We’re excited to share our Community Grant Awards for 2026!
Community Impact
Rotary Community Grants are made possible by the dedicated support of our donors, volunteers, sponsors, and shoppers through our annual fundraiser, the Rotary Auction & Rummage Sale. Together, we are strengthening essential organizations and helping make our region more vibrant, healthy, and resilient.
Program Overview
Our Community Grants Program provides funding from $500 to $15,000 to support capital projects and purchases. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt nonprofits, the Bainbridge Island School District (BISD), and the Bainbridge Island Metro Park & Recreation District (BIMRPD).
Applications were accepted from September 15 through October 15, 2025. We received 51 qualified applications totaling $462,797 in requested funding.
Review Process
To better understand each proposal, our dedicated committee of 28 Rotarians conducted site visits and interviews, focusing on the specific needs and potential community impact of each request. After careful review and discussion, we were proud to award 38 grants totaling $239,086.
Highlights
- Grant awards ranged from $1,500 to $13,000.
- 8 nonprofits received their first-ever Rotary Community Grant.
- 66% of awards (25 total) went to Bainbridge-based nonprofits, including BISD.
- 34% (13 awards) supported off-island organizations that also serve Bainbridge residents.
- Funding spanned all nonprofit sectors: Health, Housing & Human Services, Education, Arts, Culture & Humanities, Recreation, Public/Societal Benefit, Animal Welfare, and the Environment.
To view the full list of grant recipients, please visit our grant awards page.
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By Rosemary Shaw