The Rotary Club of Sebastopol logo

Mark Sell Rotary Teacher Grant Program (MSRTG)

The Rotary Club of Sebastopol

Funding Amount

$50 - $700

Deadline

September 30, 2026

175 days left

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Mark Sell Rotary Teacher Grant Program

Overview: The Rotary Club of Sebastopol strives to enrich the learning experiences and skills of West Sonoma County students through the Mark Sell Rotary Teacher Grant Program. The program funds a multitude of class and school projects that enhance student learning.

Geographic Scope: West Sonoma County Union High School District boundaries

Focus Areas:

  • Basic core skills (reading, writing, math, science, history, social studies)

  • Physical education

  • Career-technical education

  • The Arts

  • Field trips

  • Social-emotional learning

  • Guest presenters

  • Equipment with multi-year benefits
  • What They Don't Fund:

  • Religious education
  • Eligibility:

  • Public schools within West Sonoma County Union High School District boundaries

  • Tax-exempt private schools within the district (must submit IRS determination letter)

  • Teachers at these schools
  • Background: Co-founded in 2002 by Mark Sell (late co-owner of Sebastopol Hardware), the program was created after Mark noticed teachers purchasing classroom supplies out of their own pockets. As of the latest information, the program has distributed 1,313 grants totaling $433,693. Mark Sell passed away in 2017, but his legacy continues. Funds are raised annually through the Rotary Club of Sebastopol's Crab Feed held in February.

    Contact: Rotary Club of Sebastopol, PO Box 213, Sebastopol, CA 95473

    How to Apply

    Application Process

    Timeline:
    1. Applications accepted the day after Labor Day through September 30th
    2. Final selection and check distribution occur in October
    3. Grant projects must be completed by end of school year

    Submission:

  • Online application form on Rotary Club of Sebastopol website

  • Confirmation email sent upon receipt
  • Required Information:
    1. Keep request short and succinct
    2. Specify what you want and exact cost (including taxes, shipping, other anticipated charges)
    3. Identify where items will be purchased
    4. Specify number of students who will benefit
    5. Explain how the grant will impact and enrich student learning
    6. If grant doesn't cover full amount, explain how remaining costs will be covered
    7. Use school's mailing address (not home address)
    8. Optionally attach pictures to help visualize the request

    Additional Requirements:

  • Teachers must share application with school principal/site administrator

  • Single check issued to school for total amount awarded; school disburses to teachers

  • Grantees must submit evidence of project completion and student impact (photos, newspaper articles, social media acknowledgments appreciated)
  • Award Amounts: $50 to maximum of $700

    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    teachersk-12-schoolseducation

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