Sunrise Rotary 21st Century Foundation INC

The Sunrise Rotary 21st Century Foundation is the charitable 501(c)(3) arm of the Westport Sunrise Rotary Club, created to extend the club’s service mission beyond hands-on volunteer work by providing a structured way to fund meaningful projects locally and globally.

Purpose & Mission

The Foundation exists to raise, steward, and distribute charitable funds that support causes aligned with Rotary’s ideals of Service Above Self. Its primary goals are to:

• Advance education and youth development
• Improve health and wellness
• Address food insecurity and basic human needs
• Support community development locally and internationally
• Provide disaster relief and humanitarian aid when needs arise

How It Operates

As a registered nonprofit entity associated with the club, the Foundation:

• Accepts tax-deductible donations from individuals, families, businesses, and organizations
• Receives funds from Westport Sunrise Rotary's Fundraising Events designated for charitable purposes
• Carefully reviews funding requests to ensure alignment with its service priorities
• Distributes grants to vetted projects, partner nonprofits, schools, and international humanitarian efforts

Community Impact

Through the Foundation, the club can translate generosity into action—supporting:

• Local initiatives such as food pantries, shelters, educational enrichment programs, and mental-health resources
• Youth programs including scholarships, leadership development, and student service opportunities
• Global causes such as clean water projects, medical missions, education for underserved communities, and emergency relief in disaster zones

Legacy & Vision

The name “21st Century Foundation” reflects its forward-looking intent: to build a lasting philanthropic legacy that empowers Rotarians to respond to both current and emerging community challenges. By pooling financial resources, the Foundation multiplies the club’s reach, ensures transparency and accountability in giving, and creates sustained impact well beyond individual donations.

Core Values

The Foundation embodies Rotary values of:

• Service – responding directly to pressing human needs
• Integrity – responsible stewardship of funds
• Collaboration – partnering with local and global organizations
• Compassion – uplifting vulnerable populations
• Sustainability – prioritizing solutions that create long-term benefit