1400 E Touhy Ave, Suite 410, Des Plaines, IL 60018 foundation@altrusa.org 1-312-427-4410

Grants Programs and Awards

Grants Program

Established in 1997, the Club 21 Program is committed to supporting programs for children affected by disease and disabilities; as well as international healthcare curriculum. As members of Club 21, we are given an opportunity to extend a hand to these children and families.

The Grants Program provides financial support to Altrusa Clubs, ASTRA Clubs, and Districts conducting independent projects of community service.

There are two funding cycles each fiscal year: Cycle One (deadline is September 15) and Cycle Two (deadline is March 15).

Grants range from $250 to $4,000 and are designated for service projects that improve the educational, economic, and quality of life outcomes of communities.

***Grants Program applicants must be affiliated with an Altrusa Club, District, or ASTRA Club. ***

****NEW CHANGES EFFECTIVE SEPTEMBER 1, 2023:

  • Altrusa clubs and districts are eligible to receive only one (1) grant per fiscal year (June 1-May 31) for a maximum award of  up to $4,000.  If a club or district is awarded a grant in Cycle One (September 15 deadline), the club or district may not apply for a grant in Cycle Two (March 15 deadline). However, if a club or district applies for grant in Cycle One but does not receive funding,  the club or district may apply for funding in Cycle Two.

 

  • A club or district may not apply for an Individual grant and a service project grant in the same fiscal year (June 1-May 31); the club or district must choose one (1).

 

  • Newly chartered clubs are eligible to apply for a new charter grant of up to $2,000 within 12 months of their charter date.  A club may also apply for a service project grant up to $2,000 (for a total of $4,000) during the same fiscal year (June 1-May 31) as the awarded new charter grant.

 

  • Grant applicants can expect to receive one of the following funding decisions:  Not Funded, Partially Funded  (i.e., will receive less money than requested in the grant application), or Fully Funded (i.e., will receive the requested amount in the application).

 

The Altrusa Foundation reserves the right to make final decisions on grant funding amounts which are based on the availability of funding and the quality and number of grant submissions. The Foundation strongly advises clubs and districts to take these new changes into consideration when planning the timeline and available alternate funding sources of service projects for the year.

 

How to Submit Your Grant Application: 

  1. Please read the grants guidelines carefully.
  2. Grant applications must be typed in a Word or Pdf document.
  3. Complete the cover page, answer all the application questions, and include a detailed budget narrative and budget form. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
  4. If a follow-up report for a previous awarded grant is due, please ensure it is submitted prior to (or with) your application. Follow-up reports are due within 12-months of the grant award.
  5. Ensure the cover page has the appropriate signatures (see the guidelines).
  6.  EMAIL the completed grant application to foundation@altrusa.org. You will receive a receipt confirmation by email. DO NOT MAIL APPLICATIONS TO THE FOUNDATION OFFICE.

Have Questions?

Please contact foundation@altrusa.org with any questions. You may request the applications in Microsoft Word format, if needed.

Club 21 Grants Program

Club 21 Program grants are awarded to organizations that aim to meet 21st century health concerns of children and their families through domestic camps and international projects.

Altrusa Clubs, ASTRA Clubs, Local Club Foundations, and Districts are ineligible to receive Club 21 funds.

There are two funding cycles each fiscal year: Cycle One (deadline is September 15) and Cycle Two (deadline is March 15). Cycle One funding supports international organizations. Cycle Two funding supports domestic children’s camps.

More than $2,500 may be awarded if additional funding is available, and also, if the number and quality of applications warrant the increase. The number of grants funded and the amount of each grant is dependent upon the available funding and the number and quality of applications. The Altrusa International Foundation, Inc. reserves the right to make the final decision on all applications.

The grant recipient is obligated to use the grant award for the intended purpose and must file a Follow Up Report one year after funds are received.

Please submit a complete, typed application (signed grant application cover sheet, narrative, and budget form) in Word or a PDF to foundation@altrusa.org. You will receive a email confirmation.

Altrusa Club Charter Grants

 

Newly chartered Altrusa Clubs are eligible for a one-time grant in the amount of $2,500 to support a service project.

Disaster Relief Aid

Disaster Relief enables Altrusa to respond immediately to the trauma of natural disasters with swift, direct aid anywhere in the world.

Disaster Relief Aid is available from the Altrusa International Foundation as needed. The International Foundation shall respond to disasters specific to Districts. Monies from this fund may go to another relief agency to enhance overall first responders’ efforts. Requests for disbursements from this fund shall be initiated by a written request from a District Governor to the International Foundation.

Disaster Relief Aid is available year-round. Along with the application, applicants should provide a narrative describing the need and project in 500 words or less, including an estimated number of recipients affected. Disaster Relief Aid should benefit at least 100 community members. The application must also include the name of the non-profit for which the Disaster Relief Aid is requested along with the statement from the nonprofit that describes the need.

Requests of $250-$2,500 may be approved by the Foundation Chair. Requests exceeding $2,500 require approval from the Foundation Board of Trustees.