Global grants support large international activities with two important characteristics, i.e., sustainable and measurable outcomes in one or more of the Seven Areas of Focus. Global grants are funded with a combination of District Designated Funds or cash contributions and matching funds from The Rotary Foundation’s World Fund.

Global grants encompass:

Humanitarian Grants

Humanitarian projects supporting the goals of one or more of the Seven Areas of Focus

Scholar Grants

Scholarships for graduate-level academic studies that relate to one or more of the Seven Areas of Focus

Vocational Training Team Grants

Vocational training teams, which are groups of professionals traveling abroad either to learn more about their profession or teach local professionals about a particular field within the Seven Areas of Focus

Global grants must:

• Be an international partnership between a Rotary club or district in the country where the activity takes place and a Rotary club or district outside of that country

• Be sustainable and include plans for long-term success after the global grant funds have been spent

• Download: Sustainability Guidelines

• Include measurable goals that are demonstrated through progress reports

• Align with one of our Seven Areas of Focus

• Respond to real community needs

• Include active participation from both Rotarians and community members

• Have a minimum budget of US$ 30,000

• Meet the eligibility requirements in the grants terms and conditions

• Download: Terms and Conditions of District and Global Grants

The Seven Areas of Focus

1. Peace and conflict prevention/resolution
2. Disease prevention and treatment 
3. Water and sanitation 
4. Maternal and child health 
5. Basic education and literacy 
6. Economic and community development
7. Supporting the Environment

Global Grant Funding

Global grants are funded with a combination of District Designated Funds or cash contributions and matching funds from The Rotary Foundation’s World Fund. The World Fund matches 100% of District Designated Funds and/or 50% of cash contributions.

Qualifying for a Global Grant

The Rotary Foundation accepts global grant applications on a rolling basis throughout the year. Before a district or club can apply for a grant, it has to complete the qualification process.

The qualification process makes sure each district and club understands their financial responsibilities, including stewardship, and is prepared to take on these new responsibilities.

Becoming qualified is simple. For clubs to become qualified each year, they need to:

• Agree to the club qualification MOU (the club's president and president-elect must sign)

• Download, Execute and Submit: Memorandum of Understanding

• Send at least one member to a grant management seminar

• Complete any additional requirements of their individual district

Applying for a Global Grant

• Once the club or district qualifies it can apply online for a global grant.

• Download, Execute and Submit: Global Grant Application