The Topeka Rotary Foundation is now accepting proposals to fund social service, public health, public safety, arts, culture, recreation and entertainment projects in Topeka and Shawnee County.

Foundation President Kirk Johnson said members and friends of the Rotary Club of Topeka (also known as Downtown Rotary) provide funding for the local foundation. 

“Downtown Rotarians are pleased to support community-based needs in the Topeka area, much like the Rotary International Foundation supports needs worldwide,” Johnson said.  Since its creation in 1976 to present date, the Foundation has contributed nearly half a million dollars in Topeka and Shawnee County.

Joanie Underwood, chair of the Foundation’s Gifting Committee said, “Our Foundation grants have funded many worthwhile projects in the Topeka area over the years and we look forward to receiving applications for new projects that will enhance the quality of life for residents of Topeka and Shawnee County.”
 
 

 

The Foundation has $18,000 available for this round of funding, which is expected to support from three to five projects, Underwood said.

Applications will be accepted from August 1 through September 30, 2013, with grant awards to be made in January 2014.

Collaborative applications and start-up projects will be given priority.  Major capital projects, such as the purchase or improvement of property, or the construction or renovation of buildings, are ineligible.

The grant application can be found on-line at www.topekarotary.org/  and by clicking on the link under Stories “Topeka Rotary Foundation taking Applications.” The form is fillable and can be saved as a .pdf for emailing and printing. 

Completed forms must be signed and submitted by email to dtrotaryfoundation@gmail.com with a paper copy sent by mail to: Rotary Club of Topeka, 420 SE 6th Ave., Suite 121, Topeka, KS 66607 (postmarked no later than September 30, 2013).

Organizations with questions can contact the Rotary Club of Topeka office at 785-232-7216 or by email at dtrotaryfoundaton@gmail.com