Community Grants
 

Community Grants
 
Community Grants Application Process

The Rotary Club of Weston & Wayland loves supporting the people and organizations who make our community stronger. Through our Community Grants Program, we help local nonprofits and community groups bring good ideas to life — whether that’s improving access to services, creating new opportunities, or simply making life better for the people who live here.

If your organization is doing meaningful work in Weston, Wayland, or nearby towns, we’d love to hear from you.
 
How to Apply

Applying for a grant is simple, and we’re here to help you through it.
* Please note that organizations may only receive one grant.

1. Connect with a Rotary Sponsor 
Every application needs a Rotary Sponsor/Advocate — a club member who knows your project and supports your request. If you don’t already have a sponsor, just reach out. We’ll introduce you to someone who can help.  president@westonwaylandrotary.com

2. Fill Out the Community Grant Application

The application asks for the basics: who you are, what you want to do, how much funding you need, and how your project will make a difference. It also includes a short statement from your Rotary sponsor.

3. Submit Your Application by the Deadline

We review applications twice a year: October 1st and April 1st.
If you miss a deadline, don’t worry — we’ll simply consider your application in the next cycle. 
You may only submit 1 application per year.

4. We Review and Follow Up

Our Community Service Committee reads every application carefully. We use a clear scoring rubric that looks at things like:
 
  •  How your project aligns with Rotary’s Areas of Focus
  •  The impact you’ll have on the community
  •  Whether your plan is realistic and ready to go
  •  How well your budget is thought out
  •  Your organization’s ability to deliver the project
Once the committee completes its review, our Board approves final decisions. You’ll hear back from us within about 30 days of the deadline.

What Kinds of Projects We Support
 
The guiding principles of Rotary encourage high ethical standards in supporting humanitarian projects to address issues in seven key areas:
 
  1. Promoting peace - encouraging conversations to foster understanding within and across cultures
  2. Fighting disease - educating and equipping communities to stop the spread of life-threatening diseases
  3. Providing clean water, sanitation, and hygiene - ensuring access to clean water and proper sanitation
  4. Saving mothers and children - improving maternal and child health
  5. Supporting education - enhancing access to education and literacy
  6. Growing local economies - supporting economic development and community growth
  7. Protecting the environment - focusing on sustainability and environmental protection

We’re open to a wide range of ideas. If your project strengthens the community, supports people in need, or aligns with Rotary’s mission, it’s worth a conversation.  Here are some examples of the types of projects we often support:
 
  • Youth Education - Programs that help kids and teens learn, grow, or find their footing — from tutoring and literacy to leadership development and STEM activities.
  • Health & Wellness - Efforts that support physical or mental health, expand access to care, or help people live healthier lives.
  • Environment & Sustainability - Projects that protect our natural spaces, promote sustainability, or educate the community about environmental stewardship.
  • Community Building - Events, programs, or initiatives that bring people together, celebrate local culture, or strengthen community connections.
  • Support for Vulnerable Populations - Services for seniors, families in need, individuals with disabilities, or anyone facing hardship.
  • Economic & Workforce Development - Programs that help people build skills, find jobs, or support local economic growth.
     
What Makes a Strong Application

You don’t need a huge budget or a complicated plan. What matters most is clarity and community benefit. Strong applications usually:
 
  •  Explain the need you’re addressing
  •  Show how your project will make a real difference
  •  Include a clear, reasonable budget
  •  Demonstrate that your team can carry out the work
  •  Describe how Rotary’s support will help move things forward
We’re Here to Help

The Rotary Club of Weston & Wayland believes in the power of local organizations to create meaningful change. If you’re doing work that strengthens our community, we want to support you.

When you’re ready, reach out — we’d love to learn about your project.
 
 
Send your completed application to president@westonwaylandrotary.com