$50K Celebrating 50 Years

For more than 50 years, the Rutland South Rotary Club has raised thousands of dollars to benefit nearly 100 non-profit organizations both locally and globally. With a strong focus on local youth-centered programs, the club has distributed hundreds of dictionaries to third graders, enhanced the Rutland Creek Path for bikers and walkers, built an outdoor play area for students at Northwest School, and provided essential school supplies to children in need. And that’s just the beginning.

Recognizing that significant needs remain in our community, and in honor of our 50th anniversary milestone, the club is making a bold commitment: awarding a $50,000 grant to a non-profit serving Rutland County.

COVER SHEET

1. Applicant’s Name, address and contact information.
2. Executive Director ‘s name and contact information.
3. The person preparing the application with contact information.
4. The amount requested is $50,000.
5. Grants received from Rutland South Rotary in the past 5 years and how funds were used.
6. Briefly explain (in one or two sentences, suitable for publication) what the grant will be used for.
7. Signed and dated.

GRANT NARRATIVE

1. Program History and Scope:  Rutland South Rotary, through its charitable giving, supports initiatives that promote youth learning and emotional development; infrastructure improvements, economic empowerment, and social welfare programs.  
   • Explain how your organization promotes these values generally, and give a brief history of your organization.  Attach a copy of your mission statement.
   • How many individuals does your organization serve each year?  
   • How many of these individuals live in Rutland County?
   • How does your organization serve underserved populations? 
2. Financial Need/Resources:
   • How is your organization funded?
   • What is your annual budget?
   • Will you use the Rutland South Rotary Grant for a new initiative or to fund an existing program or campaign?  Please explain.
   • What specific community need will be addressed with this grant? Please give details on how you assessed this need, and how you will meet that need with this grant.
   • Will you use the RSR grant to match other resources?  Please explain. 
   • Do you have paid staff or volunteers or both?  Please give details.
3. Tax status:  Is your organization a 501(c)(3) under the Internal Revenue Code?  If not, what is your IRS tax status? Do you have a fiscal sponsor? Are you a municipality or school
4. Proposed use of Rutland South Rotary Grant Funds: Why should Rutland South Rotary award your organization this $50,000 grant? Explain in narrative form what you will use the grant for, how many individuals and families in Rutland County will be directly and indirectly benefited, which underserved populations will benefit, and which currently unmet needs will be met.  How will you avoid duplicating the services of other organizations which may be serving the needs of the same population?  What are your organization’s hoped for outcomes from this grant? How will you measure success?

BUDGET

If your organization is awarded the $50,000 from RSR, you will receive a check on October 30th at our club meeting. Please present a detailed budget showing your proposed use of the RSR grant.

REPORT REQUIREMENTS

1. If you are awarded the RSR grant, we will require that you file a final report on use of all grant funds by November 1, 2026.   
2. We ask that you acknowledge publicly your receipt of the RSR grant, and provide in your final report photos and materials reflecting use of the grant funds.
3. Please sign and date your application.  Scan and email the completed application to rutlandsouthrotaryclub@gmail.com, OR mail the completed application to:  Rutland South Rotary, PO Box 511, Rutland, VT  05702. 
4. Submit the application so that we receive it by October 1.  We will not consider applications filed after that date.