Community Service Committee Update

Part of the proceeds of Rotary Shines will be given to Even Start Family Literacy Program through the Fox Valley Technical College Foundation. This program provides basic adult education and English Language Learning to area families as the first part of a four-pronged approach to family literacy.

The Community Service Fund was established to address needs in the local area. They received 17 grant applications and awarded grants to: Community Garden Partnership: “Good Garden Works” ($788), Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts, and Letters: “Age On! A Series on Growing Older, Better” ($1,000) and Lutheran Social Services at the Thompson Center: Scholarships for MindWorks providing respite for family caregivers ($1,151).

Community Service Grants

The Rotary Club of Appleton is pleased to make available grants from Rotary Shines, our major spring fundraiser, and from the Community Service Fund. Grants from the Community Service Fund will total $2939 this year. Rotary Shines funds are estimated at $10,000 but will vary depending on the success of our 2012 fundraiser. You are encouraged to apply for either source of funding, or both. Both grants support local community needs, and may provide members of the Rotary Club of Appleton with volunteer opportunities. The following guidelines will help you determine if you qualify for funding from these sources:

• Grants will be given to organizations designated as 501c(3).
• The project must serve/benefit residents of the Appleton area.
• Capital Projects (“bricks and mortar”) will not be funded.
• Annual campaigns will not be funded.
• Funds may serve as seed money for projects.
• Funds will be committed for only one year at a time, but may be awarded up to three consecutive years.
• Please do not request funds for ongoing operational expenses.

Requests for both grants must be received by October 14, 2011. Rotary’s Community Service Committee will determine recommendations for recipients of both grants at one meeting. Applications can be found on our website.

Community Service Grant Requests

The Rotary Club of Appleton is pleased to make available grants from Rotary Shines, our major spring fundraiser, and from the Community Service Fund. Grants from the Community Service Fund will total $2939 this year. Rotary Shines funds are estimated at $10,000 but will vary depending on the success of our 2012 fundraiser. You are encouraged to apply for either source of funding, or both. Both grants support local community needs, and may provide members of the Rotary Club of Appleton with volunteer opportunities. The following guidelines will help you determine if you qualify for funding from these sources:

• Grants will be given to organizations designated as 501c(3).
• The project must serve/benefit residents of the Appleton area.
• Capital Projects (“bricks and mortar”) will not be funded.
• Annual campaigns will not be funded.
• Funds may serve as seed money for projects.
• Funds will be committed for only one year at a time, but may be awarded up to three consecutive years.
• Please do not request funds for ongoing operational expenses.

Requests for both grants must be received by October 14, 2011. Rotary’s Community Service Committee will determine recommendations for recipients of both grants at one meeting. Applications can be found on our website under forms and documents.

Rotary Grants Funds to NAMI

The Community Service Committee reviewed over 30 grant proposals from a number of non-profits. The committee chose to award $3,000 from the Community Service Fund to NAMI in memory of Ted Marjenka. These funds will be used to support members of our community who live with mental illness. Karen Schiller, Development Director, explained that their mission is to improve the quality of life of individuals living with mental illness and the vision to someday live in a community where mental illness is treated just like any other physical illness. Ninety percent of those who die from suicide have a diagnosable psychiatric illness. One in four people live with a mental illness and only one third seek treatment. NAMI provides education, support and advocacy with people with mental illness and their families. Last year, they served more than 3,000 people. On Saturday, October 8, there will be a NAMI Fox Valley Walk beginning at Appleton Memorial Park. You can sign up to walk, be on the Board, planning committee or volunteer the day of the walk.

Commuity Service Grant

The Rotary Club of Appleton is currently taking applications for the 2011 Community Service grant program. The club will award up to $3,000 of funding to non-profit organizations that support local community needs and provide members of the Rotary Club of Appleton with volunteer opportunities.

Interested organizations must apply for the grants by April 1, 2011. Eligible organizations will meet the following criteria:

· Only 501c(3) organizations are eligible

· The program or project must serve/benefit residents of the Appleton area

· Capital projects and/or annual campaigns will not be funded

· Funds will be committed for only one year at a time, but may be awarded up to three consecutive years.

Applications are available at the club’s website http://www.focol.org/aprotary/ScholarshipsGrants.html. The Rotary Club of Appleton has approximately 200 members and meets weekly on Tuesdays at noon.

ABOUT ROTARY INTERNATIONAL: Rotary is a volunteer service organization with 33,000 clubs in over 200 countries and geographical areas. It initiates humanitarian projects that address today’s challenges affecting the world today, such as hunger, poverty, and illiteracy. Rotary club members represent a cross-section of business and professional leaders around the world. These 1.2 million men and women donate their expertise, time, and funds to support local and international projects that help people in need and promote understanding among cultures. Rotary International is the worldwide association of Rotary clubs united under a motto of Service Above Self.