From our leaders

The twelve months from July 2023 through July 2024 was a year like no other. Rotary faced global challenges, took on an important cause in support of our members and the people we serve, and issued an ambitious goal for our fundraising efforts. 

And while every challenge brought us new twists and surprises, we finished the year as Rotary always does — united, strong, and focused on a brighter future.

As we worked to Create Hope in the World, we took on a meaningful call to action: the mental health and wellbeing of our members and the people we serve. Our members responded in dramatic fashion. Dozens of new service projects around the world addressed access to mental health care, raised awareness of mental health needs, and fought the stigma associated with discussing mental health. New clubs were formed to support this cause and many people joined the Rotary Action Group for Mental Health Initiatives to ensure this effort continues in the years ahead. 

We also kept our focus on ending polio worldwide. You kept our commitment to the world’s children by, once again, raising more than $50 million in support of the cause and earning a two-for-one match from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. We also announced our fourth Programs of Scale awardee and announced the new $30 million Healthy Communities Challenge to combat the deadliest childhood diseases in four African countries.

In support of all of these programs, as well as efforts across our areas of focus, our donors contributed more than $417 million in gifts and commitments to The Rotary Foundation. Thank you for your continued generosity.

Rotary closed the year in strong financial position and remains a powerful source for good around the world. We are both conscious that Rotary’s work is not done by the RI president or The Rotary Foundation chair, but by each and every member, all around the world. We are forever grateful for everything you’ve done during this Rotary year. 

With your continued membership and support, we are in strong position to help create peace in turbulent times and provide hope for everyone coping with our rapidly changing world.

Kindest regards,