Projects & impact
Gemeinsam Gutes tun
More than 1,100 clubs in Germany serve at home and around the world: in emergency relief, the fight against polio, youth exchange, and countless projects in their communities.
War in Europe: Rotary helps
Rotary für die Ukraine
On 26 February 2022, two days after the invasion began, the German Governors’ Council, together with all 15 districts and Rotaract, launched its Ukraine relief effort. Nearly nine out of ten clubs have run projects since: in Ukraine, in neighboring countries and for refugees in Germany.
Examples that build bridges
Priorities for winter 2026/27: medical aid, emergency power for schools and daycare centers, heaters and thermal clothing.
Lasting commitment
German Rotarians donate about €1.5 million every year to eradicate polio. During the Gates Challenge from 2009 to 2012, German clubs contributed more than $6 million.
World Polio Day: 23 to 25 October 2026, Zollverein, Essen
Since 1960, young people have gone out into the world with Rotary. Today more than 650 students from Germany take part every year, along with Rotaract, Interact and RYLA.
rotary-austausch.deAfter the 2021 flood, around 100 clubs raised about €2.5 million for the joint fund of the Ahr valley clubs. A single appeal by RC Adenau-Nürburgring brought in more than €1.3 million in cash and goods.
Since 2007, clubs have given primary school children a book every year, for many the first they have ever owned.
Food banks, children’s hospices, women’s shelters, youth fire brigades: in District 1800 alone, 80 clubs supported around 650 projects with €1.8 million in 2024/25.
Since Holger Knaack’s year as president, the environment has been a Rotary area of focus. Clubs plant trees, protect waterways and showcase their projects in the “I Fix the Planet” film contest.
From 7 October 2026 to 7 October 2027, we feature one Rotary project every day. Projects by people with German roots carry our gold seal.