According to one recent study, charitable giving is at its lowest level in 50 years when adjusted for inflation. Eight-six percent of nonprofits reported a decline in giving in 2009. At a time when humanitarian needs are escalating rapidly, the resources to meet those needs are diminishing.

Fortunately, Rotarians are by nature a very generous group. Despite a worldwide economic recession, donations to the Annual Programs Fund in 2008-09 were the third highest in our history.

Rotarians continue to support the Annual Programs Fund as well as the goal of meeting Rotary’s US$200 Million Challenge to ensure polio eradication. In addition, we are working to secure The Rotary Foundation’s future by building up our Permanent Fund, and we are striving to strengthen our peace efforts through our Rotary Centers for International Studies in peace and conflict resolution.

It may seem like a lot to ask, and I wish I could tell you that your contributions to these efforts will cure all the world’s ills. What I can tell you is what will happen if our Foundation does not have sufficient resources to support your worthy projects: Polio will continue to cripple far too many children. Disease will spread more rapidly as fewer people have access to clean water and sanitation facilities. Countless women and girls will never learn how to read. And poverty, disease, and illiteracy will persist in undermining our work toward peace in the world.

The Rotary Foundation belongs to all of us. It is our greatest resource for doing good, and it is our responsibility to maintain its strength. I hope every Rotarian will join us by making a contribution to support the Foundation’s programs this year.

Glenn E. Estess Sr.
Foundation Trustee Chair

Read the chair's biography .