Rotary Club of Jefferson Grant

The Rotary Club of Jefferson has announced its 2026 grant cycle, inviting nonprofit organizations to submit applications by March 27, 2026. This annual grantmaking initiative is funded through proceeds from the club’s 27th annual charity auction, held in November 2025. The auction is a key community event in Jefferson, Iowa, combining fundraising with fellowship and entertainment. Since its inception, the Rotary Club has distributed over $600,000 to enhance the quality of life in Greene County by supporting local schools, libraries, and community-based organizations. The Rotary Club of Jefferson is a civic organization dedicated to fostering service, ethics, and community betterment through structured programs and engagement. Its annual grants prioritize projects that benefit broad segments of the Greene County community. Funded initiatives are expected to align with Rotary International's key focus areas: promoting peace, supporting education, providing clean water and sanitation, fighting disease, protecting the environment, saving mothers and children, and growing local economies. Projects or programs demonstrating strong community outcomes and involvement of Rotarians are given additional consideration. Only 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations are generally eligible to apply, and all applications must identify a Club Rotarian sponsor. Grants cannot be used for general operating costs, such as advertising, personnel, or maintenance. Political and religious activities, as well as retroactive funding for completed projects, are ineligible. Requests from individuals are not typically considered unless the benefit to the broader community is clearly demonstrated. Applications can be downloaded from www.jeffersonrotary.org starting February 16, 2026, or picked up locally at Royal Jewelers in Jefferson. Completed applications may be submitted via email, U.S. mail, or dropped off at designated locations including Royal Jewelers or Mumma & Pedersen law office. All applications must be postmarked or received by March 27, 2026. Applicants are required to acknowledge Rotary’s support publicly and provide a financial and programmatic report by May 14, 2027. Selected grantees must also attend a Rotary grant award event. The grant committee, with final approval from the Board of Directors, will review applications in April 2026, and award notifications will follow thereafter. While matching funds are not mandatory, the Rotary Club may propose them on a case-by-case basis to promote shared investment in community outcomes. Approximately $30,000 in total funding is expected to be distributed during this cycle, reflecting the ongoing generosity of community donors and the Rotary Club's mission to advance impactful, ethical community development.

Focus on Rotary’s key areas; involve Rotarian sponsor; maximize community benefit.