Rotary and the U.S. Government support Italy’s fight against COVID-19
US$5 million for pandemic response, recovery, and preparation for future outbreaks
ROME, Italy (December 4, 2020) — In the face of surging infections in Italy, Rotary and the U.S. Government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), are taking action to support the country’s COVID-19 response and recovery efforts.
As part of an 18-month partnership, USAID will provide US$5 million to The Rotary Foundation – Rotary’s philanthropic arm, to support Italy’s pandemic response, prepare communities for future outbreaks and address the long-term social and economic impacts of COVID-19.
This partnership is one element of America’s commitment to Italy to help save lives and build resilience for the future. To date, the United States has provided $60 million in assistance to Italy, through USAID and the U.S. military. USAID's work is one part of the overall U.S. Government response to the pandemic in Italy.
“With Rotary’s knowledge of local needs, we’re now able to target our support to help those most affected by this pandemic, while building stronger and more resilient communities, said USAID Assistant Administrator Brock Bierman. “I am proud to support Rotary because of the organization’s enduring commitment to community-led development.”
USAID-Rotary in Italy: Communities Against COVID-19 partnership, Italy’s 13 regional Rotary districts can each apply for a minimum of three, $100,000 grants to support health, education and community development. Eligible activities include providing equipment for medical facilities, educational supplies and equipment to schools, students and families; and resources to help businesses remain open safely during the pandemic.
“As we are part of the communities we serve, Rotary is dedicated to helping Italy and the world recover from this pandemic,” said Rotary project lead Giulio Koch. “Our collaboration with USAID will provide us with valuable resources and expertise to help make our initiatives more impactful and sustainable.”
About USAID
USAID is the U.S. Government’s premiere development agency. USAID works in over 100 countries to promote global health, support global stability, provide humanitarian assistance, catalyze innovation and partnership, and empower women and girls.
About Rotary
Rotary unites a global network of volunteer leaders dedicated to tackling the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges and creating lasting change. Rotary connects 1.2 million people of action from more than 36,000 Rotary clubs in almost every country in the world. Their service improves lives both locally and internationally, from helping those in need in their own communities to working toward a polio-free world. For more information, visit Rotary.org.
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Contact: Claudia Brunner, claudia.brunner@rotary.org