Edina, Minnesota, Oct. 2, 2015 — The Edina Rotary Foundation is accepting applications from non-profit organizations in Edina and its contiguous communities for grants to be used for capital purchases. Applications are due Oct. 31.
 
Each year, the Rotary Club of Edina raises money at a fall fundraiser to support its projects and award grants. This year, more than $100,000 was raised for the Club’s service projects and local and international grants.
 
The Foundation’s Community Service – Local Funding Committee favors grant requests for projects that are tangible and self-perpetuating, will be completed in Edina or a bordering community, create partnerships with other organizations, provide benefits to many and can be leverages over time.
 
“Our service funding vision framework is to create partnerships with other organizations and clubs and to increase our participation in sustainable projects as well as provide funding for smaller grant requests,” said Keith Benson, Director of Community Service – Local Funding for the Rotary Club of Edina. “Our club focuses on funding for tangible items, rather than funding designated for operating expenses.”
 
After a grant application is submitted, it is assigned to a member of the committee for review. The committee makes recommendations to the Foundation’s Board of Directors, which makes the final decision on all awards.
 
Recent grant recipients include Can Do Canines, Cornerstone, Fairview Southdale Hospital, Fishing for Life, Fraser, Minnesota Life College, Southdale YMCA, Volunteers Enlisted to Assist People and YMCA Camp Ihduhapi.
 
The Foundation’s largest grant this year will given to assist with a renovation of the dining room at Erik’s Retreat, hotel-like accommodations run by young adults with autism who live there.
 
Grant applications are available online at www.EdinaRotary.org or by contacting Benson, kabenson99@gmail.com. Completed applications can be emailed to Benson or sent to Edina Rotary Foundation, 4801 W. 50th St., Edina, MN  55424.
 
 
About Rotary
Rotary brings together a global network of volunteer leaders dedicated to tackling the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges. Rotary connects 1.2 million members of more than 34,000 Rotary clubs in over 200 countries and geographical areas. Their work impacts lives at both the local and international levels, from helping families in need in their own communities to working toward a polio-free world. For more information, visit Rotary.
 
The Rotary Club of Edina meets Thursdays at 12:15 p.m. at the Edina Country Club, 5100 Wooddale Ave. For more information about the Rotary Club of Edina, visit www.EdinaRotary.org. For more information about Community Service – Local Funding, contact Benson, kabenson99@gmail.com.
 
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