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
Exploration, Experimentation & Design
Planning and development of new or adapted initiatives
Piloting or prototyping approaches
Feasibility studies, needs assessments, market analyses
Systems mapping and other learning or sensemaking activities
Assessing and building the capacity of partners or networks to move forward together
Designing inclusive decision-making structures and co-creation with people with lived experience
Organizational Adaptation & Readiness
Scenario planning for strategic repositioning
Risk management, business continuity preparedness, or succession planning
Revenue diversification or fund development strategy
Organizational restructuring, shared services, or mergers
Financial dashboard development or systems upgrades
Data management transitions to improve agility or security
Translating and adapting tools, materials, or processes for accessibility and equity
Community & Stakeholder Engagement
Convening stakeholders or cross-sector partners
Facilitating community planning or engagement processes
Developing partnership agreements or exploring governance or stewardship models for collective work
Advocacy planning and messaging development
Framing, storytelling, and other narrative strategies
Pre-Development for Capital Projects
Visioning and prioritizing for community projects
Site assessments and preparation
Design charrettes and planning with architects, users, etc.
Architectural or structural drawings or plans
Environmental or cultural impact exploration
Wellbeing & Organizational Culture Change
Piloting policies and practices that support balance and renewal (e.g., flexible scheduling, collective rest, workload tools)
Training, coaching, or facilitated processes to strengthen leadership and organizational culture
Peer support, team rituals, or connection practices that build belonging and resilience
Equity-centered initiatives such as pay/benefits reviews, inclusive benefit pilots, or shared decision-making structures
Our Grant Criteria
Seed Grants are evaluated based on the following criteria:
Purpose & Potential – The project is well-positioned to seed a future community asset or systems change effort. It reflects a meaningful and timely next step, rooted in a clear understanding of the need or opportunity. It connects to a vision for more thriving and equitable communities.
Engaging Others – The applicant is engaging people and/or organizations meaningfully through this project or in their broader work by intentionally including those most affected, and those with influence, resources, or aligned missions in ways that are appropriate to the project’s goals and stage.
Weaving Resources – The applicant demonstrates awareness of and creativity in using available resources and strengths (people, knowledge, funding, or networks). The work builds on or thoughtfully connects with existing assets in ways that strengthen their chances of success.
Learning & Adapting – The applicant has clear intentions for learning and reflection. They articulate how success will be understood at this stage and show readiness to adjust based on what emerges.
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 Mi Stanley (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 the Grant Guidance Document. A list of questions (if any) will be compiled and the applicant can respond in writing.
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.
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!
