Q: Sometimes I’d really like to help out on projects, but I can’t afford to travel to them. I would appreciate knowing if there are funds or grants that can ease the financial burden for volunteers.

Traveling to projects can be expensive. For this reason, The Rotary Foundation created Volunteer Service Grants, which replaced Individual Grants.

Volunteer Service Grants provide a flat grant of up to US$3,000 for an individual or up to $6,000 for a team of no more than five members. Only active Rotarians are eligible to travel. Spouses who aren’t Rotary club members but who are qualified to serve may accompany a team, but they may not serve as team leaders or travel without a team.

Note: Not all Rotarians are eligible for Volunteer Service Grants. To qualify for these grants, a Rotarian must demonstrate that

1. A community has a defined need for the project.
2. The need can be met by the experience and skills of the Rotarian or team.
3. The experience and skills are not available in the community.

Read the terms and conditions (PDF) and download an application to find out more about these grants.