The Impactful Work of the Rotary Foundation: Transforming Communities Locally and Globally

The Rotary Foundation plays a pivotal role in both local and global communities by leveraging donations to fund impactful projects. Rotarian Greg Kroner, a passionate advocate of the Foundation, shares insights into how this philanthropic organization operates and its significant benefits.

The Power of Donations

Greg Kroner, who sits on the Foundation committee, emphasizes how donations to the Rotary Foundation reverberate back into the community. "What's unique about the Rotary Foundation is how much of the money you contribute comes back to your own communities in so many different ways," Greg asserts. This creates a cycle of generosity, where contributions strengthen local projects while also supporting global initiatives.

Supporting Local and Global Initiatives

The Rotary Foundation funds a variety of projects, ranging from the provision of school supplies to supporting international grant efforts. Local clubs are encouraged to initiate projects that meet community needs. Greg highlights several local successes, like the "backpack program," which provides food and school supplies to children, ensuring they are well-equipped for success without stigmatization.

As a numbers enthusiast, Greg points out that "23 clubs participated in the district grants for '25, '26, almost $45,000," illustrating the significant financial effort Rotary Clubs contribute to enhancing community welfare. He also notes the organization's substantial assets, with total assets about $1.5 billion and net assets over 1.4 billion.

Global Commitment: Ending Polio

One of the Foundation's well-known global initiatives is the End Polio Now campaign. While polio might seem a disease of the past, it's still present in various parts of the world. In the late '80s, when Rotary began this initiative, there were thousands of new cases weekly. Today, Greg proudly notes, "There are less than a couple of dozen polio cases that come out every year." The commitment to eradicating polio is a testament to Rotary's enduring impact worldwide.

Opportunities for Contribution

Donating to the Rotary Foundation is made accessible through various avenues, from simple check writing to direct transfers from retirement accounts, providing tax advantages for contributors. Greg encourages potential donors, stating, "I would be more than happy to come to your club and speak on behalf of the Rotary Foundation."

Be Part of the Change

For those inspired to contribute or learn more about becoming a Rotarian, visit rotary.org. To contact Greg Kroner directly for speaking engagements or additional information, he can be reached at gregg7@frontiernet.net or via text at 914-414-3170. Engage in community transformation, whether through financial support or hands-on participation, and join a global network dedicated to service and goodwill.

Listen to the full interview: https://open.spotify.com/episode/209qEbVTJy4WPTCA4LLIym?si=RW73pYPQQyyiHht_TPqC2w