your generosity contributes to local neighborhoods while benefiting from the expertise and resources of a global network.
