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Madison Rotary Foundation

There’s a lot of heart behind the work of the Madison Rotary Foundation. By applying its leadership and expertise to solve social issues, the Foundation is a primary expression of service within the Rotary Club of Madison. Our Foundation was formed in 1932 and has assets of over $16 million. We distribute over $700,000 in grants and scholarships each year.

Tackling local challenges requires empathy and vision. The Madison Rotary Foundation has become a visible community force by utilizing both these qualities in support of individuals and organizations that:

  • Demonstrate a commitment to the central Rotary value of Service Above Self
  • Help young people become outstanding citizens
  • Improve the quality of community life
  • Foster international understanding and goodwill

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 the application guidelines and a LINK to the application as well as the BUDGET template.  The deadline to submit applications is July 1, 2025.
 
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, 2025.    
 

Goodman 50+ Fitness Program

Made possible by the generosity of the late Irwin and Robert Goodman, the Goodman Rotary 50+ Fitness Program is funded through an endowment managed by the Madison Rotary Foundation. The program provides healthy lifestyle instruction to over 3,000 seniors in the Madison area through the Madison School Community Recreation Program.

Scholarship Program

The Madison Rotary Foundation Scholarship Program provides four-year college scholarship assistance through named scholarship funds within our Madison Rotary Foundation. A Rotary Committee annually works to select students in accordance with the wishes of the donors. Applicants chosen are students who meet the general eligibility requirements: (1) Applicants must demonstrate definite financial need; (2) Applicants must have achieved a 3.0 and/or acceptance to an accredited four year college or university; (3) Applicants must display outstanding character and leadership ability; and (4) Applicants should evidence a deep sense of obligation to the community. The Scholarship Committee works with participating area high schools to select students for this scholarship program.

Youth Awards

The annual Youth Awards Program recognized nearly 50 Madison area high school students in the following categories: Academic Achievement, Sophomore Academic Improvement, Junior Academic Improvement, Senior Academic Improvement, Outstanding Senior, Community Service, and recognition of Community Service Award Student Judges. Each recipient receives a certificate and a monetary award provided by the club’s associated Madison Rotary Foundation. The Youth Awards Committee works with participating area high schools in the selection of recipients.

Veterans Assistance Fund

In 2013, Phil and Kit Blake established an endowment fund within the Madison Rotary Foundation for area veterans.  Phil understands first-hand the struggles that veterans encounter as they attend college while serving this country.  Phil and Kit are helping ease the load for veterans who are getting a college degree but who are running into a short-term expense issue.  The assistance helps relieve some stress and keeps students focused on their studies.

The Madison Rotary Foundation Veterans Assistance Fund provides one-time grants to veterans who have served at least two years in the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, National Guard, Navy or Reserves who have been honorably discharged from active duty and who are currently attending a degree program at either Edgewood College, Madison College or UW-Madison as a full-time student.

The grant program provides support for veterans attending Edgewood College, Madison College and UW-Madison. These one-time grants are intended to cover short-term, urgent or emergency expenses that arise during college.

Here is this year’s Veterans Assistance Fund Application (Deadline = October 31, 2024).

<div>Our Foundation</div>
2024 2025
Madison Rotary Foundation Officers & Trustees
 
President
Sandy Morales
 
Vice President 
Paul Hoffmann
 
Secretary
Pat Jenkins
 
Treasurer
Dave Duchow
 
Asst. Treasurer
Chris Rich
 
Trustees
Ed Futa
Kirsten Houghton
Willie Larkin
Joe Loehnis
Anita Mahamed
Charles McLimans
Stacy Nemeth
Ashley Quinto Powell
Valerie Renk
Eric Schwartz
Jeff Tews
Tammy Thayer
Rob Van den Berg
Mark Westover
 
 
 
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Rotary Club of Madison  2 S. Carroll Street, Suite 255,  Madison, WI 53703  608-255-9164 rotaryoffice@rotarymadison.org
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