Madison Rotary Foundation's International Projects Funding Program
Among the purposes of Rotary are the advancement of international understanding and improvement of well-being around the globe. As part of the Rotary Club of Madison’s annual grants distribution through our Madison Rotary Foundation (MRF), a portion of the funds available is earmarked for international projects. The Madison Rotary Foundation annually supports several projects with grants ranging up to $10,000. Most grants are for less than $6,000 and support projects in developing countries. Some may qualify for additional Rotary District 6250 matching funds. Current areas of emphasis are:
- Human trafficking prevention and rehabilitation
- Renewable energy/climate protection
- Safe and reliable water supply
The Rotary Club of Madison holds two decision-making cycles per year: typically, one in mid-autumn and a second early in the calendar year. In the 2024-25 year, we will allocate approximately $25,000 to these projects. On occasion, the Club commits a larger amount to support a “signature project” designed as a candidate for a Rotary International Foundation Global Grant. Global grants typically require extensive preparation, documentation and decision timelines.
Madison Rotary Foundation's Excellence in Education Grants Program
Our Madison Rotary Foundation's Excellence in Education Grants Program is aimed at fostering educational parity and empowering students from all backgrounds. Our organization firmly believes that every student deserves equal access to quality education, regardless of their socioeconomic background, race, or any other factor. Through this grant program, we aim to support nonprofits that share this vision and are actively working to eliminate educational disparities. This grant offers an opportunity for organizations to expand or enhance an existing program to increase the impact on the lives of underserved students in our community. The grant funds can be utilized to expand, enhance, or create partnerships for existing innovative educational programs. Funds can be used to enhance infrastructure, implement teacher training initiatives, provide resources, or any other endeavor that promotes equity for all in education.
Here is a LINK to more information and to the application. The deadline to submit applications is July 1, 2024.
Madison Rotary Foundation's Innovation Grants Program
Our Madison Rotary Foundation's Innovation Grants Program includes one-time grants of up to $5,000 intended to encourage not-for-profit organizations within the greater Madison area to try new things, inspire change and creativity, and foster new approaches to community challenges. We encourage you to innovate ways to enable your organization to better serve those in need.
Innovations might include exploring the validity of potential new services, programs, efficiencies, alliances, or service areas; reaching new demographics, or improving the delivery of existing services. Other innovation types will also be considered.
Here is a LINK to this year's Innovation Grants Application. Deadline is August 1, 2024.
2023-2024 Grants and Program Funding
Here is a
LINK to last year's Excellence in Education grants and Innovation Grants that were awarded.
Madison Rotary Foundation Veterans Assistance Fund
Phil and Kit Blake made a gift of $100,000 in 2013 to establish a named fund within the Madison Rotary Foundation. Jorge and Andrea Hidalgo added $105,000 to this fund in 2021-2022 in honor of their son, US Army 1LT Daren Hidalgo, who was killed in action in 2011 while serving his country in Afghanistan.