Closing Date: 30 June 2026
Apply Now for the 2026 Rotary Foundation Global Grants
Rotary Foundation Global Grants
Rotary Foundation Global Grants support large international activities with sustainable, measurable outcomes in Rotary’s areas of focus. By working together to respond to real community needs, clubs and districts strengthen their global partnerships.
What global grants support
Global grants can fund:
- Humanitarian projects
- Scholarships for graduate-level academic studies
- Vocational training teams, which are groups of professionals who travel abroad either to teach local professionals about their field or to learn more about it themselves
How they’re funded
Global grants have a minimum budget of $30,000 and a maximum World Fund award of $400,000. Grant sponsors can use a combination of District Designated Funds (DDF), cash, and/or directed gift and endowed fund program award spendable amounts to fund a global grant. The Foundation will provide an 80 percent World Fund match for all DDF contributions. There is no minimum World Fund match. You can use the global grant calculator to figure your grant financing automatically.
Qualification
Both the district or club in the country where the activity is carried out and the international partner district or club must first become qualified before applying for a global grant. Learn more about the qualification process and grant management. Your club and district Rotary Foundation chairs can help you plan how to use your District Designated Funds and learn how to qualify your club.
Submitting a successful grant application
Consult with local experts early in the planning process to build a strong project plan and global grant application. The district resource network (see below) can help.
To be approved, your application must clearly describe how your activity:
- Is sustainable — include plans for long-term success after the global grant funds have been spent
- Includes measurable goals
- Aligns with one of Rotary’s areas of focus
- Responds to real community needs — any club or district that applies for a global grant to support a humanitarian project or a vocational training team must conduct a community assessment first and design the project based on what they learn through that assessment. Be sure to include the results of your community assessment in your application.
- Actively involves Rotary and community members
- Includes opportunities to build people’s knowledge and skills
- Meets the eligibility requirements in the grants terms and conditions
You will submit the application in Rotary’s Grant Center. To prepare, you can download this application template. Applications are accepted throughout the year and are reviewed as they’re received. If you’re working with a cooperating organization, you’ll need to submit additional documentation with your application.
Note: Sponsoring clubs and districts must submit their applications by June 30 to the Rotary Foundation for scholars who will begin studies in August, September, or October.
Monitoring & evaluation
Measuring outcomes is an integral part of global grant projects. Proper monitoring and reporting ensure that Rotary grants have a positive impact. You will be required to fill out an online global grant report. To prepare, you can download this template.
District resource network
Local Rotary members who have expertise in Rotary’s areas of focus, global grants, and project planning are among your best resources. Experts can also include alumni, Rotaractors, Rotary Action Group members, and The Rotary Foundation Cadre of Technical Advisers.
Contact your district international service chair for help connecting with the district resource network: local subject matter and project experts. If your district hasn’t appointed a committee chair, work with your district governor or write to [email protected].
Resources & reference
- A Guide to Global Grants (PDF)
- Conducting Community Assessments (PDF)
- How to use the Grant Center (PDF)
- How to use the Grant Center: Global Grant Scholars (PDF)
- Information for grant-funded travelers
- Rotary Impact Handbook (PDF)
- Terms and Conditions for Rotary Foundation Global Grants (PDF)
Areas of Focus resources
- Areas of Focus Policy Statements (PDF)
- Basic Education and Literacy Guidelines for Global Grant Funding (PDF)
- Disease Prevention and Treatment Guidelines for Global Grant Funding (PDF)
- Community Economic Development Guidelines for Global Grant Funding (PDF)
- Maternal and Child Health Guidelines for Global Grant Funding (PDF)
- Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention Guidelines for Global Grant Funding (PDF)
- Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Guidelines for Global Grant Funding (PDF)
- Environment Guidelines for Global Grant Funding (PDF)
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