The Foundation was created by the Rotary Club of Point West - Sacramento in 1998 to complement the globally active Rotary International Foundation by focusing primarily on local charitable causes. The Foundation is charged with growing and dispersing capital acquired largely from tax deductible donations, including securities and real property, and club fundraisers such as the California Brewers Festival and Festa di Vino. During the last three years, the Foundation raised $476,063 less administrative expenses of $4,045, an expense ratio of only 0.85%

Since 1998, Foundation grants have totaled about $750,000. True to Point West's service focus, most grants were awarded to charities that benefit children (see Beneficiaries). Meanwhile, the Foundation has continued to grow a trust fund that is approaching $500,000.

The Foundation's Board of Trustees is composed of longtime club members and perrenial donors to the Foundation (see Board of Trustees). Several of the trustees are club past presidents. All are accomplished in the fields of finance, law or commerce.