Large Grants (Huney)

Introduction

The first Rotary Auction was held in 1960 to raise money to buy land for the Bainbridge Island Public Library. Not only did this mark the beginning of a unique and revered community event, it also represented the first instance when the event’s revenues were used to support a major community project.

Since 1960, the Large Community Grants (Huney) Committee’s mission has been to help fund a wide variety of projects that have vastly improved the quality of life on Bainbridge Island. The committee is named after Judd Huney, an inspirational early member of the club.

• Approximately one-third of the Auction & Rummage Sale net proceeds are allocated for large grants.
• Funds can accumulate from year to year, as the committee searches for projects that will have a significant impact on the Bainbridge Island community.
• The club’s contribution to a community project could range from $25,000 to $100,000 or more.
• In some cases, we team with other organizations to help fund and/or complete a project.

Prospective Applicants

If you are interested in applying for a large grant, please start by reading the grant guidelines to determine if your project meets the criteria and for guidance on how to proceed. If it does, the first step is to submit a letter of inquiry.

Letters of Inquiry (LOIs) must be  submitted before September 15th in order to be considered in the current year’s grant cycle. As a rule, it is better for the applicant to involve Rotary early in a project as we feel we can be more effective in the initial stages. If the letter of intent and the project are deemed suitable for a possible grant, the applicant will be invited to formally apply. The Large Grants (Huney) Committee will then evaluate the application and request further information where appropriate.

Questions can be directed to: largegrants@bainbridgeislandrotary.org.

Future Cycles

1. Criteria for grant consideration;
2. The total amount hoped to be granted in the coming year; and
3. The total amount hoped to be held for future years.

Additional Information and Resources

• Large Grant Guidelines
• Letter of Inquiry Form
• History of Awarded Large Grants