Rotary Interact Youth Development Grant

What the grant is about: Youth Development Programs

 Rotary Interact Youth Development Grants

The Montrose High School Rotary Interact Club, in partnership with the NuVista Community Foundation, is offering a total of $10,000 in grant funds to support nonprofit organizations working to improve teen mental, social, and emotional health in our community. Each grant award is a maximum of $5,000.

Projects and programs must either be new or an updated version of an existing project or program. 

These programs should be focused on supporting either social & emotional well being or leadership & service in youth ages 12-18.

Social & Emotional Well Being is defined by improving students' academic outcomes and addressing their social, emotional, and cognitive needs. 

Examples include (but are not limited to):

• Mental health initiatives 

• Opportunities to build peer connections 

• After school tutoring sessions

Leadership & Service is intended to promote leadership and service in youth by providing young individuals with resources that develop their skills and help to implement community projects to make meaningful impact in their communities. 

Examples include (but are not limited to):

• Career development classes or opportunities for personal and professional growth

• Teaching collaboration while emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and respecting different perspectives and ideas 

• Service projects in the community

Eligibility

-All 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations 

-Public entities/programs (such as School Districts, Montrose County, municipalities, universities, etc.)
-Charitable groups that are under the fiscal sponsorship of a 501 (c)(3)

-Collaborative groups  

The following applications will not be considered:

• Late applications. 

• 501(c)(3) nonprofits that are not in good standing with the Colorado Secretary of State

• Organizations that request general operation support   

• Request from faith-based organizations that are denominational in scope

Amount of Request

The maximum request should be no more than $5,000.

Review Process and Deadline

MHS Interact Youth Development Grants will be awarded as part of a two-step process. 

STEP 1: The first step will be based on the original application that is turned in no later than February 15, 2026 at 11:59 pm. From the initial group of applications, the reviewers will choose a smaller group of applicants to move forward into the second step of the process.

STEP 2: The smaller group of applicants will be chosen to participate in an in-person, interactive presentation in April 2026, date TBA. One person from the organization will give a 5-minute presentation (that will be timed!) to the community and a panel of judges. At the end of the presentations, up to three (3) organizations will be chosen as recipients of the Youth Development Grants. 

Initial applications must be submitted by February 15, 2026, 11:59 pm. Applications will be reviewed and organizations will be contacted no later than Friday, March 13, 2026.                                           

Assistance

If you have additional questions, please contact ally.metzger9@gmail.com

Non profits are able to apply for a grant up to $5,000!

Click this link to apply:  docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeCmYIBdI5wvfdojW6M81VmYeIEbfR8t_zdyNiTvg-Yc3OdKw/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=105151824830049804291