Giving back, at home and around the world

Perham Rotary has been giving back to Perham and the surrounding area, as well as to humanitarian projects around the world, for more than 50 years.

In 2012, a change was made to the club with the creation of the Perham Rotary Foundation. This non-profit, 501(c)(3) entity is separate from the club as the sole function of the foundation is to distribute the monies raised by Perham Rotary to other 501(c)(3) organizations.

Since June of 2012, the Rotary Foundation has provided thousands of dollars to local and global needs.

Community projects include: City of Perham geneology computer for the History Museum, SALI baseball tournament, Perham Beautification Committee, Minnesota Special Olympics, Tuffy's Stadium, Perham Boys and Girls Club, F and M Bank 4-H sponsor, Relay for Life, Kinship, Perham Boy Scouts and Girl Scounts, Perham Health, Perham Living, Perham Post Prom, Frazee Post Prom, entry signs to Perham, playground equipment, school scholarships in Perham, New York Mills and Frazee, Heart of the Lakes Elementary Carnival, Perham High School Cross Country Timing System, East Otter Tail County Fair for the new cattle barn, and Perham Public Schools for the Laurentian Program.

Additionally, the Rotary Foundation helps to fund an annual medical mission to Guatemala.

The total amount given to these programs and organizations from June of 2012 through February of this year totaled more than $91,000. The programs that the Rotary Foundation grants monies to positively impact Perham and the surrounding area, as well as the world.

Contributions to the Perham Rotary are a part of something bigger, something that makes a difference in this community and far beyond.