The Community Grants program provides funding for projects that contribute to the ongoing success of the community with the objective of making it a better place to live and work. One-time grants of up to $2,500 are awarded to initiatives that have the potential to provide visible, long-term, sustainable benefits for community members.

The Rotary Club of Buffalo Grove and Buffalo Grove Community Foundation are pleased to offer Joint Community Grants to organizations that positively impact the community of Buffalo Grove and its inhabitants. The Community Grants program provides funding for projects that contribute to the ongoing success of the community with the objective of making it a better place to live and work. One-time grants of up to $2,500 are awarded to initiatives that have the potential to provide visible, long-term, sustainable benefits for community members. Emphasis is given to applications that are for specific projects.
 
Does your organization help build our community?
Applicants must be organizations with a clear mission and structured leadership. Charitable or nonprofit organizations with a 501(c)(3) designation are encouraged to apply, though this designation is not a requirement to qualify. Faith-based non-profit organizations may qualify, provided their proposed project is for the benefit of the community rather than just the members of their congregation or organization. Projects must be initiated by the applying organization and advance our shared focus of community service.
 
An effective project should do more than just offer a quick fix for problems. The most effective service projects:
• Respond to real issues in the Buffalo Grove community.
• Improve the lives of community members.
• Are based on a realistic assessment of available resources.
• Achieve specific goals and objectives with measurable results.
• Build and grow effective community networks.
• Empower people and communities.
 

To meet the criteria, requests for funding should also show how a proposed project will impact community residents and include details about how the community will learn about the impact of the grant. A selection committee will review grant applications and choose grant recipients based on the thoroughness of the information in the application and the following criteria:

  • Applicants should request only the amount needed to fund the project.
  • If additional funds are required from other sources to proceed with the project, the origin of these funds should be noted.
  • If additional funds are needed to sustain the project, applicant must show evidence the organization will be able to maintain and continue the project.
  • Funding cannot be used for operating expenses, personal computers, travel expenses, dues, advertising, fund raising events, giveaways or prizes, individual scholarships, dues and memberships or lobbying expenses.
  • Applications must be signed by the organization's Executive Director or equivalent.
What kind of projects do not qualify? 
  • Those submitted for the specific benefit of for-profit businesses, religious organizations for the sole benefit of the organization, individual sports teams, political organizations or candidates, labor unions, homeowners' associations, or individuals. This list is not exhaustive but is intended to illustrate the nature of projects that are not eligible for funding.

Please submit your completed applications via email to: grants@bgrotary.org. Applications are due Thursday, February 20, 2025.

About the Rotary Club of Buffalo Grove

Rotary Clubs engage in service projects in thousands of communities all over the world. Rotary Club members form a diverse, global network of volunteers united through a common commitment to the advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace through service. If you would like to learn more about Rotary, visit BGRotary.org or contact Nanette Sowa at 847-224-9075

About the Buffalo Grove Community Foundation 

The Buffalo Grove Community Foundation exists to support and sustain activities that add to the quality of life in Buffalo Grove and help make it the wonderful community that it is. Residents may make donations to support the Foundation’s general work or they may make donations to support very specific activities or events. For more information on the Community Foundation, contact Mike Skibbe at mskibbe@vbg.org or 847-459-2506. Please submit your completed applications via email to: grants@bgrotary.org. Applications are due Thursday, February 20, 2025.