District Rotary Foundation Committee Chair PDG Wilson Cheng

Introduction

As July rolls in, the Rotary calendar kickstarts, setting into motion a new Rotary year. Each year heralds a new Rotary International theme, this year, Unite for Good, inspiring Rotarians worldwide to come together in their communities and commit their expertise and time for global good. The District Rotary Foundation Committee team were happy to attend the District Installation on 12 July 2025 and we are looking forward to another fruitful year ahead.

District leaders, advisors and Sub Committee Chairs of District Rotary Foundation Committee at the District Installation

Core members & Sub-Committee members of District Rotary Foundation Committee at the District Installation

In addition to district grants, global grants and the usual TRF programs, this issue we would like to introduce the Programs of Scale, a significant way in which Rotarians are increasingly our impact in the areas of focus. Members may plan their impactful project. Programs of Scale are multimillion-dollar initiative funding large-scale, high-impact projects that attract exceptional partners while making the most of the capacity, expertise and enthusiasm of Rotary members.  Together, we seek to increase impact by measuring our progress and sharing the learning generated from our programs throughout the Rotary world.

What is Programs of Scale?

Programs of Scale supports longer-term, high-impact programs led by Rotary members.  These programs are:-

• Evidence-based interventions that must have already demonstrated success in affecting change;
• Locally relevant to the needs, priorities, and institutional structures of the setting and participating communities;
• Ready to grow by having the right stakeholders and systems engaged to bring the intended benefits to new settings, such as a different community or group of people;
• Implemented according to a strong theory of change and have integrated monitoring, evaluation, and collaborative learning systems; and
• Guided by Rotary members in partnership with others, leveraging the unique strengths of Rotary.

Funding

Each year, Programs of Scale supports a competitive grant process that may result in an award of US$2 million from The Rotary Foundation that is distributed over a three- to five-year period to a club- or district-sponsored program showing success and readiness to expand to help more people in more places.

Award qualification

While the programs must be sponsored by a qualified Rotary or Rotaract club or district, the programs will be implemented with experienced partners who are also committed to long-term success and sustainability. Implementing partners may include non-governmental organizations, private institutions, government entities, or other Rotary entities, such as Rotary Action Groups. These partners should be engaged in program design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation, and sustainability.

Applicants are required to include cash contributions totaling a minimum of US$500,000 from one or more program partners outside of Rotary.

The application process

Programs of Scale has a two-step competitive application process that lasts 9 to 11 months. The first step is a call for concept notes and the second is an invitation to submit a full proposal to a select number of the highest scoring concepts.

All program entries will go through a rigorous review process conducted by Rotary members, Cadre, Rotary staff, and other subject matter experts.

If awarded a Programs of Scale grant, Rotary members should be prepared to engage with the Foundation for five to seven years to foster a learning partnership that explores and documents program successes and challenges to help inform both Rotary programming and the work of Rotary members around the world.

How to start an application?

The application period for the 2026 Programs of Scale competition is now open.   Please visit MyRotary to download and read the Programs of Scale Grant Competition Handbook for more information.

Key dates for 2026 Programs of Scale award:

• August 2025: Concept notes due
• October 2025: Invitation to submit proposal
• February 2026: Site visits (virtual and/or in-person)
• April 2026: Award decision

Just before you make an application – Key characteristics of top program proposals

The Programs of Scale competition demonstrates the breadth and quality of service programs that Rotary members are leading around the world. These successful programs are the result of Rotary members’ ability to tap into powerful local and global networks for expertise, collaboration, and support that can be harnessed to create large-scale change. The following are key characteristics that have pushed applications forward in the Programs of Scale grant review process:

• Ready to scale: Program has already demonstrated successful implementation with proven, measurable results. Clear evidence is shared to show that the program works.
• Built for sustainability: The program is in line with a local, regional, or national government effort — whichever level is best suited for the proposed program — and sustainability is integrated into program design and implementation.
• Promotes learning: The program is clear about how interventions are leading to the desired long-term positive change and how that change is measured. It notes the opportunities to share that learning with the broader Rotary world.
• Represents Rotary: Rotary members participate as volunteers and program-level guides, but also use their convening, advocacy, and policy influence skills to support longer-term change.
• External investment: Rotary sees Programs of Scale as an opportunity to leverage the support and resources of like-minded partners. Commitments from external investors demonstrate their belief in the power of multi-stakeholder partnerships with Rotary.

If you cannot meet the due date this year, you may plan for next year.

Last but not least, please take note of the following foundation related important dates in this Rotary Year.

District 3450’s key dates

31 August 2025	District grant application due date
19 October 2025	End Polio Day in Macua
8 November 2025	Grant Management Seminar
18 December 2025	Intercity Meeting (when donors to The Rotary Foundation will be recognised)
1 March 2026	Ultra Marathon & End Polio Walk (Hong Kong)

Let’s Unite for Good and have a wonderful Rotary Year together!