Dictionary Project - Rotary District 5150 District Grant Application for Rotary Year 2026-2027

Step 1 of 2: Submit

Thank you for the good work your Club is about to initiate by applying for the use of District Designated Funds (DDF) to support a 3rd Grade Dictionary Project in your community! Applications for District Grants must be received by June 1, 2026. If you have questions about this application, please contact District Grants Coordinator Joan Rosas at districtgrants5150@gmail.com or 650-678-6287.

Briefly describe the project and what the project will do.

The project will involve the labeling and distribution of dictionaries to third graders in our community. The dictionaries will be labeled with a Rotary International nameplate and a copy of the Rotary 4-Way Test. Rotarians will visit the classrooms to talk with students and teachers about the importance of reading and about Rotary's mission of community service.
District Grants require active involvement of Rotarians to:
Assess community needs
Develop a project plan
Establish a committee of 2+ Rotarians to oversee expenditure of funds and implementation of the project
Promote the project in local media
Submit required reports on time
Describe active participation by Rotarians (non-financial). Provide at least (2) examples of active participation.

Rotarians will collect the printed dictionaries when they are received from the publisher, and store them until distribution has been arranged. Rotarians from our Club will contact local elementary schools to arrange special classroom gatherings where the third graders will receive the dictionaries. Rotarians will label and personally distribute the dictionaries and demonstrate them to the students.
Who is the relevant community and how will the project improve their lives?

The elementary students are at a stage of learning when they are exploring the world through reading. The dictionaries are beautifully designed and targeted to the elementary school-age group. The students will learn to research topics and expand their understanding of the world and how things work. They will gain information and engage in conversations and other learning adventures sparked by what they read in the dictionaries.
What are the expected long-term impacts?

Students who become excited early in their education by what they learn through reading will likely be more successful in their further education and their adult life. Literacy has been well documented to benefit communities economically and socially and is one of the most powerful tools to promote community well-being.
Is this a Third Grade Dictionary Distribution Project? 
Will the project address any of Rotary International's Seven Areas of Focus (recommended, but not required)? If Yes, which Area(s)? 
How will the project meet the goals of that Area(s) of Focus?

Introducing students to well-designed, engaging materials will aid the students to progress in their education.
Describe what outreach and publicity methods you will use to ensure that the general public will know that this is a Rotary-sponsored project. Provide examples.

Rotary nameplates placed in the dictionaries will make it clear that the books were donated by Rotary. Club members will use social media such as Facebook and other platforms to advertise the project. The Club will celebrate the project in newsletters and local publications .
Is a cooperating organization involved? 

BUDGET

The itemized Project Budget must specify:

PROJECT INCOME
Type and amount of income sources:
  • District Designated Funds (DDF)
  • Club funds
  • Other funds

PROJECT EXPENDITURES
Detailed breakdown that may include elements such as:
  • Costs of equipment
  • Furniture items
  • Gasoline
  • Meals
  • Lodging
  • Training
  • Number of dictionaries
  • Etc.
Supporting documentation may be requested.
Receipts should be retained and must be submitted with the Project Final Report upon completion of the project.

Income

Expenditures

If your Club does not receive the entire amount of DDF requested, can your Club fund the shortfall from its own funds? 
If No, can the project be downsized to meet the amount of the District Grant and Club contributions to the project? 

Required Authorization

As President of this Rotary Club for 2026-2027, I affirm that the Club/Board has voted to undertake this project as an activity of the Club.
Date: Wednesday, 3 June 2026 (EDT)
Name:
Type your name to sign this document:
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Date: Wednesday, 3 June 2026 (EDT)
Name:
Type your name to sign this document:
Typing name is equivalent to a handwritten signature
Signature
Sign above
Scan this QR code with your phone:
Scan QR code to sign
Alternative's Rotary Position
Date: Wednesday, 3 June 2026 (EDT)
Name:
Type your name to sign this document:
Typing name is equivalent to a handwritten signature
Signature
Sign above
Scan this QR code with your phone:
Scan QR code to sign
Instructions for Submittal of this Application (PLEASE READ CAREFULLY)

1) Only hit the "SAVE" button below if you have not yet completed your Application and would like to return to the form later to complete it. Otherwise, do not SAVE the Application (you will have the opportunity to save and print the Application once it has been accepted by the District).

2) If you have completed your Application, hit the "SUBMIT FOR REVIEW" button below.

Please note that submittal of this Application is a two-step process:
Step 1): Initial Submittal: Submit for review. You will receive a response message indicating that the Application is either Acceptable or Needs Correction. If the Application Needs Correction, please make the requested corrections before proceeding to Step 2.

Step 2): Final Submittal: Submit the Application a second time to formally transmit it to the District. You will receive an acknowledgment that the Application has been accepted by the District.