What is Rotary

5 individuals of different cultural backgrounds dressed in a business formal attire

Who we are

Rotary is a global network of 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.

Solving real problems takes real commitment and vision. For more than 110 years, Rotary's people of action have used their passion, energy, and intelligence to take action on sustainable projects. From literacy and peace to water and health, we are always working to better our world, and we stay committed to the end.

Through our fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders we provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace. 

Learn more about Rotary at rotary.org/en/about-rotary

Our Causes

Rotary Peace Fellows exchange ideas on the University of Queensland campus in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. © Rotary International/Monika Lozinska

Promoting peace

 

Rotary encourages conversations to foster understanding within and across cultures. We train adults and young leaders to prevent and mediate conflict and help refugees who have fled dangerous areas.

 

Learn more about promoting peace at Rotary.org ›

 

Rotarian Florence Marc-Charles triages a patient at a clinic in Nan Sema, La Gonave, Haiti © Rotary International/Alyce Henson

Fighting disease

 

We educate and equip communities to stop the spread of life-threatening diseases like polio, HIV/AIDS, and malaria. We improve and expand access to low-cost and free health care in developing areas.

 

Learn more about fighting disease at Rotary.org ›

Members of the Rotary Club of Puerto Plata Isabel de Torres, Dominican Republic, pour bags of sand into a bio-sand water filter © Rotary International/Alyce Henson

Providing clean water, sanitation, and hygiene

 

We support local solutions to bring clean water, sanitation, and hygiene to more people every day. We don’t just build wells and walk away. We share our expertise with community leaders and educators to make sure our projects succeed long-term.

 

Learn more about providing clean water, sanitation and hygiene at Rotary.org ›

Midwife Tamar Okoh (left) weighs Azima Yahaya and her child Aisha at Sumaila General Hospital in Sumaila, Kano State, Nigeria © Tadej Znidarcic

Saving mothers and children

 

Nearly 6 million children under the age of five die each year because of malnutrition, poor health care, and inadequate sanitation. We expand access to quality care, so mothers and their children can live and grow stronger.

 

Learn more about saving mothers and children at Rotary.org ›

Rotarian mentor Oh Je Kwon shows students Seol Rim Kim and Sun Tak Kwon how to plant seeds in the dirt in the greenhouse © Rotary International

Supporting education

 

More than 775 million people over the age of 15 are illiterate. Our goal is to strengthen the capacity of communities to support basic education and literacy, reduce gender disparity in education, and increase adult literacy.

 

Learn more about supporting education at Rotary.org ›

Remigia Dominiguez, a weaver supported by a microcredit loan from Rotarians, spools thread for her loom outside her studio and workshop in El Cacao, Honduras. © Rotary International/Monika Lozinska

Growing local economies

 

We carry out service projects that enhance economic and community development and create opportunities for decent and productive work for young and old. We also strengthen local entrepreneurs and community leaders, particularly women, in impoverished communities.

 

Learn more about growing local economies at Rotary.org ›

Rotarians from across Korea plant Rose of Sharon trees at the Independence Hall museum in Cheonan, South Korea

Protecting the environment

 

Rotary members are tackling environmental issues the way they always do: coming up with projects, using their connections to change policy and planning for the future.

 

Learn more about protecting the environment at Rotary.org ›

The Rotary Foundation

The Rotary Foundation transforms your gifts into service projects that change lives both close to home and around the world.

Why should I donate to The Rotary Foundation?

Your donation makes a difference to those who need our help most. More than 90 percent of donations go directly to supporting our service projects around the world.
 
 

What impact can one donation have?
 

It can save a life. A child can be protected from polio with as little as 60 cents. Our partners make your donation go even further. For every $1 Rotary commits to polio eradication, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has committed $2.

How does The Rotary Foundation use donations?

Our 35,000 clubs carry out sustainable service projects that support our six causes. With donations like yours, we’ve wiped out 99.9 percent of all polio cases. Your donation also trains future peacemakers, supports clean water, and strengthens local economies.
 

How much of the donation goes towards the programs?

91% of donations are directly spent on programs. The Rotary Foundation has achieved a 4 star rating from Charity Navigator, the highest rating possible.