Our Foundation

The Ann Arbor Rotary Foundation (“Foundation”) is a charitable organization established by the Rotary Club of Ann Arbor (“Club”). As a public charity, the Foundation qualifies as a 501(c)(3) organization under the IRS rules, so that all contributions are tax-deductible. Under the management of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees, the Foundation’s assets reached $2,000,000 in 2017. The Foundation’s primary purpose is to contribute to funding for an annual distribution for the Club’s support of nonprofit community organizations and charitable activities and projects. In recent years, grants have been made to local community nonprofit organizations with an emphasis on improving the quality of life for young people, college scholarships, and international projects. The by-laws of the Foundation can be found here.

The Foundation assets are held in a permanent fund. Allocations are made from only a portion of the overall annual interest, dividends, and growth, and therefore the permanent fund is expected to grow and keep pace with inflation. The Foundation’s investment policy can be found here. The Fund is managed and invested by the Foundation’s Board of Trustees, who volunteer their special expertise. The Club’s Board of Directors approves all allocations.

Bequests and contributions become a legacy that serves the community for generations to come. The Foundation Trustees suggest unrestricted gifts and bequests so they can be used for the greatest charitable need. To provide recognition for the generosity of donors who make significant gifts or bequest commitments to the Foundation, the Club’s Board of Directors and Trustees established three categories of acknowledgement: the Legacy Circle, Benefactors Assembly and Sustainers Society.

Legacy Circle

The Legacy Circle recognizes donors of cumulative gifts totaling $25,000 or more and/or those donors who notify the Trustees that his/her Will or Trust includes a gift to the Foundation of at least $25,000. Legacy Circle donors are recognized and inducted into the Legacy Circle at a Club meeting and, with permission, identified as a Legacy Circle member in the Club publications and on our website. Any donor wishing to remain anonymous may do so.

Benefactors Assembly

The Benefactors Assembly acknowledges cumulative giving of $10,000 or more and/or those donors who notify the Trustees that his/her Will or Trust includes a gift to the Foundation of at least $10,000. Benefactors Assembly donors are recognized at a Club meeting and, with permission, identified as a Benefactors Assembly member in the Club publications and on our website. Any donor wishing to remain anonymous may do so.

Sustainers Society

The Sustainers Society acknowledges cumulative giving of $1,000 or more and/or those donors who notify the Trustees that his/her Will or Trust includes a gift to the Foundation of at least $1,000. Sustainers Society donors are recognized at a Club meeting and, with permission, identified as a Sustainers Society member in the Club publications and on our website. Any donor wishing to remain anonymous may do so.

​​How to contribute to the Foundation

Donations to the Ann Arbor Rotary Foundation can be mailed to the Rotary Club of Ann Arbor, P.O. Box 131217, Ann Arbor MI 48113-1217 or can be made here. Planned giving information can be found here.

A brochure with donation form can also be seen below and downloaded here. The form may either be printed, filled out by hand, and sent to the address above OR filled out on your computer, saved, and sent via email to administrator@a2rotary.org.

 

Ann Arbor Rotary Foundation Trustees (2022-23)

  • Mark Foster, Chair, President
  • Joyce Hunter, Vice President
  • Mark Ouimet, Immediate Past President
  • Claire Foley, Secretary
  • William McPherson, Treasurer
  • (open), Chair, Investment Subcommittee

Documents:
Ann Arbor Rotary Foundation ByLaws (last updated December 2023)
Investment Policy Statement (last updated November 2023)
Ann Arbor Rotary Foundation Tri-fold Brochure
Rotary-Foundation-Brochure_fillable form_LH_11MAR2019
Ann Arbor Rotary Planned Giving Intention Form (last updated 24 Jan 2019)

See the Report from Q4 2023 below: