Together, we can foster peace, fight disease and build healthier communities. Join a mission that has been enriching lives in our Nation's Capitol since 1922. Know that 100% of your generous donation serves local communities and families.
Together, we can foster peace, fight disease and build healthier communities. Join a mission that has been enriching lives in our Nation's Capitol since 1922. Know that 100% of your generous donation serves local communities and families.
Through charitable giving, we support our Club and its partners in their service activities with vulnerable populations, in our community and around the world, working together at the grass-roots level to foster economic opportunity, justice and equity, education and literacy, health, and a sustainable environment.
The DC Rotary Foundation is an independent non-profit organization that provides small grants both locally and internationally.
We are part of the global Rotary International, a global network of more than 1.4 million service-minded citizens who donate their time, money and expertise to solve the world’s most pressing challenges.
Guided by a sound investment policy and the generosity of Rotarians and service-minded Washingtonians, our endowment has grown steadily for more than a century.
90% of our grants go to organizations in the National Capitol region, ensuring you see the benefits of your philanthropy right here in your backyard.
For more than a century, we've bridged cultures and connected continents. The Rotary Foundation of Washington, DC reimagines Rotary International's seven areas of focus through locally-led projects that empower our hometown and play out on a global stage.
We strive to answer the call for economic empowerment by providing job training, supporting small businesses, and fostering entrepreneurship to fuel economic growth and individual success in Washington, DC.
Our mission is to dismantle barriers and promote equality, ensuring that every resident of DC has access to justice and the opportunity to live a life of dignity and respect.
We target the goal of universal education by enriching literacy programs and educational opportunities, equipping the youth and adults of DC with the tools for a brighter, more informed future.
In response to the essential need for accessible healthcare, we initiate and support wellness programs, health education, and services that prioritize both physical and mental well-being for all.
We take on the challenge of environmental sustainability head-on, engaging in projects that protect natural resources, promote green practices, and create a more sustainable Washington, DC.
As one of Washington, DC's most enduring charitable institutions, we have the expertise and networks to effectively fund grassroots organizations. Our small grants empower promising local initiatives and volunteer projects that might be overlooked by other donors. A donation to the Rotary Foundation of Washington, DC means investing in the potential of your community.
Our commitment to local change is reflected in the types of grants we offer, designed to empower and uplift the community
No more than 10% of total giving, divided between two grant types:
Rotary Global Grants pool funds from the DC Rotary Foundation and other Rotary Clubs to fund large-scale humanitarian projects, scholarships and vocational training. Rotary International's global fund The Rotary Foundation (TRF) selectes projects, with budgets from $30,000-$400,000
The DC Rotary Foundation directly funds international small grants up to $5,000 for sustainable humanitarian projects that involve a local Rotary Club partner close to the community being served.
Our grants, ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 per organization, are tailored for small capital needs or seed money for special services, primarily within the District of Columbia. These funds are designed to directly and tangibly benefit communities, supporting projects with clear needs and potential for positive impact.
Significant grants, reaching up to $20,000, are dedicated to supporting larger, sustainable, and impactful projects. These grants offer Rotary members opportunities for volunteerism and community engagement, while also aiming to raise the profile of both the organization and Rotary within the DC community.
The Foundation Special Grants offer an opportunity for exceptional funding allocations to projects and organizations with unique affiliations or circumstances.
These grants, exemplified by the $100,000 Centennial Grant and similar initiatives, are tailored to commemorate former members or acknowledge special connections to the foundation.
Our grants, ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 per organization, are tailored for small capital needs or seed money for special services, primarily within the District of Columbia. These funds are designed to directly and tangibly benefit communities, supporting projects with clear needs and potential for positive impact.
Significant grants, reaching up to $20,000, are dedicated to supporting larger, sustainable, and impactful projects. These grants offer Rotary members opportunities for volunteerism and community engagement, while also aiming to raise the profile of both the organization and Rotary within the DC community.
