Community Grants

Applications are due by December 17, 2025 to ahewittwork@gmail.com 
 
 

Rotary Club of Aspen Community Grants

Rotary’s mission is “Service Above Self.” Here in Aspen, one of the key ways we live that out is through our Community Grants Program, funded in large part by our annual Ducky Derby fundraiser.

These grants support Rotary’s Areas of Focus, especially:

  • Maternal and child health

  • Basic education and literacy

  • Economic and community development

Each year, a portion of Ducky Derby proceeds is directed to valley-wide nonprofit, educational, health, and human service organizations working to meet important local needs.

How Community Grants Are Funded

The Ducky Derby typically raises close to $200,000 annually.
Most of those funds go directly to the youth groups and nonprofits that sell ducks. The portion retained by the Rotary Club of Aspen helps fund:

  • Scholarships and scholastic awards

  • Humanitarian and world service projects

  • Local Community Grants

Because funds are limited, we work to distribute them in a fair, efficient, and effective way where our support can make a meaningful difference.

What We Look For

When reviewing applications, the Community Grants Committee considers:

  • Priority areas

    • Education

    • Health and human services

    • Community-building and leadership development

    • Culture

    • Sports and recreation (lowest priority)

  • Project & organizational impact

    • A clear, specific need the grant will address

    • The number of people who will benefit

    • How the grant will affect your overall budget

    • Whether your organization is providing services not available elsewhere

  • Sustainability & capacity

    • Your organization’s ability to raise additional funds and sustain its work

Most individual grants are up to approximately $2,000.

Who Can Apply

We welcome applications from Roaring Fork Valley organizations that are:

  • Nonprofit, educational, health, or human service entities

  • Working on projects that align with Rotary’s focus areas

  • Serving our local community in meaningful, tangible ways

How to Apply

  1. Visit the Community Grants page on the Rotary Club of Aspen website for:

    • Current guidelines

    • The grant application form

    • Deadline and timeline information

  2. Keep your submission clear and concise.

 

Questions?
Please contact Ashton Hewitt, Chair, Community Grants Committee.

We look forward to learning how your organization is making a difference in the Roaring Fork Valley.