The Rotary Club of Schaumburg/Hoffman Estates began in November, 1969 by Dr. Howard Baker. The only two term President of the club. It was named the "Rotary Club of Schaumburg". In 1991 the present name of the club (The Rotary Club of Schaumburg-Hoffman Estates) was adopted to reflect the significant membership of Hoffman Estates citizens and businesses.

The club is presently at 60+ members. This club has organized and chartered two new Rotary Clubs. First, taking from it's own base, The Schaumburg A.M. Rotary Club was formed. It was comprised of members who preferred a morning meeting before the business day. Second, The Rotary Club of Bloomingdale/Roselle was formed as response to potential members from that area, needing a place close to their businesses.

Organized

The Rotary Club of Schaumburg/ Hoffman Estates Charitable Foundation, Inc. was incorporated in January 1995 as an Illinois not-for-profit corporation.  It is a publicly supported organization which commenced formal operation in 1995 in cooperation with the Rotary Club of Schaumburg/ Hoffman Estates (the “Club”).  The Foundation is operated exclusively for charitable purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (or the corresponding revisions of any future United States Internal Revenue Law). For Federal tax purposes the Foundation is considered a publicly funded charity.

Both the Club and the Foundation are located in Schaumburg/ Hoffman Estates, Illinois, and their members, officers, and directors are from the greater Schaumburg/ Hoffman Estates, Illinois area.

Purpose

The Rotary Club of Schaumburg/ Hoffman Estates Charitable Foundation, Inc. is an Illinois not-for-profit corporation organized to receive gifts and make grants for charitable purposes that benefit our community. Use of Foundation funds and other resources focus on youth, education, and seniors with an emphasis on the community of the Schaumburg/ Hoffman Estates area first, and then the greater Schaumburg/ Hoffman Estates County area.  Some of the available annual charitable/service projects budget can be used for International projects, which is consistent with Rotary International objectives.

Governance

The Foundation Board governs the Rotary Club of Schaumburg/ Hoffman Estates Charitable Foundation Inc. The Foundation Board is elected by the members of the Club (who are simultaneously members of the Foundation).  The Foundation Board consists 9 directors that includes current Club President, current Club Treasurer, (Immediate) Past-President and six (6) members at large.

Objectives

The objectives of the Foundation are:

• To accept any gifts of money, fund raising proceeds, and investment income therefrom (in each case on such terms and conditions as the Foundation deems advisable) to be used to fulfill the general objectives of the Foundation and, as applicable, such uses as many be established by the donor of specific funds (so long as such restricted uses conform to the general objectives of the Foundation).
• To receive from the Club funds designated by the Club’s Board of Directors, by resolution, for use by the Foundation.
• To hold, manage, invest and reinvest, as well as administer all assets of the Foundation as provided in the Foundation By-Laws or as provided by the terms of a particular gift or bequest.

Beneficiaries

The Foundation grants and scholarships are for charitable, philanthropic, public good, community, youth and educational purposes with particular emphasis on (i) the Schaumburg/ Hoffman Estates Area and/or Schaumburg/ Hoffman Estates County based institutions or organizations that promote the welfare of the Schaumburg/ Hoffman Estates Area community or (ii) programs sponsored or endorsed by Rotary International or the Rotary International Foundation Inc.

The Rotary Club of Schaumburg/ Hoffman Estates Charitable Foundation Inc. is based locally in the greater Schaumburg/ Hoffman Estates, Illinois area.  Through its Foundation Board and Members (who are simultaneously members of the Rotary Club of Schaumburg/ Hoffman Estates), it is operated for the benefit of the greater Schaumburg/ Hoffman Estates area, in keeping with the objectives of Rotary Club of Schaumburg/ Hoffman Estates Charitable Foundation Inc.

The mission of The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International is to enable Rotarians to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education, and the alleviation of poverty.  The Rotary Foundation is governed by a board of trustees.

The club has held several different fundraisers over the years to accumulate funds for the community. From a Vacation Raffle in the Fall to the present Classic in March. This event is a dinner-dance complete with formal attire, that raises over $80,000 each year.

Since its inception, the club has raised over $1 million to fund needed causes in our area as well as around the world.