Mission  

The Delta-Waverly Rotary (DWR) Foundation provides funding for the DWR Club’s humanitarian outreach activities that can make a positive impact within Delta Township and the Greater Lansing area, as well as participation in international projects in collaboration with other Rotary Clubs.  Its activities are inspired by Rotary’s maxim of “Service above Self” and guided by the goals and priorities of Rotary International and Rotary District 6360.  

History

The DWR Foundation was established in 2006 to serve as the philanthropic arm of the Delta-Waverly Rotary Club (DWR Club) and received its 501(c)(3) Federal Tax-Exempt status in 2008.  Its membership consists of all members in good standing of the DWR Club.

Governance

The DWR Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors which is responsible for overseeing the financial health of the foundation, managing grants received from outside sources, awarding scholarships to qualified individuals and granting funding support to qualified organizations. Board members are elected during the annual club assembly meeting or as vacancies arise. Directors serve a term of 3 years.

Funding sources

A primary source of funds for the DWR Foundation is through fund-raising events conducted by the DWR Club, such as the annual Bob Knutson Delta Waverly Rotary Charity Golf Classic and Jingle Mingle Holiday Celebration.  Additional funding sources include:

• Fund-raising activities during weekly DWR Club meetings
• Personal contributions by members and friends of DWR Club
• Sponsorships from community members and/or organizations
• Matching fund grants from Rotary International, and/or Rotary District 6360 

Target geographic areas served

Local DWR Foundation funding priorities currently include:

• Waverly Community Schools
• Waverly School District (which includes parts of Delta Township, City of Lansing, Lansing Township, Watertown Township and Windsor Township)
• Delta Township (located in Eaton County, Michigan)
• Tri-County organizations which provide direct services to Delta Township residents. 

Additionally, up to 5% of the DWR Foundation’s available fund balance is allocated annually for selected international projects.

Recent DWR Foundation Giving

• 2022-2023:    $25,288
• 2023-2024: ~ $37,000

Available Grant Funding

• DWR Foundation Grant Policy: Grants are primarily intended to assist non-profit organizations and groups that are qualified under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Grants to individuals are generally limited to the DWR Foundation’s Scholarship Project.

• Scholarships
• Graduating Seniors:  $1000 scholarships to graduating seniors who are either a Delta Township resident and/or student at Waverly Community Schools and will be attending college or other post-secondary education institution.  Applications are usually posted by mid-February, with a submission deadline of March 30.  
• Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA):  Each summer, DWR Foundation sponsors eligible students to attend Rotary District 6360’s RYLA training program for young leaders (especially designed for incoming high school juniors and seniors).  Applications are available in early spring.
• Grant Categories
• Community Assistance Projects:  $100-$6,000
• Community Capital Improvement Grants: $2,500-$25,000 [may involve a multi-year funding commitment]

Downloadable Grant application forms available online:

• Print pdf
• Online/fillable pdf

Contributions can be sent in several ways:

• ONLINE
• General Donation link 
• Birthday Donation link (DWRC Members)
• MAIL - Delta-Waverly Rotary Foundation, Box 80872, Lansing, MI 48908

 For additional information, please email:  [email protected].