We support the convening, planning & capacity building that make projects possible. Our Seed grants make small investments with potential for big impact.
What We Fund
Seed grants fund the beginning stages of projects with the potential for broad community impact that may eventually be strong applicants for an Assets for Thriving Communities grant or a Systems Change Accelerator grant.
Finding the way into deeper collaboration, learning and adapting – as described in our Grant Criteria below – often requires that we pause and take stock of where we are and where we want to go. Whether you’re developing a new community asset or trying to change an entrenched system, new ways of working may require coaching, consulting, and facilitated processes. Seed Grants can help support this type of groundwork that must happen before the rubber ever meets the road. You have heard us and others say, “go slow to go fast.” Seed Grants are part of our “patient capital” that helps build strong foundations for deeper impact. Learn more about our previously awarded grants.
Potential Grant Uses
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Convening stakeholders and networks to better understand a community problem or need, and opportunities for development
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Community planning to implement high priority projects
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Strategies to engage stakeholders
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Feasibility studies, market analyses, needs assessments, other research
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Planning or piloting new strategies and/or aligning actions with others
Assessing and building the capacity of organizations, partners, or networks to move forward together
Organization, partner or network development activities – especially those that will improve connectivity, learning, and the ability to adapt and respond to changing conditions
Designing processes and tools for deeper learning
Our Grant Criteria
We evaluate every grant application using our Guiding Principles as a lens.
Additional information, including details on how we score applications, is available in our grant guidance document.
Grant Application and Review Process
Application Process
Are you ready to apply for a Seed Grant?
First, we recommend that you review the Guidance for Grantseekers FAQ for information on eligibility, requirements, and the application process.
Before you begin a grant application, it is essential to discuss your initiative with our team. Schedule a meeting with Freya (for systems-focused grants) or Kendra (for assets-focused grants). This conversation will help align your proposal with our funding priorities and clarify any questions you may have.
Following your pre-grant meeting, our staff will provide you with a link to submit your application electronically. You can prepare for your application by reading through the application questions. Applications for Seed Grants are due on the 1st of each month.
If you encounter any issues while completing your online application, refer to our troubleshooting guide, or reach out to Kendra directly for assistance.
Seed Grant Review Process
After a Seed grant application is submitted, it is reviewed by two members of the Rotary Charities staff and scored based on the criteria in Appendix 1 of the Grant Guidance Document. A list of questions (if any) will be compiled and the applicant can respond in writing.
For requests less than or equal to $10,000, a written summary of the staff review and a funding recommendation will be included in the board packet to be considered for funding at their monthly meeting.
For requests greater than $10,000, the full application, written summary of the staff review, and a funding recommendation will be included in the board packet to be considered for funding at their monthly meeting.
Applicants are typically notified of the outcome of their applications within a month of submission.
If you have any questions regarding the grant review process, please contact us directly. We're here to support you through the application process and beyond!
