Our Causes
RAWCS (Rotary Australia World Community Service) is dedicated to facilitating impactful projects both in Australia and internationally, offering comprehensive support through project management, funding, reporting, and audit oversight. Our services extend to managing volunteer teams locally and overseas, ensuring effective implementation and positive outcomes. Through RAM (Rotarians Against Malaria), we are committed to eradicating malaria in vulnerable communities, focusing on prevention, education, and strategic interventions. Additionally, RARE (Rotary Australia Repurposing Equipment) plays a crucial role in promoting sustainability by repurposing and distributing essential medical and educational equipment to those in need, improving access to healthcare and education for underserved populations.
Supporting Education
Around the world more than 775 million people over the age of 15 are illiterate. Our goal with RAWCS projects is to strengthen the capacity of communities to support basic education and literacy, reduce gender disparity in education, and increase adult literacy.
Our RAWCS projects aim to strengthen the capacity of communities to support basic education and literacy, reduce gender disparity in education, and increase adult literacy. We support education for all children and literacy for children and adults.
Providing Clean water, Sanitation and Hygiene
When people have access to clean water and sanitation, waterborne diseases decrease, children stay healthier and attend school more regularly, and mothers can spend less time carrying water and more time helping their families.
RAWCS projects and volunteers mobilize resources, form partnerships, and invest in infrastructure and training that yield long-term change.
Choose how you want to make a difference by donating or volunteering to a RAWCS project and start changing lives today.
Growing Local Economies
Nearly 800 million people live on less than $1.90 per day. RAWCS projects and volunteers are passionate about providing sustainable solutions to poverty.
We provide training, access to resources and financial management assistance.
RAWCS projects create opportunities to help individuals and communities thrive financially and socially. We particularly focus on women in impoverished communities.
Choose how you want to make a difference by donating or volunteering and start changing lives today
Promoting Peace
RAWCS (Rotary Australia World Community Service) promotes peace by addressing root causes of conflict and building resilient communities. Key efforts include:
1. Providing conflict resolution education and training.
2. Supporting scholarships and fellowships for peace studies.
3. Tackling poverty, discrimination, and education access.
4. Partnering on community-based mediation and peace projects.
These initiatives align with Rotary’s mission to foster global understanding and sustainable peace.
Saving Mothers and Children
We expand access to quality care, so mothers and children everywhere can have the same opportunities for a healthy future. An estimated 5.9 million children under the age of five die each year because of malnutrition, inadequate health care, and poor sanitation — all of which can be prevented.
RAWCS projects provide education, immunizations, birth kits, and mobile health clinics. Women are taught how to prevent disease transmission, how to breast-feed, how to protect themselves and their children from disease and how to provide more nutritional food for their children and families.
Fighting Disease & Health Care
RAWCS addresses the devastating effects of disease by providing critical health care and prevention services in underserved communities. It establishes temporary clinics, training facilities, and infrastructure to improve health care access and collaboration between doctors, patients, and governments.
Members combat diseases like malaria, HIV/AIDS, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and polio, while also focusing on routine care, including dental, eye, hearing, and mental health services. These efforts extend across Australia and internationally, combining treatment with education to promote long-term health solutions.
Protecting the Environment and Wildlife
RAWCS is committed to supporting projects and activities that strengthen the conservation and protection of natural resources, advance ecological sustainability, and foster harmony between communities, the environment and wildlife.
Environmental & Wildlife Projects are only available under RAWCS Limited (non-tax deductible)
Choose how you want to make a difference by donating or volunteering and start changing lives today.
Responding to Disasters
Rotary has been active in Australian communities for more than 100 years. RAWCS understands the need to be there for the long haul.
By working in partnership with governments, the public and other agencies,
RAWCS is constantly developing response strategies to enable the network of Rotary clubs to better serve the communities they live in.
FAQ’s
What is RAWCS?
Rotary Australia World Community Service (RAWCS) is a Rotary initiative that supports humanitarian projects, both in Australia and internationally, to address issues like poverty, health, education, disaster relief, sustainable community development and environment.
How does RAWCS work?
RAWCS provides a platform for Rotarians, clubs, and partner organisations to develop, manage, and fund projects that help individuals, families and communities in need.
Why should I register my project with RAWCS?
RAWCS creates value for you in a number of ways. Read more in our Value Proposition Document
How do Project Managers view donations in their account?
Project Managers and Deputy Project Managers can view all details about their project including their account balance, by logging into the RAWCS Directory. You will find the login in the Rotarians Centre.
Who can get involved with RAWCS?
Anyone can support RAWCS — Rotarians, businesses, non-Rotarians, and community members — by donating, volunteering, or participating in a project.
What types of projects does RAWCS support?
RAWCS supports projects across various sectors, including clean water, sanitation, education, healthcare, disaster relief, community development and environment.
How can I start a project with RAWCS?
To start a project, you need to be a Rotarian or sponsored by a Rotary club. Visit the RAWCS website on the For Rotarians menu – Register a new Project button – to learn about the application and approval process.
Can I volunteer for a RAWCS project?
Yes! RAWCS welcomes volunteers for both domestic and international projects. Opportunities are listed on the RAWCS website under Get Involved/Volunteer, or you can contact your local Rotary club.
Are donations to RAWCS tax-deductible?
Yes, donations made to RAWCS projects through its registered charities are tax-deductible in Australia. RAWCS charities include:
The Rotary Australia Overseas Aid Fund (RAOAF)
The Rotary Australia Benevolent Society (RABS)
The Rotary Australia Trust for the Environment (RATE) – will be available by late March 2025.
The Rotary Australia Relief Fund (RARF)
How can I donate to a specific project?
You can search for projects on the RAWCS website and donate directly to the one you wish to support, identified by it’s unique project number. Secure payment options are available online.
Can I fundraise for a RAWCS project?
Absolutely. RAWCS supports community fundraising efforts. Contact the RAWCS team for guidelines and resources to help with your campaign.
How does RAWCS respond to disasters?
RAWCS manages disaster relief funds and coordinates aid for affected areas. This includes providing emergency supplies, funding recovery efforts, and supporting affected communities, supporting the local Rotarians on the ground.
How can I contribute to disaster relief efforts?
You can donate directly to the Rotary Australia Relief Fund project registered for the specific disaster or volunteer for related recovery projects.
Does RAWCS work with organisations outside Rotary?
Yes, RAWCS partners with businesses, governments, and non-profit organizations to maximize the impact of its projects.
How can my organisation collaborate with RAWCS?
If your organisation shares similar goals, contact RAWCS to explore partnership opportunities at info@rawcs.org.au or call +61 2 8833 8306.
How does RAWCS ensure transparency in its operations?
RAWCS adheres to strict governance standards and regularly audits its projects. Financial reports and updates are available to donors and stakeholders.
Can I track the progress of a project I supported?
Yes. RAWCS provides updates on project progress through its website and newsletters. Project managers may also share specific updates with donors.
How can I find a Rotary club near me?
Visit the Rotary International website https://www.rotary.org/ to locate a Rotary club in your area.
Who do I contact for more information about RAWCS?
For general inquiries, email the RAWCS support team at info@rawcs.org.au or call +61 2 8833 8306. Detailed contact information is available on the RAWCS website.