Home › About Us › FAQ ›

FAQ

The Rotary Club of Ann Arbor is one of the 100 largest Rotary Clubs in the world. In order to maximize the use of the talent of our more than 300 members, the club has over 40 committees providing input to the Board of Directors. Weekly luncheon programs are scheduled approximately 90 days in advance, and international projects considered for funding are usually on a year in advance cycle. So although we try hard to respond to all questions and requests, our response time may not meet your timeline.  We hope that this FAQ, organized in three major categories--Money; Manpower; and Club Information—will provide helpful information. 


Questions:  Money?

What sort of projects does the Rotary Club of Ann Arbor fund? What is the application process?

Community Service Grants
The Ann Arbor Rotary Club annually solicits applications from area not-for-profit organizations whose purpose aligns with the theme "Helping Kids Succeed.”
The Committee grants up to $3,000 to each selected organization. The Committee awarded about $50,000 in its most recent round. Applications are solicited through articles in local media and are available here.  Grant applications must be submitted by the end of March and successful recipients are announced in late May.

RotaryGrantApplicationCoverLetter

RotaryGrantApplication

Rotarians are sometimes available to organizations as short-term volunteers.  Please see the Rotary Volunteer Application available here.

RotaryVolunteerApplication

International Humanitarian Projects
A committee works to identify, develop and carry out humanitarian projects with other Rotary Clubs in Third World countries. Recent projects included electronic reading machines for India, furniture for an orphanage in the Philippines, and constructing and fitting artificial limbs in India.
    
The International Humanitarian Projects committee researches and recommends projects suggested by fellow members, international organizations, and individuals. The committee works with Rotary Club(s) in the country of the project, and in cooperation with the Rotary International Foundation. Projects are usually considered for funding at least a year in advance. Requests for consideration should be sent to the chair of the International Projects committee via the Contact Us link on this website.

What kind of scholarships does the Rotary Club of Ann Arbor offer and what is the application process for these scholarships?

High School Scholarships
The High School Scholarship Committee awards scholarships to approximately 15 seniors representing Huron, Pioneer, Greenhills, Father Gabriel Richard and Community high schools. Applications are submitted via counselors from these schools. Committee members review these applications and award scholarships based primarily on financial need and on meeting the Objectives of Rotary and the Four Way Test.

Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA)
The RYLA committee identifies high school students with leadership qualities and  provides scholarships to attend the annual RYLA weekend leadership training conference  in Ridgetown Ontario. Candidates are identified with help from high school counselors and from Interact clubs members at our large local high schools.  

STRIVE
In partnership with Stone High School, the Ann Arbor Rotary Strive Program helps turn young lives around. The program provides a unique structure, incentives, and motivation to help Stone seniors accomplish these life-changing objectives. During the year the committee gives the Strive students incentives, such as theatre passes, restaurant certificates, bus passes, etc. and takes them to area companies to observe first-hand what the work-a-day world is like (Strive at Work) to encourage them to continue their progress. At the end of the school year, the committee gives about $12,000 in Washtenaw Community College scholarships to 8-10 top students based on the most improved and highest grade points.

Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarships
Information and application forms for an Ambassadorial Scholarship can be found at http://www.rotary.org/foundation/educational/amb_scho/prospect/index.html .  Applicants must be recommended by a local Rotary club for consideration by the District Scholarship Committee that makes the grants. It is important to note that applicants are being considered for scholarships starting approximately 18 months later. Questions about our Club’s selection process, which starts in early spring, should be directed to Contact Us via the club’s website.

What sort of projects does the Rotary Club of Ann Arbor NOT usually Fund?

The Club does not fund:

Projects sponsored by groups or individuals that are not a registered non-profit.

Projects that receive funding from public agencies or organizations.

International projects having no relationship with a local Rotary Club or an organization recognized by Rotary International.

What sort of scholarships/study grants does the Rotary Club of Ann Arbor NOT usually Fund?

The Club does not usually fund support for student tuition and/or travel expenses incurred for travel to internships, international conferences, and/or volunteer activities.

Questions:  Manpower?

How should one approach the Rotary Club of Ann Arbor to solicit its participation in a local fundraising/social project or activity?

Individuals or organizations seeking participation or co-sponsorship of the Club’s membership should submit an invitation of such for consideration by the Board of Directors. Requests to inform the Club’s membership of an upcoming event will not be automatically placed in the Club’s Newsletter or distributed to the Club’s group e-mail list.

How does a person or organization approach the Rotary Club of Ann Arbor to invite the Club’s help with a local or international project?

Individuals or organizations seeking participation or co-sponsorship of the Club’s membership should submit an invitation of such for consideration by the Board of Directors.

Can a non-member of Rotary volunteer to work with the Rotary Club of Ann Arbor on one or more of its service projects ?   

Interested individuals or organizations wishing to help with a project coordinated by the Rotary Club should contact the club via  info@annarborrotary.org They will be connected with the appropriate committee and invited to join in the fun.

Questions:  Club Information?

What are the qualifications for membership in the Rotary Club of Ann Arbor?

Rotary is a worldwide organization of business and professional leaders. Membership is by invitation. An interest in serving one’s local and the world’s community is essential, as is a willingness to become active on Club Community Service committees and their projects. A review of information on our website provides a clear view of what is expected of members.

How does an interested person join the Rotary Club of Ann Arbor ?

As noted above, membership is by invitation. If, after review or the materials identified above, you feel that there may be a match between you and the Club, please send some information about yourself to  info@annarborrotary.org.  We will attempt to identify potential sponsors and you will likely be invited to a meeting in order for you to learn more about what goes on in our club.

There are also two other Rotary Clubs in Ann Arbor and several more in the greater Ann Arbor area.

How does one suggest a speaker or program for a weekly Rotary luncheon meeting?


If after reviewing the speaker policies on this website, you would like to nominate yourself or another to speak to the Club, please use the form provided in the Membership menu.