Our Programs

Welcome to the heart of our mission at the Rotary Foundation of Washington, DC: Our Programs. Embracing Rotary’s motto of “Service Before Self,” our programs bring together our member’s generous donations with their time, passion and expertise. Each initiative we undertake is a reflection of our commitment to community enrichment and youth development. From greening our city’s landscapes to empowering the next generation of leaders, our diverse range of programs is designed to create a tangible impact in Washington, D.C., and beyond.

Here, we invite you to explore these programs and discover how you can join us in building a stronger, more connected community.

Trees for the Capital - Rotary Foundation Projects DC | Rotary Club Foundation of DC

Greening the Capital, Honoring Speakers

Trees for the Capital

Through the Peter Gilsey Trees for the Capital program, we plant a cherry tree in honor of each weekly speaker at our Rotary Club meetings. In partnership with the National Parks Service, we are working to restore Washington, DC’s tree canopy. We plant cherry trees near the Tidal Basin and other varieties in parks such as Farragut Square. This longstanding program not only beautifies our city, but pays tribute to the extraordinary speakers at our weekly luncheon meetings — a symbol of growth and renewal.

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Trees for the Capital - Rotary Foundation Projects DC | Rotary Club Foundation of DC
Walter Reed Bingo - Rotary Foundation Projects DC | Rotary Club Foundation of DC

Fun & Fellowship with Heroes

Walter Reed Bingo

Our longstanding commitment to supporting wounded warriors at Walter Reed medical centers is exemplified by our monthly bingo nights. These events, held at the USO Warrior Center and now virtually, provide a space for fun and fellowship for servicemen and women and their families.

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Grate Patrol - Rotary Foundation Projects DC | Rotary Club Foundation of DC

Extending a Helping Hand to the Homeless

Grate Patrol

In collaboration with the Salvation Army, our volunteers participate in the nightly distribution of hot meals to the homeless in D.C. Our involvement includes joining the van two nights a month, with our Foundation ready to cover any ancillary costs that might arise.

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Grate Patrol - Rotary Foundation Projects DC | Rotary Club Foundation of DC
Boys and Girls Club DC - Rotary Foundation Projects DC | Rotary Club Foundation of DC

Empowering Futures

Boys and Girls Club

Through a special endowment from a Rotarian, the Rotary Foundation of Washington, DC has supported the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington since 1927. We provide capital funding for renovations and infrastructure, ensuring the Boys and Girls Club can build a brighter tomorrow for the 12,000 children it serves in the greater DC region.

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Rotaract Club of DC - Rotary Foundation Projects DC | Rotary Club Foundation of DC

Shaping Tomorrow's Change-Makers

Rotaract Clubs

The Rotary Foundation of Washington, DC supports the Rotaract Club of Washington, DC and the Rotaract Club of George Washington University. Aimed at young people from 18 to 30, Rotaract Clubs foster leadership and professional development. The clubs meet twice monthly and participate in varied service activities — many in conjunction with the Rotary Club of DC. Each year, we send the Rotaract President of the older of the two clubs to the annual Rotary International Convention, which takes place annually in a different city around the world. The club’s officers also receive money for lunches so that they can attend our Rotary District Conference as well as United Nations Day in New York City.

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Rotaract Club of DC - Rotary Foundation Projects DC | Rotary Club Foundation of DC
Interact Clubs of DC - Rotary Foundation Projects DC | Rotary Club Foundation of DC

Shaping Future Change makers

Interact Clubs

We sponsor two Interact Clubs that cater to high school students. These clubs are dedicated to nurturing the next generation of leaders and change-makers, with activities and goals aligned with those of the Rotaract Clubs, notably community service and personal growth.

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Richard Wright PCS Career Fair - Rotary Foundation Projects DC | Rotary Club Foundation of DC

Navigating Futures

Career Fair

Each year, some 30 professionals in various fields—Rotarians from our club and others—spend a day meeting with up to 300 high-school students from D.C. public high schools and talking with them about their career paths.

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Richard Wright PCS Career Fair - Rotary Foundation Projects DC | Rotary Club Foundation of DC
Rotary Youth Leadership Award RYLA DC - Rotary Foundation Projects DC | Rotary Club Foundation of DC

Fostering Youth Leadership and Vision

Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA)

Each year, the Rotary Club sends a dozen deserving young students from DC Public Schools’ Roosevelt and Dunbar Senior High Schools to a three-night leadership conference in rural Maryland over the Presidents’ Day weekend. There, they meet and interact with other student leaders from Northern Virginia and Maryland. Many return from the camp proclaiming it a vision-broadening and life-changing experience.
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Launch dreams

Your Investment Sparks a Brighter Future

With each donation to the Rotary Foundation of Washington, DC, you stoke the fire forging the diverse leaders of tomorrow.

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Discover How to give back

Begin
Your
Legacy
Giving
Journey

Will Bequests

Designate a portion of your estate to support our mission, empowering our community work.

Non-Cash Donations

Donate real estate or other assets
for tax benefits while advancing
our causes.

Beneficiary Designation

Support our work by naming us in retirement plans, insurance policies,
and annuities.

IRA Contributions

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.

Contact Us
Discover How to give back

Begin
Your
Legacy
Giving
Journey

Will
Bequests

Designate a portion of your estate to support our mission, empowering our community work.

Non-Cash
Donations

Donate real estate or other assets
for tax benefits while advancing
our causes.

Beneficiary
Designation

Support our work by naming us in retirement plans, insurance policies,
and annuities.

IRA
Contributions

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.

Contact Us
Rotary International semi transparent PNG Logo | The Rotary Club Foundation of DC
Rotary Club of DC semi transparent PNG Logo | The Rotary Club Foundation of DC
rOTARACT cLUB OF dc semi transparent PNG Logo | The Rotary Club Foundation of DC
Interact Club of DC International semi transparent PNG Logo | The Rotary Club Foundation of DC
Important Links
Grants and Programs
Grantees
Street Sense Media | Community Service Grants | The Rotary Foundation of Washington DC

Street Sense Media

DC Youth Orchestra | Community Service Grants | The Rotary Foundation of Washington DC

DC Youth Orchestra Program

Dubarton Concerts | Community Service Grants | The Rotary Foundation of Washington DC

Dumbarton Concerts/Inner-City, Inner-Child