The Foundation Special Grants offer an opportunity for exceptional funding allocations to projects and organizations with unique affiliations or circumstances.
These grants, exemplified by the $100,000 Centennial Grant and similar initiatives, are tailored to commemorate former members or acknowledge special connections to the foundation.
No more than 10% of total giving, divided between two grant types:
Rotary Global Grants pool funds from the DC Rotary Foundation and other Rotary Clubs to fund large-scale humanitarian projects, scholarships, and vocational training. Rotary International's global fund The Rotary Foundation (TRF) selected projects, with budgets from $30,000-$400,000
The DC Rotary Foundation directly funds international small grants of up to $5,000 for sustainable humanitarian projects that involve a local Rotary Club partner close to the community being served.
Through our Community Service Grants, your gift empowers remarkable organizations that go beyond immediate relief to foster long-term growth and resilience in communities.
Preparing young children (6 weeks to 5 years) from families with low incomes for success in school and life. Jubilee
Changing lives by facilitating music lessons, experiences, and opportunities to benefit those who need it most. The MusicianShip aims to
Empowering young people to transform their lives through music and community. The DC Youth Orchestra Program believes that all young
Building urban gardens and farm-to-school programming for Washington, DC schools and communities. Since 2008, City Blossoms has designed and developed
Supporting and directing attention to both emerging and established writers through arts and arts education programs. The Nuestras Voces initiative
Expose, Explore, Experience. Camp iFLY is a five-week summer day camp that culminates with a one-week trip abroad to Costa
Empowering low-income families by fostering the optimal development of their young children through educational and support services. The Family Place's
Engaging older adults and their professional and family caregivers in health improvement and life enhancement through regular participation in the
Dedicated to education concerning the history of women’s rights and civic participation, and the preservation and protection of the historic
Protecting and restoring the Anacostia River by bringing partners and communities together to achieve a clean and safe Anacostia River
Supporting DC families as they move from homelessness to independent lives, contributing to the vibrancy of the DC community. Hope
Nourishing n urban farm in Washington, DC’s LeDroit Park neighborhood. Common Good City Farm is a place where community members
Helping girls in grades 3-8 to discover their limitless potential, build confidence, combat negative media influences, and set and achieve
Helping children thrive by building connections through reading. Everybody Wins DC provides free books and one-on-one volunteer reading mentors.
Improving the quality of early childhood education for children from birth to age five who live in DC’s most economically
Supporting female victims of domestic violence in Washington, DC with programs and services, including emergency and transitional shelter, workforce development,
Transforming lives through theater education. The Theater Lab creates a high-visibility opportunity for marginalized individuals in Washington, DC to elevate
Developing, producing, and presenting works that explore the breadth of Latinx performing arts, making this work accessible to the broadest
Empowering vulnerable youth with the tools they need to stay in school, graduate on time, and avoid the criminal justice
Equipping women in need on their path to financial independence by providing them with professional attire, coaching, and skills training.
Building bridges between volunteers and seniors across boundaries such as age, race, class, religion, culture, language or sexual orientation. We
Serving as professional learning communities that respect and respond to the diverse needs of underserved at-risk youths, preparing them to
Helping youth build confidence, social and technical skills, and self-pride. They empower youth with limited resources by providing funding for
Providing a residential medical facility for men experiencing homelessness with acute medical needs in Washington, DC. Christ House provides 24/7
Dedicated to education concerning the history of women’s rights and civic participation, and the preservation and protection of the historic
Delivering dignity back to the community one good at a time, by giving 100 toiletries of quality to DC homeless
Helping youth build confidence, social and technical skills, and self-pride. They empower youth with limited resources by providing funding for
Influencing the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values, and promote healthy choices
Ending homelessness in the Washington, D.C. area by empowering people in need with the skills, tools, and confidence to succeed.
