Rotary Club of York Charity Fund

The Rotary Club of York Charity Fund, part of the global Rotary International network, unites local leaders and volunteers to drive lasting community change through service, fellowship, and action. Rooted in values of collaboration, transparency, and addressing pressing social issues, it supports worthy causes locally in York, nationally, and internationally, with a strong emphasis on Rotary's focus areas: education, health, economic development, peacebuilding, and environmental stewardship. It prioritizes initiatives benefiting vulnerable groups in the City of York—such as children and young people, the elderly, people with disabilities, and those facing poverty—funding projects like literacy programs, housing and food insecurity relief, disease prevention, clean water access, and financial security for low-income families.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities and community groups delivering activities within York, with a preference for small to medium-sized organizations (annual income typically under £1 million, often below £500,000) and grassroots initiatives showing strong local ties, community need, collaboration, and sustainability. No religious restrictions apply, and geographic base is flexible, though beneficiaries must primarily be York residents.

Grants range from £2,500 to £10,000 (most £5,000–£10,000) for project costs or occasional defined capital items, with total project budgets capped at £50,000. Applications open annually in early January via the website (yorkrotary.org): submit a letter of interest (LOI) by February 7, 2025; invited full applications due in March, with decisions in May–June. It excludes core costs, large capital campaigns, and individual scholarships. Distinctive for its global Rotary ties, matched funding preference, and blend of local impact with international scope, it favors measurable, partnership-driven interventions.