Rotary initiative supports midwives in remote communities
About 830 women and 7,000 newborns, mainly in low- and middle-income countries, die each day because of complications related to pregnancy and childbirth. These deaths
Who We Are?
Rotary is a membership service organization that brings together People of Action from all continents and cultures who deliver real, long-term solutions to the world’s most persistent issues. The heart of Rotary is our 36,000 clubs located in over 200 countries across the globe.
Rotary is made up of three parts: Rotary clubs, Rotary International, and The Rotary Foundation. Together, we work to make lasting change in our communities and around the world. Since its modest inception with a single club in 1920, Rotary in India has grown into a dynamic network of nearly 172,000 members across 4600+ clubs in all states and union territories.
We Are People Of Action
Our global network of 1.2 million neighbors, friends, and leaders volunteer their skills and resources to solve issues and address community needs.
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awarded for 1,423 Global Grants in FY 2024–25
What We Do
The Rotary Foundation (TRF) transforms your contributions into service projects that change lives both close to home and around the world. Since it was founded more than 100 years ago, the Foundation has spent more than $4 Billion on life-changing, sustainable projects.
RF(I) resonates with The Rotary Foundation’s mission and as an associate foundation is aligned with its objectives and is registered as a society in India under the Societies Registration Act of 1860 in February 1988 and provides tax exemption under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act. Rotary Foundation (India) [RF (I)] is also registered with Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) hence, fulfilling the eligibility criteria to act as an implementing agency for undertaking CSR activities.
Our Focus Areas
Rotary Foundation (India) transforms your gifts into service projects across Seven Key Areas of Focus to create lasting change in communities across the country. Rotary Foundation (India) transforms your gifts into service projects across Seven Key Areas of Focus to create lasting change in communities across the country.
Our Achievements
Excellence in Nationwide CSR Implementation
At the India CSR & Sustainability Conclave 2025, organized by BrandsGlobal Media
3375+ Service projects
Over the last ten years, RF(I) has supported 3375+ projects implemented by Rotary members worth 1.5 billion USD
900+ CSR Projects Implemented Nationally
RF(I) has collaborated with nearly 500 corporates across the country to execute projects across its seven areas of focus.
News & Features
News
Rotary-Led Water Conservation Programme Awarded USD 2 Million To Help Farmers In India
A water conservation project initiated by the Rotary Club to improve water resource management and farming practices has been awarded a USD 2 million grant to help farmers in India. ‘Partners for Water Access and Better Harvests in India’ is Rotary’s fourth Programs of Scale recipient. This annual competitive grant process awards US$2 million to an evidence-based program that aligns with one of Rotary’s causes and has the capability to scale up to help more people. Rotary members sponsor the programs in collaboration with local communities and partner organizations.
Event
2025 Rotary International Convention
At the 2025 Rotary International Convention in Calgary, you can start an exciting journey of making connections and getting ideas. From June 21–25, 2025, people who go to the 2025 Rotary International Convention in Calgary will start an exciting trip of making connections and coming up with new ideas. With the beautiful Canadian Rockies in the background, people will participate in exciting talks, hear from well-known speakers, and attend informative group sessions.
Blog/Feature
Finding my people through Rotary Youth Leadership Awards
A childhood encounter with a Rotary Youth Exchange student from Mexico inspired a lifelong connection to Rotary for one young woman from Franklin, Tennessee. Her early exposure to the program led her to participate in a short-term exchange in Perth, Australia, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Cool Springs Noon. This experience, along with her involvement in the District 6760 Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA), fueled her passion for international service and leadership.
News
Olayinka Hakeem Babalola takes office as president of Rotary International
New Delhi, 3rd July 2026 — Olayinka Hakeem Babalola, a member of the Rotary Club of Trans Amadi, Nigeria, took office as president of Rotary International on 1 July 2026, becoming the second African to lead the global membership organization. Alongside Babalola’s appointment, two Rotary members from India have assumed key positions in Rotary’s global
Rotary projects around the globe
By Brad Webber United States To help people affected by the financial crisis of 2008, the Rotary Club of Summit County (Frisco) began serving a weekly dinner free of charge in the Colorado ski town. Sixteen years later, they haven’t stopped. In January, the club and its partners served their 200,000th meal. “The housing and
Giving the gift of hope and dignity
By M. M. A. Al Numan Tonmoy, Rotary Club of Habiganj Khoai, Bangladesh My Rotary club recently partnered with the N S Foundation of Habiganj to jointly sponsor an auto rickshaw (small taxi) for a needy man who was facing many difficulties in his life including financial. The rickshaw will enable him to earn an
What's Happening Around The World
Larry A. Lunsford selected to be 2027-28 Rotary International president
By Etelka Lehoczky Larry A. Lunsford, a member of the Rotary Club of Kansas City-Plaza, Missouri, USA, is the selection of the nominating committee to become Rotary International’s president for 2027-28. He will officially become the president-nominee on 15 September if no other candidates challenge him. Lunsford attended Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri, on
Italian selected as next Rotary International President
Francesco Arezzo will become the third Italian to lead the global membership service organization EVANSTON, Ill., USA (16 June 2025) — Francesco Arezzo, a member of the Rotary Club of Ragusa, Italy, has been selected to serve as president of Rotary International for 2025-2026 – taking office on 1 July 2025. Arezzo, a Rotary member for
Rotary.org
"Chasing Polio" Exhibit Showcases 18-Year Journey to Eradicate Polio
The Chicago Center for Photojournalism is hosting the “Chasing Polio” exhibit through May 29. The exhibit features the work of photographer Jean-Marc Giboux, who spent 18 years documenting the global fight against polio across 17 countries. Sponsored by Rotary International, Giboux’s work captures the impacts of polio and the extensive efforts to eradicate the disease.
