Comminuity Grants

Community Grant Application
Community Grant Evaluation

Service Above Self — Serving the Lake Chelan Valley Together

Thank you for your interest in a Lake Chelan Rotary Community Grant.

For nearly a century, the members of the Lake Chelan Rotary Club have been committed to “Service Above Self.”Through the years, our Rotarians have worked alongside individuals, families, schools, nonprofits, businesses, and community organizations to help make the Lake Chelan Valley a stronger, healthier, and more vibrant place to live.

Our Community Grant program is one way we continue that tradition of service.

We are proud to support projects that address meaningful needs in our community and create opportunities for people to come together to make a difference. We especially value projects where Lake Chelan Rotarians can participate, volunteer, share their skills, or work alongside those receiving the grant. We believe that when we serve together, the impact reaches far beyond the grant itself.

Our grants are intended to benefit the youth and communities of the Lake Chelan Valley, including:

  • Chelan
  • Manson
  • Holden Village
  • Stehekin

Before You Apply

There are two documents that are an important part of our grant process:

  • Grant Application – Please complete the application in full and provide all requested information.
  • Grant Evaluation – Please review the Evaluation Criteria before submitting your application. These criteria provide helpful guidance about how the Lake Chelan Rotary Fund Board evaluates grant requests.

We encourage you to use the Evaluation Criteria as you develop your proposal. Our goal is not simply to provide funding, but to partner with organizations and community members who are working to make a lasting difference.

What We Support

Lake Chelan Rotary Community Grants are encouraged, but not limited to, projects where our Rotarians can become involved.

Whenever possible, grant requests should align with one or more of Rotary International’s Areas of Focus:

  • Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention
  • Disease Prevention and Treatment
  • Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene
  • Maternal and Child Health
  • Basic Education and Literacy
  • Community Economic Development
  • Protecting the Environment

We understand that the needs of our community are diverse, and not every worthwhile project will fit neatly into a single category. If your project addresses an important need in the Lake Chelan Valley, we encourage you to tell us about it and explain how your project will make a difference.

Grant Restrictions

To help ensure that our limited grant resources have the greatest possible impact, Community Grant funds cannot be used for:

  • Operational expenses
  • Entertainment
  • Marketing or advertising
  • Salaries
  • Administrative overhead
  • Political activities
  • Religious activities
  • Stipends
  • Travel expenses
  • Rent or mortgage payments

The Review Process

Please allow approximately six weeks from the date your Lake Chelan Rotary Community Grant application is submitted for the review process.

The Lake Chelan Rotary Fund Board may invite applicants to make a brief presentation about their proposed project. Presentations may be held in person or via Zoom.

Typically, applicants will have approximately 10 minutes for their presentation and a question-and-answer period. This is an opportunity for us to learn more about your organization, your project, the community need you are addressing, and the difference you hope to make.

Our Community. Our Commitment. Our Service.

Lake Chelan Rotary is fortunate to be part of a valley where people care deeply about one another and are willing to roll up their sleeves to help.

That spirit of Service Above Self is what has guided our club for generations. We are grateful for the many community members and organizations whose dedication, creativity, and hard work continue to make the Lake Chelan Valley a better place for everyone.

Thank you for the work you do and for giving us the opportunity to learn more about your project.

We look forward to the possibility of serving alongside you and making a difference together.

Lake Chelan Rotary Club

Service Above Self

Grants Approved for the 2023–2026 Rotary Years

Through the generosity of our members, supporters, and community partners, the Lake Chelan Rotary Club has been proud to invest in students, families, local organizations, and communities in need. These grants reflect our commitment to “Service Above Self” and to making a positive difference throughout the Lake Chelan Valley and beyond.

Supporting Our Students & Youth

  • Academic Scholarships — 12 students, totaling $28,000
  • Shine-On Scholarships — 5 students, totaling $14,000
  • Youth Exchange — $8,600
  • Buz on Biz — $1,100
  • Book Buddies — $6,500
  • Chelan High School Drivers Education — $1,500
  • Manson School District – Experiential Learning: Museum of Flight — $1,500

Strengthening Our Local Community

  • Manson Grange — $1,500 for new chairs
  • Chelan Thrive — $1,000 supporting Thrive Cares, Thrive Mentoring, and the Thrive Teen Center
  • Lake Chelan Health — $500 for EMS
  • Community Service Projects — $4,600
  • Manger Mall Holiday Campaign — $1,000
  • North Central Education Foundation — $1,000

Responding When Communities Need Us

  • Maui Disaster Relief — $4,000
  • Ukrainian Refugees in Wenatchee — $1,600

Investing in Our Community

Each of these grants represents more than a financial contribution. They are an investment in young people, education, health, community organizations, and neighbors who need a helping hand.

As we approach the Lake Chelan Rotary Club’s 100th anniversary of service in 2026, we are grateful for the opportunity to continue a tradition of neighbors helping neighbors and putting Service Above Self into action.