FAQ including GRANTS

The Rotary Club of Ann Arbor is one of the 100 largest Rotary Clubs in the world. In order to maximize the use of the talent of our more than 300 members, the club has over 40 committees providing input to the Board of Directors. Weekly luncheon programs are scheduled approximately 90 days in advance, and international projects considered for funding are usually on a year in advance cycle. So although we try hard to respond to all questions and requests, our response time may not meet your timeline. We hope that this FAQ, organized in three major categories--Money; Manpower; and Club Information—will provide helpful information.

Questions: Money?

What sort of projects does the Rotary Club of Ann Arbor fund? What is the application process?

Community Service Grants
The Ann Arbor Rotary Club annually solicits applications from area not-for-profit organizations whose purpose aligns with the theme "Helping Kids Succeed.”
The Committee grants up to $5,000 to each selected organization. The Committee awarded about $50,000 in its most recent round. Applications are solicited through articles in local media and are available here. Grant applications must be submitted by the end of March and successful recipients are announced in late May.

Rotary Grant Application Cover Letter

Rotary Grant Application

Rotarians are sometimes available to organizations as short-term volunteers. Please see the Rotary Volunteer Application available here.

Rotary Volunteer Application

International Humanitarian Projects
A committee works to identify, develop and carry out humanitarian projects with other Rotary Clubs in Third World countries. Recent projects included electronic reading machines for India, furniture for an orphanage in the Philippines, and constructing and fitting artificial limbs in India.

The International Humanitarian Projects committee researches and recommends projects suggested by fellow members, international organizations, and individuals. The committee works with Rotary Club(s) in the country of the project, and in cooperation with the Rotary International Foundation. Projects are usually considered for funding at least a year in advance. Requests for consideration should be sent to the chair of the International Projects committee via the Contact Us link on this website.

What kind of scholarships does the Rotary Club of Ann Arbor offer and what is the application process for these scholarships?

High School Scholarships
The High School Scholarship Committee awards scholarships to approximately 15 seniors representing Huron, Pioneer, Greenhills, Father Gabriel Richard and Community high schools. Applications are submitted via counselors from these schools. Committee members review these applications and award scholarships based primarily on financial need and on meeting the Objectives of Rotary and the Four Way Test.

Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA)
The RYLA committee identifies high school students with leadership qualities and provides scholarships to attend the annual RYLA weekend leadership training conference in Ridgetown Ontario. Candidates are identified with help from high school counselors and from Interact clubs members at our large local high schools.

STRIVE
In partnership with Ann Arbor Technological High School, the Ann Arbor Rotary Strive Program helps turn young lives around. The program provides a unique structure, incentives, and motivation to help AATHS seniors accomplish these life-changing objectives. During the year the committee gives the Strive students incentives, such as theatre passes, restaurant certificates, bus passes, etc. and takes them to area companies to observe first-hand what the work-a-day world is like (Strive at Work) to encourage them to continue their progress. At the end of the school year, the committee gives about $12,000 in Washtenaw Community College scholarships to 8-10 top students based on the most improved and highest grade points.

Global Grant Scholarship (formerly Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship)

Rotary District 6380 has been selected as a pilot District as part of Rotary International’s “Future Vision Plan” which offers an alternative to the Ambassadorial Scholarship that Rotary has been awarding for many years. The following describes some of the changes associated with this new plan: 1.) Those who are accepted as Scholars will receive: $30,000 instead of the previous $24,000. 2.) The applicant, who must have completed an undergraduate degree, chooses the specific university he/she wants to attend, but it must be located within one of the 100 Rotary districts participating in the Future Visions Plan. You can get the specific location of a district online (http://www.rotary.org) and typing Rotary International District 1070, for example. 3.) Admission to the university of choice must be granted before the scholarship application is submitted. Previously candidates listed three or four universities of interest with one selected by Rotary. 4.) The date for beginning the university experience could be the fall of 2011, or later. 5.) The deadline for submitting the application to the Ann Arbor Rotary Club is November 15, with personal interviews occurring prior to December 15. Previous deadlines were in April or earlier. Acceptance or denial should be reported by late January. Application forms for Global Grant Scholarships are available at:‪ http://www.rotary.org/RIdocuments/en_pdf/fv_global_grants_scholar_application_en.pdf Questions about Global Project Districts and our Club’s selection process should be directed to “Contact Us” via the Club’s website.

Note: If your home is not Ann Arbor, you might find it helpful to check with the Rotary Club in your home area as their district might not be a Future Visions Pilot District. If that is the case, that District will still be granting Ambassadorial Scholarships and you might wish to apply through that club. Information and application forms for an Ambassadorial Scholarship can be found at http://www.rotary.org/en/StudentsAndYouth/EducationalPrograms/AmbassadorialScholarships/Pages/ridefault.aspx

:What projects does the Rotary Club of Ann Arbor NOT usually Fund?

The Club does not fund:

Projects sponsored by groups or individuals that are not a registered non-profit.

Projects that receive funding from public agencies or organizations.

International projects having no relationship with a local Rotary Club or an organization recognized by Rotary International.

What scholarships/study grants does the Rotary Club of Ann Arbor NOT usually Fund?

The Club does not usually fund support for student tuition and/or travel expenses incurred for travel to internships, international conferences, and/or volunteer activities.

Questions: Manpower?

How should one approach the Rotary Club of Ann Arbor to solicit its participation in a local fundraising/social project or activity?

Individuals or organizations seeking participation or co-sponsorship of the Club’s membership should submit an invitation of such for consideration by the Board of Directors. Requests to inform the Club’s membership of an upcoming event will not be automatically placed in the Club’s Newsletter or distributed to the Club’s group e-mail list.

How does a person or organization approach the Rotary Club of Ann Arbor to invite the Club’s help with a local or international project?

Individuals or organizations seeking participation or co-sponsorship of the Club’s membership should submit an invitation of such for consideration by the Board of Directors.

Can a non-member of Rotary volunteer to work with the Rotary Club of Ann Arbor on one or more of its service projects ?

Interested individuals or organizations wishing to help with a project coordinated by the Rotary Club should contact the club via info@annarborrotary.org They will be connected with the appropriate committee and invited to join in the fun.

Questions: Club Information?

What are the qualifications for membership in the Rotary Club of Ann Arbor?

Rotary is a worldwide organization of business and professional leaders. Membership is by invitation. An interest in serving one’s local and the world’s community is essential, as is a willingness to become active on Club Community Service committees and their projects. A review of information on our website provides a clear view of what is expected of members.

How does an interested person join the Rotary Club of Ann Arbor ?

As noted above, membership is by invitation. If, after review or the materials identified above, you feel that there may be a match between you and the Club, please send some information about yourself to info@annarborrotary.org. We will attempt to identify potential sponsors and you will likely be invited to a meeting in order for you to learn more about what goes on in our club.

There is also another Rotary Club in Ann Arbor and there are several more in the greater Ann Arbor area.

How does one suggest a speaker or program for a weekly Rotary luncheon meeting?

If after reviewing the speaker policies on this website, you would like to nominate yourself or another to speak to the Club, please use the form provided in the Membership menu.