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President's Message


Before the last pumpkin leaves the porch and the turkey takes over, I want to look ahead to November, which Rotary celebrates as The Rotary Foundation Month. Our Foundation is our own charity, and it is one we can be proud of. For many years running, The Rotary Foundation has earned four stars from Charity Navigator, the highest rating it gives. That rating reflects strong finances, accountability and transparency. When you give to TRF, you are not taking a leap of faith. You are investing in one of the most trusted charities in the country.

The best part is that your gift grows. Every dollar Rotary raises to end polio is matched with two more from the Gates Foundation, so a $100 gift becomes $300. Gifts to the Annual Fund are invested for three years. Then about half comes back to our district as District Designated Funds, which clubs like ours use for local and international grant projects. When those district funds go into a global grant, the Foundation's World Fund adds another 80 percent. Many employers will also match your gift. Our club has seen this firsthand: over the years, TRF grants have helped us complete many projects that changed lives. This year, we received a global grant for a clean water project in Panama that will change the lives and health of that community. Few places make one check work this hard.

Giving to TRF keeps us committed to Rotary's ideals in all seven areas of focus around the world: peacebuilding and conflict prevention; disease prevention and treatment; water, sanitation, and hygiene; maternal and child health; basic education and literacy; community economic development; and supporting the environment. When we join hands with Rotarians and donors across the globe, we create funding that none of us could raise alone, and that funding moves us forward as People of Action. This is the time of year when many of us plan our giving, both for tax purposes and because it is the season of giving. As you make your plans, please consider making The Rotary Foundation your charity of choice.

Yours in Service,

Leslie Bassett

Posted by Leslie Bassett
October 27, 2026

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