Polio eradication has been Rotary's top priority since 1985, with more than $1.2 billion contributed to the effort. In recognizing Rotary's impressive fundraising success and steadfast commitment to polio eradication, Bill Gates Jr. announced on Jan 21, 2009 that his foundation has decided to increase its challenge grant by US$255 million - for a total of US$355 million.
By accepting the increase, Rotary also accepts the challenge to raise an additional US$100 million in matching funds by 30 June 2012 and drives the combined Rotary and Gates Foundation partnership's commitment to a total of US$555 million. Help us meet the challenge and contribute to End Polio, a crippling childhood disease.
"If we all have the fortitude to see this effort through to the end, then we will eradicate polio."-- Bill Gates
