Ithaca Rotary Club

08/25/2026

This past Saturday was the first day of the 2026 Ithaca Rotary Harvest! Started by Heidi Goldstein, the Rotary Harvest provides food to families who participate in the Ithaca City School District’s pre-K meal program, which is not available at the end of the summer.

The group started out with a very generous donation of tomatoes and many other farm stands at the Ithaca Farmers market also made donations to the cause

Then Rotarians shopped for more food at Aldi and gathered enough food to fill three boxes and one big bag of veggies for seven families each.

Rotary Harvest continues this Saturday August 29th and Saturday Sept 5. Contact us if you'd like to volunteer!

Thank you for making a difference, Ithaca Rotarians!

08/03/2026

The 13th annual Rotary Road Rally was a big success yesterday! 14 cars took off from The Plantsmen Nursery, following clues along 32 miles of back roads to the finish line: the Wells College golf course. There, we ordered food while waiting for clue sheets to be graded, then prizes awarded. Congrats to first place winners Three Generations (Hymes family) for a perfect clue sheet! This event benefits Ithaca Rotary Club youth programs and scholarships. THANKS to all participants for supporting that mission!

07/31/2026

LAST DAY to submit your application to the Ithaca Rotary Community Grants Program!

Check the guidelines on our website and submit to [email protected] NO LATER THAN JULY 31 AT MIDNIGHT

The Rotary Club of Ithaca is now accepting applications for its Community Grants program, which is intended to promote the quality of life in Tompkins County. We intend to fund grant requests in full. We encourage small non-profit organizations to apply. 

07/31/2026

The last two meetings, we've had guests talk about food insecurity and changes to SNAP. If you're interested in learning more, the Foodbank of the Southern Tier is joining Lea Webb and DSS on a webinar next Wednesday, August 5th.

07/27/2026

Raise your hand if you need grant money for your local non-profit!

The Rotary Club of Ithaca is accepting applications for its 2026 Community Grants Program, with grants of up to $1,500 available for special projects and one-time needs that improve the quality of life in Tompkins County. AND THIS IS THE LAST WEEK TO APPLY!

If your organization has a project that's ready to make a difference, we'd love to hear from you. Small nonprofits are especially encouraged to apply, and proposals not selected by Rotary will also be shared with the Community Foundation for donor-advised funding consideration.

Applications are due by 11:59 PM on July 31. Don't miss this opportunity to turn your next community project into reality!

Please send applications to this email address: [email protected]
With the subject line ROTARY COMMUNITY GRANTS APPLICATION

07/24/2026

Take advantage of Rotary Community Grants before it's too late!

Last year, the Rotary Club of Ithaca awarded a $1,423 Community Grant to the Friends of the Lansing Center Trail to expand its community tool library. The new equipment, including hedge clippers, string trimmers, and high-branch pruners, makes it easier for volunteers to help maintain nearly eight miles of scenic trails for everyone to enjoy.

Could your organization be next?

The 2026 Rotary Club of Ithaca Community Grants are now accepting applications for grants of up to $1,500 for special projects and one-time needs that improve the quality of life in Tompkins County. Small nonprofits are especially encouraged to apply before the July 31 deadline.

Please send applications to this email address: [email protected]
With the subject line ROTARY COMMUNITY GRANTS APPLICATION

07/22/2026

Registration is open for the 13th Rotary Road Rally! Join us August 2 for a scenic drive along back roads, following clues to a fun mystery destination. Proceeds benefit Ithaca Rotary's youth programs and scholarships. Sign up today!
https://ithacarotary.com/Stories/annual-ithaca-rotary-road-rally-returns

07/21/2026

What can a Rotary Community Grant do? It can help keep children safer.

Last year, the Rotary Club of Ithaca awarded a Community Grant to the Ithaca Downtown Children's Center. The funding was used to purchase new long-range two-way radios, giving staff a more reliable way to communicate while caring for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and children participating in off-site activities.

It's a simple investment with a meaningful impact helping strengthen safety and communication for up to 100 local children every day.

Now it's your turn.

The 2026 Rotary Club of Ithaca Community Grants are now accepting applications for grants of up to $1,500 to support special projects and one-time needs that improve the quality of life in Tompkins County. Small nonprofits are especially encouraged to apply before the July 31 deadline.

Please send applications to this email address: [email protected]
With the subject line ROTARY COMMUNITY GRANTS APPLICATION

07/19/2026

A small grant can create a big impact.

Last year, the Rotary Club of Ithaca's Community Grants program helped Wonderful Wheelchairs expand access to mobility equipment for local families. With Rotary funding, the volunteer-run nonprofit purchased specialized beach and all-terrain wheelchair kits, making it possible for people to enjoy outings to places like the beach and local fairs that might otherwise be inaccessible.

Beyond providing affordable refurbished wheelchairs, walkers, and scooters, Wonderful Wheelchairs also keeps hundreds of pounds of batteries, metal, and electronics out of landfills each year through its repair and recycling efforts.

Could your organization be next?

The 2026 Rotary Club of Ithaca Community Grants are accepting applications for grants of up to $1,500 to support special projects and one-time community needs in Tompkins County. Small nonprofits are especially encouraged to apply before the July 31 deadline.

Please send applications to this email address: [email protected]
With the subject line ROTARY COMMUNITY GRANTS APPLICATION

07/18/2026

Ithaca Rotary and the ReUse Team at this morning's pallet sale fundraiser!