The Rotary Foundation Global Grants

Who to contact


Global Grants

Updated January 2025

Global grants support large international and local activities with sustainable, measurable outcomes in Rotary’s areas of focus.  By working together to respond to real community needs, clubs and districts strengthen their global partnerships.

What global grants support

Global grants can fund:

  • Humanitarian projects
  • Scholarships for graduate-level academic studies
  • Vocational training teams, which are groups of professionals who travel abroad either to teach local professionals about their field or to learn more about it themselves
How they are funded

Global grants have a minimum budget of $30,000 and a maximum World Fund award of $400,000.  Grant sponsors can use a combination of District Designated Funds (DDF), cash, and/or directed gifts and endowment earnings to fund a global grant.  The Foundation will provide an 80% World Fund match for all DDF contributions.  There is no minimum World Fund match.  Click here for an explanation about DDF.

Qualification to apply for a grant

Both the district and club in the country where the activity is carried out and the international partner district and club must first become qualified before applying for a global grant.  Qualification sessions in Cumbria & Lancashire are usually held each autumn.  The next session is being held on Monday 3 February 2025.  Further details can be obtained from the District Foundation Team.

Getting started 

Undertake a Community Assessment before you begin your application.  See the Resources on the Rotary Grants Centre for further information about this.

All applications should become familiar with the Terms and Conditions for Foundation Global / District Grants, and understand the essentials of complying with the MOU (Memo of Understanding).  

Detailed information can be found on the Rotary International website by logging in with your My Rotary account.  In addition there are several very useful online learning courses on the RI Learning Centre.

Click below for help accessing the Rotary International website : 

To learn more about the qualification process and grant management contact District Rotary Foundation Grants Officer Sam Jones using the form below.  


Sam JonesContact Sam Jones about this page:

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(If you are a Rotarian, please name your club.)

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