Rotary Club of Galveston Island Launches Community Choice Grant to Celebrate 50 Years of Service
In celebration of its 50th anniversary, the Rotary Club of Galveston Island and the Rotary Club of Galveston Island Foundation are launching the Community Choice Grant, a new community-focused initiative that will give Galveston residents through qualified local nonprofits a direct voice in identifying and selecting a local project for Rotary funding.
Eligible proposals will be developed into clear project choices, presented to the community, and placed before the public for an informal vote. Rotary will provide grant funding and oversight for the winning project, while the applicant or an approved project partner will be responsible for completing the work.
“For 50 years, the Rotary Club of Galveston Island has worked alongside community partners to improve lives and strengthen Galveston,” said Kelley Delesandri, Club President. “The Community Choice Grant allows us to celebrate that legacy by listening directly to the community and investing $20,000 into a community-focused project. Galveston residents will help identify an important need, shape the project choices, and ultimately decide where this anniversary investment can make the greatest impact.”
How the Community Choice Grant Works
Community organizations and partners may submit proposals addressing areas such as:
- Education and youth
- Health and wellness
- Environmental improvement
- Veterans and military support
- Neighborhoods and public spaces
- Civic and public safety
- Food security and basic needs
- Arts, culture and community development
Projects must provide a clear public or community benefit in Galveston, be specific enough to estimate costs and schedules, and be capable of safe completion with the necessary permissions. Projects may not benefit a single individual, private business or political campaign. Eligible applicants may include nonprofit organizations, public agencies, schools and other qualified community partners.
The program will follow four primary steps:
- Community members submit project ideas.
- Rotary reviews eligible proposals and works with finalists to develop clear project options.
- The Galveston community votes for its preferred project.
- Rotary funds the winning project and provides oversight.
The selected applicant or approved partner—not Rotary members—will perform the work, secure required approvals, manage the project and document its results.
Important Dates
- Community Choice Grant Announcement: Friday, August 14, 2026
- Public Outreach Meeting and Submission Review: Thursday, September 10, 2026
- Proposal Submission Deadline: Thursday, October 15, 2026
- Community Vote Day: Thursday, November 5, 2026
Finalists may be asked to provide refined budgets, vendor quotes, project schedules, site permissions, partner commitments and documentation confirming nonprofit or public-entity status. Applicants must also explain how the project will benefit Galveston, involve the community, remain accessible and inclusive, and produce measurable results.
“This is more than a traditional grant,” said Vince Lorefice, Community Service Director of Galveston Island Rotary Club. “It is an opportunity for residents to help shape an investment in their own community. We want Galveston to bring forward creative, achievable ideas that can create a meaningful and lasting benefit.”
The Community Choice Grant is part of the Rotary Club of Galveston Island’s year-long celebration of 50 years of Service Above Self. Through this initiative, Rotary seeks to honor five decades of community service while creating a legacy project shaped by the people of Galveston.
Applications and program information questions may be directed to Vince Lorefice at info@islandrotary.com
Celebrating 50 Years with 50 Service Projects
The Rotary Club of Galveston Island is celebrating its 50 years of service with a simple goal: 50 service projects for 50 years of making a difference. Throughout the anniversary year, Rotarians are working with local nonprofits, schools, community organizations, and fellow volunteers to complete hands-on projects that address real needs across Galveston. The projects build on Rotary’s long-standing commitment to “Service Above Self,” with activities ranging from environmental stewardship and education to food security and community support.
Rather than marking the anniversary with a single celebration, the club is turning it into a year of action. The 50-project initiative gives members an opportunity to contribute their time, skills, and resources while strengthening relationships with organizations serving Galveston. It also creates a visible, measurable legacy for the club’s anniversary: 50 tangible acts of service that leave Galveston a little stronger than they found it.
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