A record year for The Rotary Foundation
Posted by Tony Gilmore
There could be a million reasons why contributions to The Rotary Foundation's Annual Programs Fund topped US$100 million for the first time ever, reaching $103 million in 2006- 07. Here are just a few.
Per capita giving to the fund increased dramatically in many parts of the world. For example, in Zone 33 (five southern U.S. states) the per capita climbed nearly 22 percent to $131.11. The zone includes District 7770 (South Carolina), which ranked first in the world in total contributions to the Annual Programs Fund.
In the Philippines, District 3800's per capita giving hit $100, more than double the $47 of the year before, to meet the goal of the Every Rotarian, Every Year (EREY) effort.
The top 10 per capita giving clubs in 2006-07 were located in eight different countries, a striking indication that Rotarians' growing support for the Annual Programs Fund is worldwide.
Another reflection of fund support is the increase in Foundation contributors recognized, especially for EREY participation. The largest-ever number of new Paul Harris Fellows - 57,190 were recognized in 2006-07, along with 40,462 Multiple Paul Harris Fellows. Moreover, there were 369 100% Rotary Foundation Sustaining Member Clubs, a 14 percent drop in noncontributing clubs, and 177 districtadministered Paul Harris societies.
The real success stories, however, are spelled out in the Foundation programs funded each year that help save and change lives. The Foundation spent a record $44.8 million on humanitarian programs and $23.3 million on educational programs in 2006-07.
"You can change the world even with $100," says Thaw Chay Lim, past governor of District 3300 (Malaysia), underscoring the importance of EREY. "You get the best for others when you give the best of yourself."
In the Philippines, District 3800's per capita giving hit $100, more than double the $47 of the year before, to meet the goal of the Every Rotarian, Every Year (EREY) effort.
The top 10 per capita giving clubs in 2006-07 were located in eight different countries, a striking indication that Rotarians' growing support for the Annual Programs Fund is worldwide.
Another reflection of fund support is the increase in Foundation contributors recognized, especially for EREY participation. The largest-ever number of new Paul Harris Fellows - 57,190 were recognized in 2006-07, along with 40,462 Multiple Paul Harris Fellows. Moreover, there were 369 100% Rotary Foundation Sustaining Member Clubs, a 14 percent drop in noncontributing clubs, and 177 districtadministered Paul Harris societies.
The real success stories, however, are spelled out in the Foundation programs funded each year that help save and change lives. The Foundation spent a record $44.8 million on humanitarian programs and $23.3 million on educational programs in 2006-07.
"You can change the world even with $100," says Thaw Chay Lim, past governor of District 3300 (Malaysia), underscoring the importance of EREY. "You get the best for others when you give the best of yourself."