The Rotary Club of Ithaca awarded $14,798 in grants to 11 local nonprofits through its 2025 Community Grants program, supporting projects that improve quality of life in Tompkins County. Chosen from 41 applications, funded initiatives include water testing, food assistance, youth support, outdoor improvements, and community resources. Applications open each June, with a focus on small local organizations.
The Rotary Club of Ithaca is pleased to announce that its 2025 Community Grants process has concluded, and several local non-profits will receive funding for their proposed projects. In total, 41 applications were reviewed, requesting $57,309 in funding. Eleven grants were selected for funding in full, totaling $14,798. Awards are made from the Rotary Club’s donor advised fund held at the Community Foundation of Tompkins County.
Congratulations to the 2025 grantees (in alphabetical order):
- Community Science Institute - $1,500
- Provide discounted water testing through the newly launched Water Testing Assistance Fund program
- Downtown Ithaca Children’s Center - $1,000
- Rechargeable two-way radios for organizational safety & emergency support
- Enfield Food Distribution - $1,500
- Offset the sudden 50% reduction in funding received from The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)
- Family & Children’s Service - $1,500
- Purchase 30 $50 food gift cards for homeless youth supported by the Open Doors program
- Foodnet Meals on Wheels - $875
- Purchase a picnic table and a bike rack for staff use
- Friends of Stewart Park - $1,500
- Match Wegmans' donation to complete construction of one new accessible picnic table near the Stewart Park playground
- Ithaca Children’s Garden - $1,500
- Install a pond liner, replace deteriorating dock decking, and mount interpretive watercolor panels at its Tadpole Pond Habitat
- Ithaca Community Childcare Center - $1,500
- Purchase weather-resistant play materials that support physical development and integrate into the natural playscape
- Lansing Center Trail - $1,423
- Create a Volunteer Tool Library stocked with gardening and outdoor tools
- Loaves & Fishes - $1,500
- Purchase an ice machine to support daily meal service and enhance food safety
- New Roots Charter School - $1,000
- Expand the free personal care product pantry and add basic school supplies
Ithaca Rotary Club issues a call for proposals in June of every year. Grants are intended to promote the quality of life in Tompkins County. Small non-profit organizations are especially encouraged to apply. All grant applications must be for projects within Tompkins County.
For more information about this award or the Ithaca Rotary Club, please contact President Mike Katz: ideafarmer @ yahoo.com or 607-351-1395.
Ithaca Rotary’s motto is “Service Above Self.” Membership is open to all community members who share in this belief; new members are accepted year-round. Additional information about the Ithaca Rotary Club may be found online: https://ithacarotary.com/