Every day, Rotary members answer calls for help and transform lives through annual giving. While contributions to The Rotary Foundation’s Annual Fund provide immediate funding for vital projects today, gifts to Rotary’s Endowment ensure that life-changing programs continue forever.
The vision of an enduring endowment dates to 1917, when Past Rotary President Arch Klumph encouraged the establishment of an endowment fund to guarantee that future generations of Rotarians would have the resources needed to solve pressing global challenges.
What Is Planned Giving? Planned giving allows you to make a lasting statement of support through your estate plan without impacting your current disposable income or daily cash flow. You do not need extraordinary wealth to leave a legacy; you simply need a desire to keep Rotary's good work thriving for years to come.
Testamentary gifts are among the simplest ways to give. You can designate The Rotary Foundation as a beneficiary in several ways:
- Including a bequest in your will or living trust.
- Naming the Foundation as a beneficiary of a life insurance policy.
- Designating Rotary to receive all or a portion of a retirement account, bank account, or investment account.
Recognizing Your Enduring Commitment When you include The Rotary Foundation in your estate plans, Rotary honors your vision through dedicated recognition programs:
- Benefactor: Awarded to individuals who notify the Foundation of a bequest commitment of $1,000 or more to the Endowment, or who make an outright gift of $1,000 to the Endowment.
- Bequest Society: Honors individuals or couples who document commitments of $10,000 or more in their estate plans to benefit the Foundation.
- Named Endowed Funds: With a commitment or gift of $25,000 or more, you can establish a named fund in your honor or to memory of a loved one, directing annual earnings to SHARE (District Designated Funds and World Fund), the World Fund, Rotary Peace Centers, or specific areas of focus.
What’s Next in This Series? This article marks the first installment in our district newsletter series on gift and estate planning. In upcoming editions, we will explore additional legacy strategies.
Take Action Today Creating your Rotary legacy begins with a conversation. Please reach out to me learn more or have me notify The Rotary Foundation of a commitment you have already included in your plans. The Rotary Foundation has resources to assist you in understanding how to achieve your personal goals.
In Rotary Service,
PDG Jerry Chapman,
Endowment/Major Donor Chair
jwchap@yahoo.com
512-657-9085