Grant funds from the Mathews Rotary Club will be available in the 2024-2025 grant cycle, according to Ron Lambert, chairman of the club’s Community Service Committee.

Lambert said that the Mathews Rotary Club’s events (Chili Cook-Off, Party with a Purpose, Flags for Heroes, the Oyster Roast, and Rockfish Tournament) were well attended and as a result, Mathews Rotary will once again be able to expand its grants. In addition, the club is looking for one new community service project for the fiscal year with a project budget up to $1,500 (plus volunteer service by the club).

The deadline for grant and service project proposals is March 1, 2025. Applicants can download this year’s request form online at www.mathewsrotaryclub.org, then “More” and “Service Requests/Grants” and submit their proposals to the club by mail to: Mathews Rotary Club, Attn: Community Service Project at P.O. Box 282, Mathews, Va. 23109; or submit by email to the Community Service Committee at mathewsvarotary@gmail.com.

“Service Above Self is the motto and mission of Rotary International as well as our guiding force as a civic-minded club here in Mathews,” said club president Mike Pitt-man. “Due to the community’s outstanding support of our five fundraising events last year, we are pleased to have more funds for grants.”

Last year, the club awarded over $36,000 to 30 local organizations. In addition to financial support, Mathews Rotary participated in many service projects, including the transfer of gifts for the Christmas Store, road clean up in the spring and fall, furnished and installed an AED at Machicomoco State Park, Teach a Kid to Fish, replaced garage doors with double doors at the Bay School, oversaw the New Point Lighthouse Overlook project, moved large furniture items at MCVIC during renovation, and helped remove old boardwalk at Williams Wharf.

For questions, call Mathews Rotary at 804-993-1795, leave your question and they will return your call promptly. The club meets on Thursday mornings at 7:30 at the Piankatank Ruritan Club building on Route 198, Hudgins.