Empowering young people to transform their lives through music and community. The DC Youth Orchestra Program believes that all young
Helping survivors of domestic and sexual violence and their families in its emergency unit to meet their goals for safety.
Building urban gardens and farm-to-school programming for Washington, DC schools and communities. Since 2008, City Blossoms has designed and developed
Fostering the spiritual, mental and physical development of individuals, families and communities according to the ideals of inclusiveness, equality and
Supporting and directing attention to both emerging and established writers through arts and arts education programs. The Nuestras Voces initiative
Improving the quality of early childhood education for children from birth to age five who live in DC’s most economically
Changing lives by facilitating music lessons, experiences, and opportunities to benefit those who need it most. The MusicianShip aims to
Protecting and restoring the Anacostia River by bringing partners and communities together to achieve a clean and safe Anacostia River
Transforming lives through theater education. The Theater Lab creates a high-visibility opportunity for marginalized individuals in Washington, DC to elevate
Connecting Washington, DC-area students with authors, illustrators, and their books to build equitable access and nurture a lifelong love of
Engaging older adults and their professional and family caregivers in health improvement and life enhancement through regular participation in the
Providing holistic services to support all those in need, breaking cycles of poverty, hunger, and homelessness for vulnerable people. Grate
Developing, producing, and presenting works that explore the breadth of Latinx performing arts, making this work accessible to the broadest
Empowering underserved youth and helping them work towards the achievement of personal goals through a community building, social-emotional learning, and
Building bridges between volunteers and seniors across boundaries such as age, race, class, religion, culture, language or sexual orientation. We
Serving as professional learning communities that respect and respond to the diverse needs of underserved at-risk youths, preparing them to
Improving and preserving sight and quality of life by providing services, education, and championing healthy vision and innovation to everyone
Preparing incarcerated and formerly incarcerated DC youth and adults for successful reentry through workforce development, peer support, the literary arts,
The Rotary Foundation of Washington, DC leverages Rotary International's global network of 1.4 million neighbors, friends and leaders who volunteer their skills and resources to tackle the world's most pressing challenges — both here in our Nation's Capitol and around the world.
A gift to the DC Rotary Foundation offers the best of both worlds: The DC Rotary Foundation selects and manages grants and oversees its endowment with total independence, which means donors benefit from a close and immediate connection with our generous donors.
Your donation to the Rotary Foundation of Washington, DC ignites local initiatives and fuels community growth.
Every contribution sows seeds for lasting change and tangible benefits across our city.
With a track record dating back to 1922, you can rest easy knowing that every dollar you give achieves lasting impact today and tomorrow.
Thank you for paying us a visit and considering a contribution to our remarkable organization.
We hope you will join over a century of transformative change through your donation. With Rotary, every donation catapults us towards a brighter future.
Together, we create colossal change. Your generosity propels the movement that transcends boundaries, fostering an interlinked globe where change begins within our own neighborhoods and radiates outward. By donating, you're joining a legacy of empowerment, extending far beyond our individual selves.
Gift a donation today. Be part of a lasting movement of service, volunteerism and progress. Each act of generosity reaffirms our shared commitment to sustained change. Together, let's create a lasting legacy, one donation at a time.
Make a Difference in Washington, DC and Beyond
Designate a portion of your estate to support our mission, empowering our community work.
Donate real estate or other assets
for tax benefits while advancing
our causes.
Support our work by naming us in retirement plans, insurance policies,
and annuities.
If you're 70.5 or older, donate up to $100,000 yearly from your IRA to
aid our efforts.
Take the first step in leaving a meaningful legacy today. Contact us at office@dcrotaryclub.org to learn how you can make a lasting difference through legacy giving with the Rotary Foundation of DC.
Designate a portion of your estate to support our mission, empowering our community work.
Donate real estate or other assets
for tax benefits while advancing
our causes.
Support our work by naming us in retirement plans, insurance policies,
and annuities.
If you're 70.5 or older, donate up to $100,000 yearly from your IRA to
aid our efforts.
