About Rotary Charities
Rotary Charities is the philanthropic arm of The Rotary Club of Greenville. With an extensive and rich history, the organization is a 501(c)(3) founded in 1960 to receive, manage and distribute charitable donations and to lead through service. The Rotary Club of Greenville participates in international projects, but the majority of contributions made through Rotary Charities support local causes. Rotary Charities is governed by an independent board of directors. The Board manages both the Annual Operating Fund for Rotary Charities as well as the endowment that is known as the Henry T. Mills Permanent Fund.
The 2022-23 Rotary Charities Board of Directors: Paul Wickensimer, president; Caroline Stewart, treasurer; Beth Padgett, secretary; Scott Powell, Jane Dyer and Ramona Farrell. Club President Wade Kolb is an ex officio director on the Rotary Charities Board. All the directors are senior leaders of the Rotary Club of Greenville.
What We Do
Rotary Charities seeks ways to make meaningful, sustained differences in the quality of life of the citizens of Greenville County. In conjunction with the mission and goals of The Rotary Club of Greenville, Rotary Charities funds a number of programs each year such as various projects with Alexander Elementary School, a Rotary youth leadership program called RYLA, the annual Teacher of the Year recognition program, the Rotary Family Literacy Partnership, the Service Above Self college scholarships, and other education-related programs. As part of the world’s largest international service organization, Rotary Charities also funds various international service projects, and recent efforts have focused on Haiti and Honduras.
Service Above Self Scholarship
The Rotary Club of Greenville awards the Service Above Self Scholarship that is funded through Rotary Charities Inc. This prestigious award is a renewable grant of up to $5,000 per year for 4 years for a total potential award of $20,000. The scholarship will be awarded to a Greenville County graduating high school senior with exceptional community service and academic performance. The winner will be selected as the student who best exemplifies the Rotary motto of “Service Above Self” through their contributions to the community and future potential to continue to further the Rotary mission.
Mills Permanent Fund
The Rotary Charities Board also manages the Henry T. Mills Permanent Fund. This permanent fund was started with a generous gift from Henry T. Mills, a longtime Rotarian and past president of The Rotary Club of Greenville. The goal is to grow the permanent fund to allow the organization to remain financially strong in the years to come and secure the future of philanthropic activities in Greenville.
How to Give
Rotary Charities is proud to provide the support and funding that is changing lives in the Greenville community and beyond. By donating to Rotary Charities, you are enhancing the life of another and growing a stronger Greenville. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Checks can be sent to Rotary Charities Inc., 2801 Wade Hampton Blvd, Ste 115-161, Taylors SC 29687. For more information call the Rotary office at 864-235-2293.
