A Rotary Foundation Sustaining Member is a person who contributes $100 or more per year to the Annual Fund, PolioPlus, or an approved Foundation grant.
 
Sustaining Members are Critical to the Foundation
 
Rotarians recognize that without sustained support of the Annual Fund, the programs of the Rotary Foundation cannot happen.  With contributions of $100 from every member every year, Rotary could nearly double its efforts to help needy people the world over, supporting the continued growth of programs.  In April 2001, the Council on Legislation unanimously passed a resolution approving the goal of $100 per capita by the year 2005.

Become a Rotary Foundation Sustaining Member

When you make a contribution to Rotary, you can be assured that your gift will be used to its fullest by Rotarians throughout the world.  Beginning in 2004-05, Rotarians who give $100 or more to the Annual Programs Fund will automatically become Rotary Foundation Sustaining Members (RFSM), and are eligible to wear the RFSM sticker (provided by the club president), on their Rotary name badge.  Each and every Sustaining Member gift to The Rotary Foundation is a gift of hope to those less fortunate.  Every gift truly makes a difference in someone’s life.
 
Frequently Asked Questions about the Program
 
Q: Do my Rotary Foundation Sustaining Member gifts count toward Paul Harris Fellow Recognition?
 
A: Yes.  All gifts given through the Sustaining Member program to the Annual Fund, PolioPlus, or an approved Foundation grant are eligible for and count cumulatively toward the Foundation’s various recognition programs.
 
Q: I am already a Paul Harris Sustaining Member.  Do I need to become a Rotary Foundation Sustaining Member as well?
 
A: Prior to November 1998, Sustaining Members were often referred to as Paul Harris Sustaining Members.  That name is no longer applicable.  The Foundation’s Trustees have clarified the definition of Sustaining Members, and they are now referred to as Rotary Foundation Sustaining Members.
 
Q: I have been a Sustaining Member for the past five years.  Does that qualify me to become a Rotary Foundation Sustaining Member?
 
A: As of January 2001, the Foundation has obtained the technology to track its Rotary Foundation Sustaining Members.  Those who contribute $100 or more each year will be recognized as Rotary Foundation Sustaining Members.
 
Please note that previous contributions to the Rotary Foundation are not lost. All contributions given previously to the Sustaining Member program still count toward Paul Harris Fellow, Multiple Paul Harris Fellow, and Major Donor Recognition.
 
Q: I gave $100 to Polio Plus.  Am I eligible for Sustaining Member status?
 
A: Yes. Funds designated to the Annual Fund, Polio Plus, and an approved Foundation grants are designated for Sustaining Member status.