Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to work with Rotary and contribute to polio eradication for next 5 years

Today at the International Convention, Jeff Raikes, Chief Executive Officer of The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation announced for the next five years, every dollar Rotary commits in direct support for polio eradication--up to US$35 million per year-- will be doubled by the Gates Foundation. That means when Rotary commits US$35 million per year we will receive US$70 million per year from the Gates Foundation.

In order to spend US$35 million per year we must raise US$35 million per year.  I have no doubt that together, we can do this. We have a long history of clubs and districts exceeding their polio eradication contribution goals.  In our 1986 to 1988 initiative, we had a goal of US $120 million; we raised $247 million. In 2002-2005, the goal was $80 million and we raised $135 million. In 2008-2012, the goal was $200 million and we raised $228 million, meeting and surpassing that Gates Foundation challenge.

DDF contributions are essential to support global eradication efforts.  To encourage continued support, 2012-13 DDF contributions to PolioPlus will be matched US$.50 from World Fund for every US$1.00 of DDF, up to US$3.5 million.  There is still World Fund match available. Thanks to the extension of our partnership with Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation a DDF gift of US$2 would result in a total contribution for polio eradication of US$9. If your District still has DDF available I would encourage you to consider making an allocation to PolioPlus.

We promised the children of the world that we would eradicate polio, and Rotarians keep their word. We are this close, and getting closer every day. Thanks to you, we will End Polio Now.

Sincerely,

John F. Germ
Vice Chair
International PolioPlus Committee