On a chilly January morning, Curt Brosky wore a smile. As a long-time member of the Rotary Club, he felt positive about the community’s future, especially with the recent appointment of a new football coach at his local high school.
Brosky chairs the grants committee for the Lakewood-Rocky River Rotary Foundation. This year, the foundation broke its own record, awarding $84,004 in grants to local nonprofits. Over its 70-plus years, the foundation has donated more than $1.25 million to support various causes, including hunger relief and youth programs.
Local Roots, Global Reach
Rotary’s mission is all about community service, but its influence spreads beyond Northeast Ohio. Local clubs, like Brosky’s, pool their resources to create a larger fund that benefits their immediate communities. While many organizations do great work, Brosky emphasized that their focus is on those that directly serve Lakewood and Rocky River residents.
“When we raise that money, it should help our own citizens,” he said.
Why This Year Matters
Brosky and his team noticed significant shifts in community needs this year. Changes in federal funding and other factors prompted them to reassess their grant strategy. They discussed how to best use the limited funds to support essential services like food assistance, youth programs, and job training.
Their review process was thorough. The committee analyzed around 50 applications to determine where the greatest needs lay. It wasn’t about finding the most deserving causes; rather, they wished they could assist every worthy applicant. “Andrew Carnegie once said the hardest part of his wealth was deciding where to give,” Brosky noted.
This year’s discussions were particularly focused on whether to give larger sums to fewer nonprofits or smaller amounts to more groups. Striking a balance can significantly impact community aid. More extensive support allows a few organizations to make a real difference, while broader funding touches many lives.
Spotlight on Grantees
Brosky highlighted some key organizations that received grants this year:
Lakewood Charitable Assistance Corp. This local nonprofit helps underserved residents with food and holiday programs. They received $5,000 for groceries, and Rotary members actively volunteer to assist in food distribution.
Meals on Wheels has served the community for decades and received $5,000 to help offset rising meal costs for seniors and others with limited mobility. This is particularly vital as more people are struggling with the rising cost of living.
Help To Others (H2O) is a school initiative focused on aiding students and families in need. They received $5,000 to train summer camp counselors.
LakewoodAlive aims to boost local businesses, receiving $5,000 to start a support hub for entrepreneurs. Their executive director pointed out that the economic pressure on families also affects local businesses, creating a web of interconnected challenges.
These organizations have long-standing ties with the Rotary, making them trusted partners in addressing local needs.
Beyond Grants
The Rotary Foundation isn’t just about financial support. They offer scholarships, sponsor contests, and partner with local arts initiatives. These efforts contribute to building a stronger community in various ways. Brosky explained that it’s not just about writing checks; it’s also about getting involved and helping out in person.
Applying for Support
Nonprofits interested in grants can learn about the foundation through social media and local media outlets. Every year, the committee reaches out to around 50 organizations directly, ensuring they keep up with community needs.
Looking Ahead
As community needs grow, Brosky and the Rotary leadership think about sustainability. They aim to keep the foundation strong for future generations while being generous today. “If we give away too much too soon,” Brosky warned, “we risk not being able to help in the future.”
Their commitment is clear: they want to continue supporting the residents of Lakewood and Rocky River for years to come.
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