Grant Requests

Rock Island Rotary offers two categories of grants — Community Grants and Club Foundation grants. There are differences in the funds available and the purposes for which the funds may be used.

Community Grants

The Rotary Club of Rock Island has set forth guidelines for community donations in an attempt to concentrate on areas of need within our community (Illinois Quad City area). Donation requests should fall within the following areas of interest:

  • Children at risk

  • Literacy

  • Poverty and hunger

  • Environment

  • Education/school events

  • Violence/community safety

  • Individuals with disabilities

The Rotary Club of Rock Island will consider requests outside of these areas when they meet needs within our community. These guidelines should be used when making a request to the Rotary Club of Rock Island.

In an attempt to maximize club exposure and the usage of funds, the following requests will not be considered:

  • Political fundraising

  • Ongoing operating expenses

  • Salaries, benefits, or administrative costs of start-up programming

  • Fundraising events that benefit individuals

Community Grant Amounts

Although there is not a set minimum or maximum for community grants, typical grants range from $1,000 to $1,500. Larger grants restricted to organizations and needs in the City of Rock Island may be requested through the Rock Island Rotary Club Foundation.

Deadlines

All requests should be made 30 days prior to the set reviews. Your group will be contacted by a representative of the Rotary Club of Rock Island if your project has been selected for consideration. In some cases, a community partner may be asked to present at a weekly meeting to the Club to educate us about your project/program.

Proposals will be reviewed according to the following timeframes:

  • If received by October 31, reviewed in November and awarded in January

  • If received by April 30, reviewed in May and awarded in June

Download the Community Grant Donation Request Form

Rock Island Rotary Club Foundation Grants

The Rock Island Rotary Club Foundation was established through a legacy gift of Stan and Bernice Harris. It is designed to provide grants significantly larger than our Community Grants program. The funds are administered by the Foundation Board of Directors and are restricted by the original legacy terms to projects that will benefit the citizens and community of Rock Island.

Deadline for submission is 11:59 p.m., February 28, 2026

Download the 2026 Club Foundation Grants Application

Please contact us if you have any questions about your grant request!

New! Rotary District 6420 Global Scholarship Grant

One scholarship totaling $30,000 will be awarded for the Fall 2027 school year! This is a terrific opportunity for a student who wants to study abroad!

Deadline for submission is March 15, 2027

To qualify, a student must:

  • Demonstrate completion of a bachelor’s degree and acceptance into a university

  • Attend a non-US institution

  • Plan for 1-4 years of graduate study

  • Live in District 6420, or attend a college or university in District 6420

The degree must fall into one of Rotary’s Areas of Focus:

  • Basic education and literacy

  • Maternal and child health

  • Peace and conflict resolution

  • Water sanitation and hygiene

  • Supporting the environment

  • Disease prevention and treatment

  • Community and economic development

Not eligible:

  • Active Rotarians or Roteract members who are also Rotarians

  • Relatives of an active Rotarian, including spouse, child, grandchild, spouse of child or grandchild

For more information, or to apply, contact Gary Rowe at 309-948-3403 or gnrowe47@gmail.com.