The Rotary Foundation coordinates and finances the global service activities of Rotary. The work is based on voluntary donations and the return on capital investments, that are channelled into educational projects and humanitarian aid. The Paul Harris Fellow recognition granted for each donation of 1000 USD is an important incentive. Over one million PHF recognitions carrying the name of Paul Harris, the founder of Rotary have been granted globally.

The Rotary Foundation is one of world´s biggest private charitable organizations ranking repeatedly among the top of these actors in efficiency rankings.