The Rotary Club of Ithaca is accepting applications for its 2025 Community Grants program, offering up to $1,500 for special, one-time projects that benefit Tompkins County. Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status—or a fiscal sponsor—are eligible, though 2024 recipients may not apply. Funds cannot support operating costs, capital campaigns, or ongoing needs. Applications (max three pages) are due by 11:59 PM on July 31, 2025. Awards will be announced in late September, with project completion by May 1, 2026. More information below.
The Rotary Club of Ithaca announces that applications are now being accepted for its Community Grants program, which is intended to promote the quality of life in Tompkins County. Our intention is to fund grants in full. Small non-profit organizations are especially encouraged to apply. 2024 grant recipients are not eligible this year so we may support an increasing variety of worthy agencies.
All grant applications must be for projects within Tompkins County. Applicants must be classified as a nonprofit charitable organization under section 501(c)3 of the IRS code or have a fiscal sponsor that is. Maximum grant award has been increased this year to $1,500. One request per organization, please. We invite proposals for special projects or one-time needs that are not usually supported by your general funding sources. We do not make grants which will be used as part of a larger capital campaign, nor are funds to be re-granted (no scholarship programs). Grants are not usually made for operating budgets, endowments, individuals, or projects requiring ongoing support. Funds must be expended by May 1 of the following year, without expectation of further support. Proposals not selected for funding by the Ithaca Rotary Club will be shared with the Community Foundation for donor-advised funding consideration.
Proposals are limited to three pages. Please submit one copy on the organization’s letterhead by Thurs, July 31, 2025. Do not include annual reports, newsletters, etc. All materials must be easily scannable for committee review and received in one file. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Include the following information in this order:
- Legal name of the organization
- Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN)
- Name, address, email, and telephone number of executive director and grant contact person
- Organization website URL
- Brief description of the organization’s mission; have 501(c)3 status? Yes or No
- Dollar amount requested
- One sentence description of the grant need/request
- Concise needs statement describing the project and its significance to the community
- Simple project budget
- Names of the governing body/board and officers (may be extra page attachment)
Deadline for submission is 11:59pm on July 31, 2025. Requests received after that date will not be considered. Awardees will be announced in late September. A one-page final report is required upon completion of the project but no later than May 1, 2026.
Please submit your application by midnight on July 31 to:
E-mail (preferred): Kelly Buck, Community Grants co-chair kdbskier@gmail.com
OR (not both)
US Mail:
Bob Gravani, Community Grants co-chair
Ithaca Rotary Club
PO Box 306, Ithaca, NY 14851
Bob Gravani, Community Grants co-chair
Ithaca Rotary Club
PO Box 306, Ithaca, NY 14851