25/06/2026
Rotary Foundation Giving & EREY – The RCPM Way (RY 25-26)
1. Rotary Foundation Giving:
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The Rotary Foundation is a non-profit organization supported entirely through voluntary contributions from Rotarians and friends of Rotary across the world. These contributions make possible the Foundation’s grants and programs that create sustainable and meaningful improvements in communities in need.
The Foundation's work is primarily driven through the Annual Fund, Global Grants, PolioPlus, and various service initiatives supported by Rotary members and partners.
Rotary Club of Pune Metro (RCPM) actively participates in all these avenues through Foundation giving, implementation of Global Grant projects, and participation in the PolioPlus initiative.
The Rotary year began with an engaging Fireside Meeting featuring the District Foundation Team. The session served as an excellent introduction to the Rotary Foundation for our newer members. District Foundation Director Rtn. Rajesh Raut eloquently explained the importance and impact of the Foundation, helping members understand the many ways in which they can contribute to transforming lives.
In October, RCPM revived its participation in the PolioPlus Program. Club members actively supported a Polio Vaccination Camp organized at an Anganwadi near Dandekar Bridge. Approximately 150 children received polio vaccinations, contributing to Rotary's historic mission of a polio-free world.
A proud moment arrived in April when the club was felicitated at the Foundation Donors' Black-Tie Dinner for achieving the prestigious "50 on 50" recognition—meaning that more than 50% of club members contributed USD 50 or more to The Rotary Foundation.
The year concluded on an even stronger note. The club not only achieved but exceeded its Foundation giving targets. Four members became Paul Harris Fellows by contributing more than USD 1,000 each, while two generous Rotarians stepped forward as Major Donors, making significant contributions toward Rotary's humanitarian mission.
Every contribution, irrespective of size, helps create lasting change somewhere in the world—and every donor becomes a partner in that change.
2. EREY – The RCPM Way in RY 25-26
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At RCPM, we firmly believe that the true spirit of Every Rotarian Every Year (EREY) lies not merely in the amount contributed, but in creating a direct connection between every Rotarian and The Rotary Foundation.
The contribution amount may vary; the connection is what truly matters.
With this belief, the club adopted a unique approach this year. Instead of focusing solely on the overall Foundation Giving target, we made it our primary mission to connect every single club member with The Rotary Foundation through a personal contribution.
Traditionally, even among mature and highly successful Rotary clubs, voluntary individual participation in Foundation giving typically ranges between 50% and 80%. While many believed that RCPM could potentially reach 90% or even 95%, achieving 100% participation seemed an ambitious and elusive goal.
However, President Madhavi Chouhan, Foundation Director Rajas Phadke, and the entire Foundation Team decided to embrace the challenge.
By March, the club had already crossed the 50% participation mark, providing confidence and momentum to the team. Through sincere conversations, gentle reminders, and heartfelt appeals, they successfully communicated the significance of every Rotarian's connection with the Foundation.
Metropolitans responded positively.
The numbers steadily climbed—60%, 70%, 80%...
At every Board Meeting, BOD members eagerly awaited the latest update from Rajas. The Foundation Team continued to strategize, follow up, and maintain focus.
As summer approached, many members began travelling within India and abroad. Yet modern communication tools, internet banking, mobile technology, and UPI ensured that meaningful engagement continued uninterrupted.
The team leveraged the success stories of RCPM's past Global Grant projects and Foundation-supported initiatives to demonstrate how Rotary Foundation contributions directly translate into impactful service.
Soon, the club crossed the 90% mark in May.
Now, the magical figure of 100% participation was finally within sight.
But just like a star cricketer navigating the nervous nineties, progress slowed. The final few percentages proved to be the most challenging.
Undeterred, Madhavi and Rajas continued their relentless partnership and outreach efforts. Their persistence paid off.
A few weeks ago, Rajas received the final commitments that would take RCPM to the coveted milestone.
With the help of seamless digital payment systems, those commitments quickly became reality.
RCPM achieved 100% EREY participation.
In the process, the club also surpassed its overall Foundation Giving target.
This achievement is far more than a statistic.
It is a testament to the collective spirit of RCPM, the power of teamwork, and the belief that when every member participates, extraordinary outcomes become possible.
Congratulations!
Heartiest congratulations to President Madhavi Chouhan, Foundation Director Rajas Phadke, and the entire Foundation Team for daring to pursue an ambitious goal and achieving it with determination, passion, and perseverance.
You have raised the bar, set a new benchmark for Rotary Club of Pune Metro, and created an inspiring precedent.
Once again, RCPM has demonstrated that:
"When Metropolitans decide to achieve something, consider it done."
👏 🌍 💙 Rotary Serving Humanity Through The Rotary Foundation 💙 🌍 👏