Rotary-newsonline.org
Incoming RI President Stephanie Urchick's Unexpected Journey from Aspiring Spy to Rotary Leader
Stephanie Urchick, the incoming Rotary International (RI) President, once dreamed of becoming a spy. “I wanted to work for the government,” she revealed with a twinkle in her eye. Despite her aspirations and application to several U.S. government agencies, her plans changed due to the required detailed family background checks, which were influenced by her Eastern European heritage.
Rotary Social
Community health workers form an essential frontline force
By Etelka Lehoczky On that day in 2023, she arrived for her shift at a rural health clinic in Nigeria to find a patient hemorrhaging after
Rotary-led water conservation program awarded US$2 million to help farmers in India
Partners for Water Access and Better Harvests in India” will support climate-resilient agriculture and groundwater water storage to help farmers improve harvests and yields
World Refugee Day highlights a misunderstood group
Rotary clubs engage with refugees by training teachers, organizing medical care, and offering other assistance
Photographer reflects on 18 years of chasing polio
The exhibit “Chasing Polio,” on display at the Chicago Center for Photojournalism in Chicago, USA, through 29 May, captures an extraordinary 18-year journey. Photographer Jean-Marc Giboux traveled to 17 countries to document the effects of polio and the wide-ranging fight to eradicate it.
Testimonials
What do our partners, supporters, and members say about us?
AKS Bhagwan Das Agarwal
Rotary has given me a platform to serve with purpose and work alongside compassionate, like‑minded individuals. Through my Rotary journey, I have been able to contribute meaningfully to causes close to my heart—especially disease prevention and access to clean water and sanitation. I support The Rotary Foundation because it transforms compassion into measurable impact, ensuring that no one suffers from preventable illnesses like cervical cancer or thalassemia. Participating in cervical cancer awareness and vaccination programs and helping improve WASH facilities in schools have been deeply fulfilling. A particularly memorable moment was engaging with over 300 parents at a girls’ school near Kolkata, empowering them with awareness about cervical cancer.
AKS Sundeep De
I joined Rotary to collaborate with professionals committed to meaningful service, and my association with Rotary Ukhra has strengthened my belief in collective action for the greater good. I support The Rotary Foundation because its humanitarian outreach—spanning health, education, and disaster relief—creates lasting global impact. My focus remains on promoting healthcare and community development in the Asansol–Durgapur region, where needs are significant. A defining experience was helping establish the first kidney dialysis centre in Ukhra, bringing essential care closer to underserved families. Through my contributions, I hope to expand Rotary’s reach and help build stronger, healthier communities.
AKS Dipti Ranjan Patnaik
I joined Rotary to connect with like‑minded friends and to serve the community with purpose and compassion. I support The Rotary Foundation because it enables us to do good in the world through sustainable, high‑impact projects that create lasting change. Education, health care, and environmental sustainability are causes that deeply inspire my service. I hope my contributions help Rotary expand its reach by empowering others to lead meaningful, transformative initiatives. Among my most fulfilling experiences are supporting a dialysis project through Directed Gifts at a local hospital and improving water and sanitation facilities in schools across the community.
Our Partners
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does Rotary Foundation (India) do?
Rotary Foundation (India) transforms your gifts into service projects across its Seven Key Areas of Focus to create lasting change in communities across the country.
2. What is the mission of Rotary Foundation (India)?
Rotary Foundation (India) helps Rotary members to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace by improving health, providing quality education, improving the environment, and alleviating poverty.
3. What is Rotary Foundation (India)?
Rotary Foundation (India)
Rotary Foundation (India) supports programs and projects of The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International. Rotary Foundation (India) (“RFI”) is a society registered under the Societies Registration Act of 1860 on 22nd February 1988. RF(I) provides Indian donors with a tax rebate of 50% under Section 80-G of the Income Tax Act 1961. These contributions to RF(I) are also eligible for Donor recognition from TRF. Rotary Foundation (India) is also registered with Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) hence, fulfilling the eligibility criteria to act as an implementing agency for undertaking CSR activities.
4. How to donate to the Rotary Foundation (India)?
You can usually donate to the Rotary Foundation (India) following the links on the website, a direct bank transfer, or by calling the foundation directly to find out more about how to donate. Donors can specify the projects or areas they wish to support.
5. When was the Rotary Foundation (India) founded?
Rotary Foundation India was set up in February 1988, for The Rotary Foundation’s projects to be run and carried out in India.
6. Who is the Chair of Rotary Foundation (India)?
Dr. Mahesh Kotbagi is the Chair for the current year of the Rotary Foundation (India).
7. Who manages Rotary Foundation (India)?
An Executive Committee headed by the RF(I) Chair runs Rotary Foundation (India). They are in charge of the organization’s projects, operations, and making sure that its mission is carried out in India. This board works with Rotary International and The Rotary Foundation to make sure that its activities are aligned with overall organization goals and values.
8. Why should I donate to the Rotary Foundation (India)?
By giving to the Rotary Foundation (India), people and groups can support important, long-lasting projects that have a big effect on the lives of many people in India. Your donations help with projects that improve health, education, water and sanitation, economic growth, and peace. This makes sure that the projects are carried out well and help people who need them.