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Grants
Q 1: What type of projects does the Rotary Club of Ann Arbor fund?
The central goal of our Community Service Grants Program is to support young people, many of whom find their future development impaired by physical, cultural, emotional, financial, and social obstacles. The program actively solicits and awards grants to Washtenaw County non-profit organizations for programs whose purpose aligns with the theme “Helping Kids Succeed.”
Q 2: What is the application process?
Solicitation is usually in January; applications are due in late February. Successful recipients are announced in April with funds transferred shortly thereafter.
Historically, the Committee grants up to $5,000 for a program or $3,000 for scholarships to each selected organization. The Committee awarded over $63,000 in its most recent (2022) round of grant funding. Agencies who received funding from the Rotary Club of Ann Arbor in two consecutive years are not eligible for funding in the third year but will be eligible to reapply in the year after that.
For 2023, e-mail messages soliciting applications will be sent in early January to those organizations already in our contact list. Any not for profit organization can apply using the links below. The application deadline is February 20, 2023. Questions regarding the process may be referred to the Committee.
Below are some useful links for you to review and begin the process:
2024 Notice of Grant Opportunity Letter
Rotary Grant Application (If you are unable to download the form, contact the Committee and one will be sent to you.)
International Humanitarian Projects
A committee works to identify, develop and carry out humanitarian projects with other Rotary Clubs in Third World countries. Recent projects included electronic reading machines for India, furniture for an orphanage in the Philippines, and constructing and fitting artificial limbs in India.
The International Humanitarian Projects committee researches and recommends projects suggested by fellow members, international organizations, and individuals. The committee works with Rotary Club(s) in the country of the project, and in cooperation with the Rotary International Foundation. Projects are usually considered for funding at least a year in advance. Requests for consideration should be sent to the chair of the International Projects committee.
Scholarships
Q: What kind of scholarships does the Rotary Club of Ann Arbor offer and what is the application process for these scholarships?
“Service Above Self” Scholarships for students at Washtenaw Community College
These scholarships are offered to WCC students who are current or past graduates of any Ann Arbor high school. Veterans will receive special consideration. The Rotary Club will award up to eight scholarships each year, covering up to $1,250 of tuition each semester (Fall and Winter only). Scholarships will be renewable for one additional year if the recipient earns a minimum 3.0 GPA, is pursuing classes toward the completion of one of the college’s programs and successfully completes 2/3 of the classes on his or her schedule. Applications are available from the WCC Financial Aid Office – SC 205, 4800 East Huron River Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48105-4800.
STRIVE (Students Taking a Renewed Interest in the Value of Education)
In partnership with Pathways for Success Academic Campus in Ann Arbor, the Ann Arbor Rotary STRIVE Program helps turn young lives around. The program provides a unique structure, incentives, and motivation to help Pathways seniors accomplish these life-changing objectives. During the year the committee takes the STRIVE students to area companies to observe first-hand what the work-a-day world is like (STRIVE at Work) to encourage them to continue their progress. At the end of the school year, the committee awards about $12,000 in Washtenaw Community College scholarships to 8-10 top students based on the most improved and highest grade points.
Global Grant Scholarship (formerly Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship)
Q: What projects does the Rotary Club of Ann Arbor NOT usually Fund?
The Club does not fund:
- Projects sponsored by groups or individuals that are not a registered non-profit.
- Projects that are funded primarily by government agencies or organizations.
- International projects having no relationship with a local Rotary Club or an organization recognized by Rotary International.
Q: What scholarships/study grants does the Rotary Club of Ann Arbor NOT usually Fund?
The Club does not usually fund support for student tuition and/or travel expenses incurred for travel to internships, international conferences, and/or volunteer activities.
Service
Q: How should one approach the Rotary Club of Ann Arbor to solicit its participation in a local fundraising/social project or activity?
Individuals or organizations seeking participation or co-sponsorship of the Club’s membership should submit an invitation of such for consideration by the Board of Directors. Requests to inform the Club’s membership of an upcoming event will not be automatically placed in the Club’s Newsletter or distributed to the Club’s group e-mail list. Send an email to our Administrative/Financial Manager here.
Q: How does a person or organization approach the Rotary Club of Ann Arbor to invite the Club’s help with a local or international project?
Individuals or organizations seeking participation or co-sponsorship of the Club’s membership should submit an invitation of such for consideration by the Board of Directors. Send an email to our Administrative/Financial Manager here.
Q: Can a non-member of Rotary volunteer to work with the Rotary Club of Ann Arbor on one or more of its service projects?
Interested individuals or organizations wishing to help with a project coordinated by the Rotary Club should contact the club via info@annarborrotary.org. They will be connected with the appropriate committee and invited to join in the fun.
