WASH Legacy Funds
Honoring Two Extraordinary Contributors to WASH-RAG
Ron Denham and Anna Shepherd
The Ron Denham Legacy Fund and the Anna Shepherd Legacy Fund have been established to recognize the contributions of these two dedicated individuals, who have been key to the growth and impact of the WASH Rotary Action Group. These Legacy Funds will support WASH Projects and Programs.
Ron Denham Legacy Fund
Ron Denham devoted his life to advancing sustainable, community-centered solutions for safe water, sanitation, and hygiene. As the Founding Chair of what is now the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Rotary Action Group (WASH-RAG), his vision, integrity, and quiet leadership shaped our organization and inspired Rotarians around the world for nearly two decades.
Gifts to this fund will be directed through the WASH Foundation, officially known as the Rotarian Safe Water & Sanitation Foundation Inc., to support high-impact programs that strengthen communities and expand access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene worldwide.
Ron believed that lasting change comes from empowering local communities, building strong partnerships, and investing in solutions that endure. Because of this philosophy, WASH-RAG has become a respected global leader in sustainable WASH programming.
As a contributor, your leadership gift will help establish a permanent source of support for WASH Program initiatives and inspire broader participation across our Rotary network. More than a tribute, this fund ensures that Ron’s life’s work continues to transform lives for generations to come.
Thank you for your leadership, generosity, and dedication to Rotary’s mission. Together, we can ensure that Ron’s vision continues to reach communities in need.
Ways to Contribute
Check
Make a check payable to:
Rotarian Safe Water & Sanitation Foundation Inc. – Ron Denham Legacy Fund.
Mail the check to
Carolyn Meub
8 Sherwood Road
Rutland, VT 05701 USA
US Wire Transfer
Click this link to print a form you can take to your bank.
International Wire Transfer
Click this link to print a form to take to your International Bank
The Ron Denham Legacy Fund is controlled by:
ROTARIAN SAFE WATER & SANITATION FOUNDATION, Inc.
514 West 12th Street
Newton, KS 67114
501(c)(3) EIN:26-1214659
Anna Shepherd Legacy Fund
In 2007, when WASH-RAG was established, Anna Shepherd became the Executive Secretary. For 17 years, her dedication, organization, and commitment helped build WASH-RAG into the global network it is today.
Many members first encountered WASH-RAG through Anna’s welcoming presence at the Rotary International Convention booth, where year after year she served as the front-line representative. Her warmth, knowledge, and tireless service helped connect countless Rotarians to the WASH mission.
The WASH Rotary Action Group Anna Shepherd Legacy Donor Advised Fund through The Rotary Foundation will support WASH Global Grant programs.
Ways to Contribute
Check
Make a check payable to:
The Rotary Foundation Donor Advised Fund #427
Please print out this form:
Anna Shepherd Legacy – Check
Mail the check and form to:
Carolyn Meub
8 Sherwood Road
Rutland, VT 05701 USA
Wire Transfer
Click this link to print a form to take to your International Bank
Note on completing the above online form
The Anna Shepherd Legacy Fund is controlled by:
The Rotary Foundation Donor Advised Fund
8888 Keystone Drive, Suite 1200
Indianapolis, IN 46240
501(c)(3) EIN:36‑3245072
The following have already contributed to one or both Legacy Funds.
>$10,000
Wendell Cristoff
$5,001 to $10,000
$1,000 to $5,000
<$1,000
FAQ’s
Our Goal
To create two funds of over $100,000 each to support WASH Programs and Projects
- The Ron Denham Legacy Fund will be used to promote and support WASH Programs
- The Anna Shepherd Legacy Fund will be used to support WASH Global Grants.
Who to Contact
Why Two Funds?
- Allows flexibility to meet the needs. The WASH Foundation, officially known as the Rotarian Safe Water & Sanitation Foundation Inc., was established early in the creation of WASRAG. The structure of this Foundation allows, with proper approvals and oversight, to support and promote programs through the Ron Denham Legacy Fund.
- WASH-RAG already had a Donor Advised Fund (DAF) that has supported WASH Global Grants with $2,000 when reviewed by WASH-RAG. The Board has renamed this existing fund to the WASH Rotary Action Group Anna Shepherd Legacy Donor Advised Fund. The structure of this DAF means it can only support WASH Global Grants.
Who will Manage These Funds?
- The funds in the Ron Denham Legacy Fund will be held by the WASH Foundation, officially known as the Rotarian Safe Water & Sanitation Foundation Inc., where Ron is a Board Member. The programs to be funded will be decided by the WASH Rotary Action Group Board of Directors in consultation with the WASH Foundation Directors and the Operations Team.
- The funds in the WASH Rotary Action Group Anna Shepherd Legacy Donor Advised Fund will be held by The Rotary Foundation (TRF). Rotary Clubs can submit their Global Grant WASH Project to WASH-RAG, where it is reviewed by a WASH Cadre member, who provides suggestions to increase the likelihood of being approved by TRF. If the Club makes the recommended changes and the Global Grant is approved, WASH-RAG, through this DAF, provides $2,000 support.
How are Ron and Anna Doing?
- They are both active in various aspects of Rotary. Ron continues to be a WASH-RAG Board member.
- They travel between their two homes located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada and Guelph, Ontario, Canada
- Ron will be 97 this year and is slowing down physically, but not mentally. Anna stays very active.
How can I contribute?
- You can contribute to the Ron Denham Legacy Fund by Check, Bank Transfer, or Credit Card.
- You can contribute to the WASH Rotary Action Group Anna Shepherd Legacy Donor Advised Fund by Check, Bank Transfer, or credit card.
How are donations recognized?
- On the WASH-RAG.ORG website under the Legacy Tab, we will be listing people (without the specific amount listed) in categories of <$1,000, $1,000 – $5,000, $5,001 – $10,000, and > $10,000.
- You can indicate how you would like your name listed (taking into account visible space) or have the donation listed as Anonymous