In the late 1980s, the Rotary Club of Fairhope began to raise funds exclusively for philanthropy and charitable giving. In order to sequester those funds from annual club operations and lesser giving, the Fairhope Rotary Foundation was formed as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable foundation. Donations to the foundation may qualify for tax-exempt status.*
Often referred to as the “club foundation” to distinguish it from The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International, this local foundation is administered by members who serve as trustees on its board. The club foundation has ties to the Rotary Club of Fairhope but is a legally independent entity under state and federal laws. Many of the charitable funds raised locally by Fairhope Rotarians are held in trust and administered by the club foundation.
*Fairhope Rotary does not presume to offer tax advice. Circumstances, current law, and many other factors come into play. Consult your individual accounting professional for applicable laws that impact your giving.