Polio Eradication

Rotary's top priority. Rotary is committed to fighting Polio until every child is safe from this devastation disease. Since 1985 Rotary members have contributed more than $900m and countless volunteer hours. The Foundation's Polo Plus programme provides funding for mass immunization campaigns as well as support for social mobilization, surveillance and laboratories to help carry out the final stages of global polio eradication.

Financial Support

Every dollar contributed to the Foundation funds its support of humanitarian and educational programs implemented by clubs and districts and global polio eradication activities. Contributions go into one of three main funds:

• Annual Programs Fund: which provides grants and awards through Foundation programs
• Permanent Fund: an endowment from which only a portion of the earnings are spent in support of Foundation programs, ensuring the long-term viability of the Foundation
• PolioPlus Fund: which supports Rotary's goal of a polio-free world. Clubs and districts apply for and receive Foundation grants to carry out many worthy projects worldwide.

The Every Rotarian, Every Year initiative, designed to encourage worldwide annual per capita giving of $100 or more, supports vital Foundation programs.

The Club thanks those members who have signed up to this commitment.

Educational Programmes

These programs promote international understanding by bringing together people from different countries and cultures.

Ambassadorial Scholarships: an international program for university-level studies which sends about 500 students each year to serve as ambassadors of goodwill while abroad.
Group Study Exchange: is a short-term cultural and vocational exchange program between districts in different countries for non-Rotarian professionals aged 25-40.
Rotary World Peace Fellowships are awarded to individuals for study in master's degree and professional certificate programs in peace and conflict resolution. Rotary has teamed with leading universities around the world to offer these degrees at one of the six Rotary Centers for International Studies.

Humanitarian Grants Programme

These grants enable Rotarians to increase their support of international service projects that provide water wells, medical care, literacy classes and other essentials to people in need. Rotarian participation is key to the success of these projects.

• Matching Grants assist Rotary clubs and districts in carrying out humanitarian projects with clubs and districts in other countries.
• District Simplified Grants enable districts to support service activities or humanitarian endeavors that benefit local or international communities.

Club Involvement in Foundation

The Rotary Club of Belfast has participated in these programmes as detailed on the website and has provided generous financial support for Foundation.

This has been recognised at District and International levels. The Club is honoured to have received several awards on behalf of all the members who made them possible. Thanks are due to all who have been involved.

The District Chris Croft Trophy 2009 - for making the best effort in Foundation Service.

The District Howard Caskie Foundation Award 2009-10 - for the highest per capita contribution to The Rotary Foundation - the Belfast Club having contributed the equivalent of £283 per member.

A Rotary Foundation Certificate of Appreciation 2009-10 for the Club’s financial support of the End Polio Now $200m Challenge having contributed $40,000 - the largest club contribution in RIBI

Past DG Paul Hutchinson presenting President Arthur with the Croft Cup 2009 at the District Conference	ADG Maurice Brooks presenting President Brian with the Foundation Certificate 2009-10