RCOF Grant Program

Overview

The RCO Foundation (RCOF) provides structured grant funding for high-impact charitable initiatives that deliver measurable community benefit.

Funding is limited and competitive. All applications are subject to formal evaluation, due diligence, and Board approval.

Apply for a Grant

New to the process? We recommend reviewing the grant program requirements before applying.

Download Guidelines
Apply Now

Applications that do not demonstrate alignment with these requirements are unlikely to be advanced.

What We Fund

Projects must meet basic eligibility requirements and demonstrate strength across the evaluation criteria outlined below.

Project Types

  • Capital
    Facilities, equipment, infrastructure

  • Programmatic
    Delivery of services or programs

  • Capacity-building
    Organizational effectiveness and sustainability

Priority Areas

  • Community
    Health, poverty, food security, wellbeing

  • Education
    Youth-focused learning

  • Environment
    Conservation and sustainability

  • Indigenous
    Indigenous-led or community-based initiatives

Basic Requirements

All projects must:

  • Address a demonstrated need

  • Deliver measurable impact

  • Align with at least one priority area

  • Be supported by a strong organizational capacity

What We Look For

Applications are assessed against the following criteria:

Impact
Clear, measurable outcomes

Alignment
Direct fit with priority areas

Feasibility
Realistic plan and organizational capacity

Community Priority
Relevance and inclusion

Sustainability & Leverage
Long-term value and partnerships

Funding & Eligibility

Funding

  • Single or multi-year grants

  • May be staged or milestone-based

Eligibility

  • Registered Canadian charity or other qualified donee

  • Strong governance and financial oversight

  • Capacity to deliver and report on the project

What We Do Not Fund

  • Individuals or non-qualified organizations

  • Projects without a clear charitable purpose

  • General operating or unrestricted funding

  • Activities without measurable outcomes

  • Projects lacking governance, planning, or financial clarity

Other Funding Options

If your request is smaller in scale or does not align with this program, you may wish to explore other funding opportunities within the Rotary community.

The Rotary Club of Oakville and the RCO Charitable Fund support a range of community initiatives, including smaller or short-term projects.

Contact the RCO Charitable Fund: michaelphenry01@gmail.com

Before You Apply

Confirm that:

  • You are a qualified donee

  • Outcomes are clear and measurable

  • Budget and implementation plan are realistic

  • Your organization is ready to deliver and manage the project

  • Internal approvals have been obtained

Next Steps

If you are ready to proceed:

Apply Now