Julius Gius Memorial Rotary Foundation
The Julius Gius Memorial Rotary Foundation
Mission Statement: The Julius Gius Memorial Rotary Foundation dba Rotary Club of Ventura Foundation (aka JGMRF) is the non-profit (501c3) arm of the Rotary Club of Ventura. Its purpose is to support the work of non-profit organizations that provide services within the city of Ventura. JGMRF, guided by the Rotary motto, “Service Above Self”, seeks to increase the ability of non-profits in our designated area to serve the educational, recreational, artistic and health and human service needs of our fellow Venturans.
2026 COMMUNITY GRANTS:
The grant application window is open May 1, 2026 and closes May 31, 2026. All grant applications must be received by end of business on May 31, 2026. Late applications will not be accepted. All grant applicants must have a sponsoring member of the Rotary Club of Ventura.
New this year, we have two distinct types of grants:
1. "Sustaining" Community Grants APPLY HERE (Google form)
Supporting today’s needs. This is our traditional/legacy grant program, continuing this year with JGMRF’s long-standing support of proven local programs.
• Award amounts: $250 - $3,000
• Up to ten (10) grants will be awarded
• Focus is established programs delivering consistent, measurable community benefit
• Award amounts: $250 - $3,000
• Up to ten (10) grants will be awarded
• Focus is established programs delivering consistent, measurable community benefit
2. “Strategic Innovation” Community Grant APPLY HERE (Google form)
Investing in tomorrow’s change. A new, single-award grant designed to support bold, high-impact ideas.
• One (1) grant awarded (up to $10,000)
• Focus: Projects or programs with the potential for meaningful, lasting, or systemic change
• Supports new initiatives or transformative expansion of existing programs
• Prioritizes ideas with scalability, innovation, and the ability to scale or transform organizational impact—and the lives of Ventura residents.
Investing in tomorrow’s change. A new, single-award grant designed to support bold, high-impact ideas.
• One (1) grant awarded (up to $10,000)
• Focus: Projects or programs with the potential for meaningful, lasting, or systemic change
• Supports new initiatives or transformative expansion of existing programs
• Prioritizes ideas with scalability, innovation, and the ability to scale or transform organizational impact—and the lives of Ventura residents.