Take the first step in leaving a meaningful legacy today. Contact us at office@dcrotaryclub.org to learn how you can make a lasting difference through legacy giving with the Rotary Foundation of DC.
Our proven track record of philanthropy dates to 1922.
We invest in local initiatives too small for other foundations, which means you're investing in the next generation of DC's change makers.
Our all-volunteer leadership team ensures your generosity funds meaningful projects, not administrative costs.
We leverage the resources, influence and expertise of Rotary International's vast global network, which gives your donation maximum impact—while still staying local.
With over 100 years of history, Rotary has a longstanding record of making meaningful changes in communities in Washington, DC and around the world. Your donation becomes part of this legacy.
Your donation makes a real difference.
When you donate to Rotary, you become part of something bigger – a movement that brings about positive change and offers personal and professional rewards.
Our proven track record of philanthropy dates to 1922.
We invest in local initiatives too small for other foundations, which means you're investing in the next generation of DC's change makers.
Our all-volunteer leadership team ensures your generosity funds meaningful projects, not administrative costs.
We leverage the resources, influence and expertise of Rotary International's vast global network, which gives your donation maximum impact—while still staying local.
Whether you are a Rotarian or a citizen committed to change, we make it easy and transparent to contribute. You can donate electronically through our website, send a check or speak to our leadership team. Whichever way you choose, your support is crucial and highly valued.
Annually, our DC Rotary Club hosts a crucial December-January Fund Drive. Members donating $100+ support our local Foundation; $400+ donors join the President's Club, attending an exclusive Spring reception.
Our experts aid donors in extending generosity across generations. Donate non-cash assets or designate Rotary Foundation in retirement plans, life insurance, or annuities for a lasting impact.
Feel free to generously support us with donations of any size. Dedicate a donation in a loved one's name or contribute to a project/causes close to your heart, fostering positive change together.
The Rotary Foundation of Washington, DC enjoys a rich history dating back to 1905 with the founding of the first Rotary Club in Chicago. That legacy of professional exchange, friendship and visionary service fuels our ongoing commitment to local service and global impact.
The story of Rotary began with a singular vision from Paul Harris, a Chicago attorney who aspired to create a space where professionals of diverse backgrounds could come together. On 23 February 1905, the Rotary Club of Chicago was born, marking the start of what would become a worldwide movement of service and camaraderie.
What started as a forum for exchanging ideas and building friendships gradually evolved into a global force for humanitarian service. In 1917, Rotary proposed an endowment “for the purpose of doing good in the world.” In 1922, the Rotary Club of DC established one of the first-ever Rotary foundations.
For more than a century, Rotary members have consistently demonstrated a commitment to addressing challenges both within their local communities and around the world. This rich history of service is the foundation upon which we continue to build and grow. This legacy of dedicated service has fueled our ongoing commitment to fostering positive change and global impact.
The story of Rotary began with a singular vision from Paul Harris, a Chicago attorney who aspired to create a space where professionals of diverse backgrounds could come together. On 23 February 1905, the Rotary Club of Chicago was born, marking the start of what would become a worldwide movement of service and camaraderie.
What started as a forum for exchanging ideas and building friendships gradually evolved into a global force for humanitarian service. In 1917, Rotary proposed an endowment “for the purpose of doing good in the world.” In 1922, the Rotary Club of DC established one of the first-ever Rotary foundations.
For more than a century, Rotary members have consistently demonstrated a commitment to addressing challenges both within their local communities and around the world. This rich history of service is the foundation upon which we continue to build and grow. This legacy of dedicated service has fueled our ongoing commitment to fostering positive change and global impact.
Discover more about our journey from a single club in Chicago to a global community dedicated to making a difference.
The Rotary Foundation of Washington, DC benefits from a global network of 1.4 million neighbors, friends, and leaders who volunteer their skills and resources to solve issues and address community needs.
