Rotary of Annapolis Foundation Grants

The Rotary of Annapolis Foundation Grants program is administered by the Rotary of Annapolis Foundation Inc., an extension of the Rotary Club of Annapolis. Chartered on February 11, 1921, the Rotary Club of Annapolis is the largest and most active service organization in Maryland's capital, boasting over 160 members. The club is renowned for its annual World's Largest Crab Feast fundraiser and its strong community engagement through both financial contributions and volunteer service. With a mission centered on civic responsibility and enhancing community well-being, the Foundation supports charitable projects throughout the Annapolis region. The grant initiative is designed specifically to support local nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations operating in the Annapolis area. The objective of the Rotary of Annapolis Foundation Grants is to provide financial support to charitable entities seeking funding for community-based projects. Funding requests are considered exclusively for amounts between $4,000 and $10,000. The Foundation has made it clear that awarded funds may not be used for administrative costs, rent, salaries, or staff overhead, reinforcing its commitment to funding direct services and project-based initiatives that benefit the community. Applications for the 2026 grant cycle are accepted beginning February 15 and must be submitted by April 15, 2026. Late applications will not be considered. Applications must be submitted through the designated online form, and all fields within the form are required. Applicants are instructed to be concise, limiting each answer to fewer than 100 words and refraining from uploading or pasting lengthy documents into the form fields. Required uploads include a copy of the organization’s IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter and a current board roster. The organization must also be in good standing with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) and the IRS, and it must possess a valid Maryland charity registration number or comparable documentation of tax-exempt status. The evaluation process is conducted by the Rotary of Annapolis Foundation Committee, which reviews submissions promptly following the application deadline. While no formal evaluation criteria or rubric is disclosed, the Foundation emphasizes eligibility and completeness of submissions. Organizations failing to meet the baseline requirements — such as not being a 501(c)(3) or lacking required documentation — will not be considered. Award notifications and fund disbursement are expected to follow shortly after the close of the application window in mid-April. The Rotary Club of Annapolis’s engagement with the local community extends well beyond grantmaking. Members actively volunteer in various civic efforts, including organizing community cleanups, supporting Salvation Army drives, and participating in housing rehabilitation projects. This spirit of local stewardship is reflected in their grantmaking priorities, with funds aimed at strengthening the Annapolis area. The program recurs annually, following a similar February-to-April cycle, and eligible organizations are encouraged to review past application cycles to prepare for future opportunities. While no specific contact email or phone number is included in the materials, applicants are advised to reach out through the Rotary Club’s main communication channels if questions arise.