Several weeks ago, our club began a series of “working meetings” designed to better inform and involve SRC Rotarians in the workings of their club, a particularly important effort because we have welcomed so many new members over the past few years. (The next one will be the 7 a.m. Thursday breakfast session hosted by the Greenbush YMCA this week.)

Part of that has, of course, to do with the local finances that pay for the many public service initiatives we undertake on a regular basis. And, part of the financial information is what we are required to provide to Rotary International for the Rotary Foundation.

We often find that even veteran Rotarians are not entirely clear on the status, reach, and reputation of the Rotary Foundation. Here are a few salient points:

• In 2016, for the ninth consecutive year, the Foundation received the highest possible score — 100 of a possible 100 points — from Charity Navigator for its strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency, a distinction only 1% of charities have attained.  (Charity Navigator is the leading independent evaluator of charities across the U.S.,)

• The Association of Fundraising Professionals likewise named the Foundation the World’s Outstanding Foundation for 2016, an award previously given to other familiar names such as Kellogg and MacArthur.

• Even the smallest of gifts to the Foundation can be donated to a specific fund –- a global grant, polio immunization, or an area of focus within the World Fund.

• In the 2015-16 Rotary Year, 91% of the money the Foundation spent went to programs and grants, with only 9 % of expenses going toward administration.

These are only a quick sampling of things you may want to know about the Foundation.  But, there is so much more. If you would like to know more you can educate yourself by clicking here.