“Doing Good in the World” is the motto of The Rotary Foundation, which was conceived by Rotarian Arch Klumph. The Bequest Society was established to recognize our support for the Permanent Fund of The Rotary Foundation through bequests – gifts at death. The Bequest Society’s growing membership includes Rotarians, family members, and friends who have each committed to give $10,000 or more in their estate plans to The Permanent Fund of The Rotary Foundation.
Since its inception in 1928, The Rotary Foundation has stayed true to its original purpose of “doing good in the world.” From its modest beginnings, The Rotary Foundation Permanent Fund has grown to an endowment of over $200 million, which produces $4.5 million in interest each year to support The Rotary Foundation’s annual programs.
Today, The Rotary Foundation has an even bigger dream: To increase the Permanent Fund endowment to $1 billion by the year 2025. The reasons for growing the Permanent Fund are obvious: With a properly invested endowment, Rotary programs can be sure of stable funding that isn’t tied to the ups and downs of the economy.
Bequest Society Members provide substantial support for The Rotary Foundation’s Permanent Fund, which generates interest in perpetuity for humanitarian and educational programs such as:
- Polio Eradication.
- District Simplified Grants to fund projects in our own region.
- Matching Grants to support humanitarian projects around the globe.
- Group Study Exchange (GSE) program.
- Ambassadorial Scholarships to further international understanding.
- Rotary World Peace Fellowships.
As a Bequest Society Member, you will enjoy the benefits of:Â
- A Bequest Society Crystal recognizing your commitment to The Rotary Foundation. Recognition is normally awarded at a Rotary event of suitable importance, or as you may request.
- A cloisonné Bequest Society circle pin with diamonds representing your Bequest Society Level, from One Diamond ($10,000) to Six Diamonds ($1,000,000 and up).
- The ability to honor your family, a friend, or a relative by establishing a named fund within the Permanent Fund (bequest of $25,000 or more).
- Fellowship with other Society members who share your degree of support for such an important cause, including:
- An invitation for you and your guests to Rotary Foundation annual dinner
- A private reception hosted by the District Governor at the Annual District Conference.
How to become a Member of the Bequest Society:Â
- Simply submit your Bequest Society Membership Card to the District 6080 Permanent Fund Chair by Mail to:Â Jacqueline S. Howard, D-6080 Permanent Fund Chair, P.O. Box 4385, Waynesville, MOÂ 65583
- Then, send a copy of your will, trust, or life insurance policy to the Rotary Foundation in the current Rotary year (by June 30) to fulfill your commitment.