About Us
Making the World a Better Place For All of Us
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Our History
That’s what Rotary is all about.
Since its charter in 1978, the Rotary Club of Swansboro has remained steadfast in its commitment to Rotary’s enduring motto: “Service Above Self.” Every member, from the beginning, has embraced the responsibility of making a meaningful difference in the community—through action, compassion, and leadership.
Over the past four decades, Swansboro Rotarians have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to support local causes and uplift those in need. From oyster roasts and golf tournaments to beach music festivals, auctions, Last Out drawings, and fishing tournaments, these events have not only brought the community together—they’ve directly funded scholarships for hundreds of local high school graduates, giving young people the opportunity to pursue their dreams.
Beyond scholarships, the Club’s impact is visible across the region. Funds have helped purchase and install recreational equipment at local schools and at the Emerald Isle Municipal Park, providing safe and active spaces for children and families. Rotarians have consistently offered both time and financial support to initiatives for the elderly, the Boy Scouts, Children’s Hospital, the Mile of Hope, local Little Leagues, and the Boys and Girls Home at Waccamaw.
Recognizing the need for a local gathering space, the Club took bold action by leading the creation of the Swansboro Rotary Civic Center—a vibrant hub now regarded as the crown jewel of the community. This space not only hosts Rotary events but is open to the public for civic and private functions, representing a true partnership between Rotary and the community it serves.
Every year, Rotary-hosted events contribute an estimated $1 million in local economic activity—supporting area hotels, restaurants, fuel stations, gift shops, and more. Notably, 100% of funds raised by the Rotary Club of Swansboro remain within the local area, defined as a 10-mile radius around the Civic Center, ensuring that the impact of every dollar is felt close to home.
Yet, Swansboro Rotarians don’t stop at the town’s borders. With over $100,000 contributed to The Rotary Foundation, our members support global efforts in education, clean water, disaster relief, and peacebuilding—serving people they may never meet, in places they may never go. This is the very essence of Service Above Self—a legacy of compassion that spans both local neighborhoods and the world.
– John Eller
What We Do
Scholarships
Swansboro Rotary Club scholarships support local students by funding education, empowering youth, and strengthening our community’s future.
Community Service
Swansboro Rotary Club leads impactful community service projects that uplift families, support local causes, and strengthen the heart of our town.
Youth Services
Swansboro Rotary Club empowers youth through leadership programs, scholarships, and mentorship to build a stronger, brighter future for our community.
International Service
Swansboro Rotary Club supports global initiatives through international service projects that promote peace, health, education, and humanitarian aid.
With Your Help, We are Making Swansboro and The World a Better Place
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All Current Campaigns
Mission Statement – Swansboro Rotary Club
The Swansboro Rotary Club is dedicated to serving our community and the world with unwavering commitment, compassion, and integrity. Inspired by Rotary International’s enduring motto, “Service Above Self,” our mission is to bring together leaders, neighbors, and changemakers to address real challenges and create lasting, meaningful impact.
Rooted in the proud history of Swansboro and chartered in 1978, our club exists to:
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Uplift our local community through hands-on service, fundraising, and support for education, youth development, senior care, and community improvement projects.
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Foster fellowship and leadership among members, creating a culture of collaboration, respect, and personal growth.
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Support global humanitarian efforts by contributing to international Rotary initiatives such as clean water, disease prevention, disaster relief, and peacebuilding.
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Promote ethical standards in all vocations, business practices, and relationships, both personally and professionally.
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Inspire the next generation by investing in scholarships, mentoring, and opportunities that empower youth to lead with purpose.
Our vision is a thriving, united Swansboro where every citizen has the opportunity to live, work, and grow in a safe, healthy, and vibrant environment. Through the collective efforts of our members and the generous support of the community, we strive to be a catalyst for good—locally and globally.
Together, as Rotarians, we believe that when people of action come together, we can transform lives and build a better tomorrow.
Dollars Raised
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Volunteers
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Contributors
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Animals Saved
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Trees Planted
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Cities
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Trained Farmers
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Years
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Your Donations Make a HUGE Impact
2022
- Scholarships 82%
- Research & Development 10%
- Management 6%
- Organization Growth 2%
2023
- Campaigns 74%
- Research & Development 12%
- Management 10%
- Organization Growth 4%
2024
- Campaigns 84%
- Research & Development 14%
- Management 6%
- Organization Growth 2%
2025
- Campaigns 80%
- Research & Development 15%
- Management 5%
- Organization Growth 0%
A Letter from the Board
Dear Friend and Community Leader,
We hope this letter finds you well and filled with a sense of purpose for making a difference in the world around you.
On behalf of the Board of the Swansboro Rotary Club, we warmly invite you to consider becoming a part of something truly meaningful—a global movement grounded in service, friendship, and impact, right here in our own community.
At its heart, Rotary is about people—people like you who care deeply about their neighbors, their town, and the future. In Swansboro, our Rotary Club is more than just a gathering of professionals and business leaders; it is a family of committed individuals working side by side to create lasting change. Whether it’s supporting local students through scholarships, providing resources to underserved families, or partnering with foundations like Take A Kid Fishing to bring joy and opportunity to disadvantaged youth, we are proud to be a force for good.
As a member of the Swansboro Rotary Club, you’ll have the opportunity to:
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Collaborate on impactful community service projects
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Build lasting friendships with like-minded individuals
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Strengthen your leadership and communication skills
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Engage in meaningful work that supports both local and global causes
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Leave a legacy of service that echoes far beyond your daily life
You don’t have to be a community leader to join us—but by joining, you become one.
Rotary gives you the platform to transform your compassion into action, your passion into service, and your ideas into solutions that change lives. Whether you’re a lifelong Swansboro resident or new to our coastal community, your unique perspective and talents are welcome at our table.
We invite you to attend one of our upcoming meetings, connect with our members, and learn more about the values that unite us: Service Above Self, fellowship, integrity, diversity, and leadership. We believe you’ll find something here that resonates with your heart.
If you have any questions or would like to explore membership further, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We would be honored to walk this journey of service with you.
With warm regards and hopeful hearts,
The Board of Directors
Swansboro Rotary Club
Because when we come together with a shared purpose, we can make waves of change—one act of service at a time.
Justin Cleve
Justin Cleve
Our Partners & Sponsors
