Foundation Moment - Nov. 9

Posted by Carol Langley, Foundation Director

Polio Plus - The Need for Funds

RI kicked off a one-year promotion to raise more funds called “Fulfilling The Promise: Eradicate Polio.” The goal was $88 million, and in true form, Rotarians exceeded the goal raising $135 million by the end of 2004. However, even the most optimistic Rotarians knew all the money needed to eradicate Polio could not just be raised internally.

Governments in countries throughout the world were asked to donate to the cause. The U.S. Congress is the biggest contributor giving more than $2 billion. One congressman said that Rotary is the only group that comes asking for funds to help others, not themselves.

The biggest boost for PolioPlus came from the Rotary Club of Seattle, Washington. An honorary member of the club had a son who started a successful business called Microsoft. Of course, his son was Bill Gates, and Bill Gates Sr’s passion for PolioPlus got Bill Jr’s attention.

In 2007 through 2009, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation made $355 million in challenge grants to the Rotary Foundation. In 2013, the Gates Foundation agreed to match new Rotary contributions two-to-one up to $35 million for five years.