Community Grants

The Rotary Club of Bainbridge Island Community Grants program provides funding to nonprofit organizations serving Bainbridge Island and Kitsap County. The program awards 30-35 grants annually from funds generated by the Rotary Auction & Rummage Sale.

Key Details

• Geographic Scope: Bainbridge Island and Kitsap County, Washington
• Award Range: $700 - $15,000 per grant
• Annual Budget: Approximately $190,000 - $205,000
• Number of Awards: 34-35 grants annually

Funding Priorities & Focus Areas

• Community-based nonprofit programs and services
• Organizations serving disadvantaged populations
• Projects improving quality of life
• Environmental protection and stewardship
• Youth programs
• Education
• Health and human services
• Arts and culture

Eligibility

• Must be a nonprofit organization (501(c)(3) or equivalent)
• Projects on Bainbridge Island preferred (79% of awards go to Bainbridge-based organizations)
• Off-island Kitsap County organizations serving Bainbridge residents considered (21% of awards)

Application Process

A 22-23 person committee of dedicated Rotarians reviews applications, conducts site visits and interviews, and makes funding decisions based on organizational need and project impact.

Recent Award Distribution (2024-2025 cycle)

• 46 applications received requesting $405,017
• 34 grants awarded totaling $190,100
• 7 new nonprofits received first-time grants
• 18 organizations received full funding
• 16 organizations received partial funding
• 27 awards (79%) to Bainbridge-based nonprofits
• 7 awards (21%) to off-island Kitsap County organizations

Contact

Address: Rotary Club of Bainbridge Island, 221 Winslow Way West #302, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110

Application Process

1. Application Period: October 1 - November 1 (annual deadline)
2. Application Review:
   • 22-23 person committee reviews all applications
   • Committee conducts site visits and interviews with applicants
   • Detailed evaluation of organizational needs and project impacts
3. Decision Timeline: Decisions typically finalized by March following the application deadline
4. Award Notification: Grant recipients announced in March/April

Required Materials

• Formal application form (submit during October 1 - November 1 window)
• Organization background and mission information
• Project description and budget
• Organizational financial information
• Evidence of nonprofit status

Additional Notes

• Applications must be submitted during the annual October 1 - November 1 deadline
• Committee evaluates both full funding and partial funding scenarios
• Site visits and interviews are conducted for all applications under consideration