The Fort Myers Rotary Club established the Trust Fund in 1978 as a 501 (c)(3) organization, operated under a Trust agreement. Contributions to the Trust come in a variety of ways, and began with a generous bequest from a member. The Club holds several fundraisers during the year and asks members and friends to make contributions, which are tax exempt as permitted under applicable tax codes. Club grants are made through the Trust. Download Application »
Purpose
The Trust Fund Committee is responsible for reviewing requests for the Club’s grants. The Trust Fund Committee reviews grant applications and makes the appropriate recommendations to the Board of Directors acting as Trustees of the Trust Fund. Maximum Grant request is $3,000.
Eligibility Requirements
Grants are limited to tax-exempt organizations (school programs, government entities or 501(c)(3) non profit corporations). To be eligible to receive a grant, an application must be completed and submitted to the club. Incomplete applications will not be considered. The Rotary Club of Fort Myers and the Trust Fund Committee reserve the right at their sole discretion to make the final determination of the eligibility of each application.
What We Fund
The trust fund prefers to fund specific projects and equipment that will be used to help an organization achieve its mission.
Quarterly Grant Cycle – Typical grants are for less than $3,000 to recipients that improve the quality of life in the greater Fort Myers community. Organizations may apply for a grant once in any 12-month period.
A grant request will be considered if it can show that it:
- Is likely to make a substantial difference in the quality of community life.
- Will strengthen families and the community.
- Can facilitate collaboration among relevant groups and organizations, with emphasis on regional cooperation across geographic boundaries.
- Will seek to build partnerships between agencies, local government, or public institutions in order to create positive change.
- Has the ability to expand meaningful civic engagement and build social capital.
- Will help nonprofit organizations build capacity and become more effective.
- Will leverage change in the capacity of community-wide systems rather than individual organizations.
What We Do Not Normally Fund
- Multi-Year Projects
- Capital Campaigns
- Individuals
- Travel
- Normal Operating Expenses
- Event Sponsorships
- Annual Campaigns/Membership Drives
- Endowments
- Debt Retirement
- Professional Conferences
- Sports Teams
- Political Campaigns
- Research
- Sectarian purposes (i.e. programs that promote a religious doctrine)
- Fraternal Organizations or societies
Application Process
Grant applications may be downloaded here. Completed Application packets are accepted only in electronic form and must be e-mailed to: office@Rotary-FortMyers.org.
Grant Cycles
Quarterly grant application deadlines are the 15th of July, October, January and April.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will it take?
The grant cycle is normally 90 days. The Trust Fund Committee views the merits of each and every application, prior to submission to the Board of the Directors. The Trust Fund Committee may be in touch with you for further clarification.
When will I know if I have been approved?
Generally within 60 days of the Grant Submission Date Deadlines. A letter will be sent to each applicant with the Board’s decision.
May I apply for consecutive years of funding?
Our preference is to benefit as many worthy organizations as possible; therefore, our preference is to award grants to new and different organizations. However, you may apply every year.
Is there a way to appeal a rejection?
Decisions by the Trust Fund Committee and Board of Directors are final. You may re-apply the year following the rejection if you meet the necessary qualifications.