Our Impact

 
Our Impact
Since its founding, LAREF has had a significant local and global impact through its grants, scholarships, and funding. LAREF’s giving priorities reflect the philanthropic desires of Los Altos Rotary Club members as well as the focus areas of Rotary International.  Last year LAREF gave over $184,000 in grants, scholarships and other charitable funding.
 
Grants to local nonprofits
Twice a year the LAREF Community Grants committee gives grants to local nonprofit applicants.  In addition, LAREF gives several “Pillar Grants” to local nonprofits that provide essential benefits to our local community.  During the last year, LAREF gave a total of $100,000 in community and Pillar grants. In the last 10 years, LAREF has given over $733,000 in local grants.  More information on LAREF’s Community Grants can be found on this page.
 
Grants to Fund Community Projects
LAREF and LARC have provided funds and services for projects that benefit Los Altos. Several are in progress at this time.  Past projects include:
  • Purchasing Jaws of Life for Fire Department
  • Constructing the BBQ area at Patriot’s Corner in Shoup Park
  • Refurbishing the gazebo in Lincoln Park
  • Improvements to the Garden House (Audio, Video Screens, Fans, etc.)
  • Contributing to the Community Plaza/Veterans’ Plaza
  • Paying for Lincoln Park electrical undergrounding
  • Funding the historical mural on the Satura Cakes building (2nd and Main)
  • Funding bike racks near the History Museum.
Scholarships to rising college freshmen
The LAREF Scholarship committee participates in the Community Roundtable, a group of local service clubs and other organizations that creates a common application that typically is open during the month of February.  Local high school seniors who have selected a community college or university can apply. Last year, LAREF gave $57,000 in scholarships to 17 college-bound students.  In the last 10 years, the program has given over $350,000 in scholarships. More information on LAREF’s Scholarship program can be found on this page.
 
Support for Los Altos Rotary’s Avenues of Service and Committees
The Rotary Club of Los Altos has numerous activities and committees that follow Rotary’s Avenues of Service.  These include Vocational, Community, International, Youth, and Club service. LAREF funds activities within these, such as the club’s World Community Service Committee, the Enterprise Leadership Conference (ELC), Rotary Youth Leadership Academy (RYLA), and Interact.  In addition, LAREF helps fund LARC committees and organizations, such as the Los Altos Rotary Climate Action Committee and Child Health & AIDS Prevention (CHAP).
 
Rotarian-Sponsored Projects
LARC members who want to start a new service project can apply to LAREF for a grant. This allows Rotarians to try out a new charitable or service idea that could address an unmet need. Click here for the grant application.