Rotary Club of Hagerstown Charitable Foundation Grant Program

The Rotary Club of Hagerstown Charitable Foundation is a philanthropic arm of the Rotary Club of Hagerstown that provides annual funding support to nonprofit organizations serving Washington County, Maryland. The foundation operates as a private charitable entity and distributes funds raised through Rotary-led fundraising activities. Its grant program is designed to support community-based organizations in addressing needs that align with Rotary International’s global priorities, including peacebuilding, disease prevention, water and sanitation, maternal and child health, education and literacy, and economic and community development. This funding opportunity focuses specifically on capital improvement projects. Eligible expenditures are limited to costs associated with acquiring tangible, depreciable assets or making permanent improvements to real property. Examples include equipment purchases or facility upgrades that provide long-term benefit to the organization. The foundation explicitly excludes funding for operating expenses, such as rent, salaries, utilities, program delivery costs, and routine maintenance. This restriction ensures that grant funds are used for sustainable investments that enhance organizational capacity rather than day-to-day operations. The program offers awards of up to $10,000, with a historical emphasis on smaller grants beginning at $1,000. While the total program funding and number of awards are not specified, the foundation distributes funds annually based on available fundraising proceeds. All awarded funds must be fully expended by December 31, 2026, and recipients are required to provide proof of expenditure in accordance with instructions issued alongside the grant award. Organizations that previously received funding must demonstrate compliance with prior reporting requirements to remain eligible for future funding. Eligibility is limited to nonprofit organizations operating within Washington County, Maryland, that are recognized as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Applicants must provide documentation confirming their tax-exempt status and ensure that the organization name matches the IRS determination letter. Additional required materials include a current annual budget, a copy of the most recent financial statement, and a list of officers and board members. The foundation also considers an organization’s participation in Rotary fundraising efforts as part of its evaluation criteria. The application process requires submission of a completed application form along with all supporting documentation. Applications must be physically delivered either by hand or through a delivery service to the specified address. Electronic submissions, including email applications, are not accepted. Applicants are also asked to describe their involvement in supporting Rotary fundraising initiatives from 2022 to the present, which may include ticket sales, sponsorships, or participation in events. The application deadline is April 15, 2026 at 4:00 PM, and late submissions are not considered. Award notifications are scheduled to be issued by May 29, 2026. Successful applicants are expected to attend a Rotary meeting on June 17, 2026 to receive funding and be formally recognized. The program operates on an annual cycle, with funding availability tied to the Rotary Club’s yearly fundraising efforts, suggesting a recurring opportunity for eligible organizations.

Emphasize alignment with Rotary priorities and demonstrate active participation in Rotary fundraising efforts as this is a key evaluation factor; ensure the request strictly qualifies as a capital expense