District 5000 - The Rotary Foundation

In January 2009, the Gates Foundation awarded an additional $255-million to Rotary International in the global effort to eradicate polio, bringing the total committed by Rotary and the Gates Foundation to $555 million.

The two Gates Foundation challenge grants now total $355 million. Rotary International’s matching effort in response is called the Rotary’s $200 Million Challenge, which must be completed by 30 June 2012.

The $255 million grant is one of the largest challenge grants ever given by the Gates Foundation and the largest received by Rotary in its 104-year history. Rotary will spend the grant in direct support of immunization activities carried out by the Global Polio Eradication initiative, which is spearheaded by RI and it s partners, the World Health Organization, the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and UNICEF.

Polio eradication has been Rotary’s top priority since 1985, with more than $1.2 billion contributed to the effort. Gates praised Rotary for providing volunteers, advocates, and donors who have been helped bring about a 99 percent decline in the number of polio cases. “The world would not be where it is without Rotary, and it won’t get where it needs to be without Rotary” says Gates.

November 2007 -

The Gates Foundation has awarded The Rotary Foundation a challenge grant of $100 million, which Rotary will match, dollar for dollar, over three years. This is the largest single grant ever given to a volunteer service organization and represents a tremendous validation of the approach and success of our PolioPlus program. Read more on this incredible gift!

Matching Funds for PolioPlus Partners

The Incentive – Matching Funds for PolioPlus Partners: Since the Polio Eradication Fundraising Campaign (PEFC) ended in 2005, fundraising for PPP, in addition to PolioPlus, remains a priority.

The Trustees of The Rotary Foundation recognize the significant funding needs for PPP and will continue to match both cash and District Designated Funds (DDF) contributions US$.50 for every US$1.00; up to US $1 million in 2007-08. This matching opportunity is an incentive for individuals, clubs, and districts to make a contribution to PolioPlus Partners in 2007-08. Read on...

International PolioPlus Committee

Statements on Current Facts and Figures Relative to Polio Eradication

and the Role of Rotary International in the Global Effort
UPDATED: July 2007