Associate Foundations of The Rotary Foundation: What are they?

Jessie Harman, Chair, Rotary Foundation Australia

Associate Foundations of The Rotary Foundation (TRF) exist to ensure that The Rotary Foundation can operate to best effect right around the world.

In simple terms, the Associate Foundations are ‘enablers’, ensuring that donors can contribute, and funds can be directed to Rotary projects, in accordance with local laws and regulations.

The Trustees of TRF have approved Associate Foundations in nine countries – Canada, Germany, India, United Kingdom, Australia, Brazil, Japan, Korea and Italy. The earliest of these, in Canada, was approved by The Trustees in 1968, the most recent, Italy, in 2023.

While each Associate Foundation varies to some degree, all Associate Foundations have similar goals, to:

• Increase donations in support of TRF and its programs
• Provide tax related benefits to donors Enhance services and support to Foundation programs
• Comply with all policies and procedures of TRF and local laws and regulations

Trustees approved the Associate Foundation in Australia in 1994. More recently, they approved the establishment of Rotary Foundation Australia’s ‘s Public Benevolent Institution (PBI) in 2021.

Simply put, Rotary Foundation Australia (RFA) is The Rotary Foundation in Australia. It exists to help TRF operate to best effect in Australia. Our Associate Foundation enables:

• Tax deductibility for Australian donors
• An expanded suite of grants for Australian Rotarians and clubs – including the new Corporate Social Responsibility grant
• More resources for projects in Australia and abroad
• Locally delivered services and support for Foundation programs

Rotary Foundation Australia represents the best of both worlds – the global reach, reputation and impact of The Rotary Foundation, with services and support designed for the Australian region.