Hayward Rotary Club Foundation Annual Meeting

The Hayward Rotary Club Foundation, a 501(c)(3) Charitable Organization, was incorporated in October 1990. Its finances and operations are managed by an elected Foundation Board of Directors and Officers composed exclusively of active Hayward Rotary Club members. The Foundation's board and operations are separate and distinct from the Club's board and operations.

The Foundation reports annually to the members of the Hayward Rotary Cub at a regular Club Meeting. Paul Martin is the incoming President of the Foundation Board, and will preside over the 2016 annual meeting.

In the mid 1980's, the idea arose to establish a Foundation to insulate the Club's finances from the irregular cash flow of the  income from its major fundraiser at the time, the Rowell Ranch Rodeo food concessions, and to be able to make more money available for local projects. The Foundation was established with an initial fund of $250,000, formed through major contributions from the "Gang of 20" Rotarians led by Sheriff Charley Plummer.

The Foundation ensures a sustainable source of funds available for use regardless of the results of other fundraisers. The Foundation's endowment currently stands at approximately $1.3 million. Annually, the Foundation makes 3% of the undesignated June 30th balance of the Fund available to the incoming Club President for use on their Club board-approved project(s).  These funds can be combined with other funds but must be spent by the President prior to the end of their term as Immediate Past President.

In 2005, Past President John Hunter set and achieved a goal to increase the endowment of the Foundation to $1,000,000. In recognition of this milestone, a Dinner Celebration was held in the Hayward City Hall Rotunda.

Today, many Rotarians, Individuals and Corporate Sponsors choose to donate tax-deductible funds directly to the Foundation either as unrestricted, restricted or specifically designated contributions.

The Hayward Rotary Club Foundation is proud of its accomplishments such as helping to fund Hayward Rotary Club Local Projects such as the Silva Pediatric and Dental Clinic, Newman Park, Centennial Children's Park, The Dictionary Project, Field of Dreams, Mia's Dream Park, Eden Area ROP / Hayward Fire Department Fire Science training center, Hayward's 21st Century Library, and many other local and international endeavors.