The 2026 Programs of Scale Grants Competition NOW Open

The application process for the next Programs of Scale grant has started. If your club or district is involved in an evidence-based program that is ready to scale over three to five years, consider applying for the US$2 million award. Qualified districts, Rotary clubs, and Rotaract clubs are eligible. The first step is to submit a concept note by 1 August 2025.

The Programs of Scale materials have been updated for the 2026 competition. They include details about the selection process and an explanation of the requirement that applicants collect cash contributions of at least US$500,000 from external partners. Learn more about the Programs of Scale application process and past recipients and finalists.
 

It’s not too early for clubs and districts to start working on their concept notes for the 2026 Programs of Scale grant competition, which begins in February 2025. This Rotary Foundation program awards grants of US$2 million and distributes them over three to five years to a successful program that is ready to expand. To learn more about the competition, visit the Programs of Scale Application Process page, and download the Programs of Scale Handbook and the template for a concept note. ........

Programs of Scale provides Rotary members with longer-term resources to implement large-scale, high-impact programs in our areas of focus. Together, we seek to increase our impact by measuring our progress, and sharing the learning generated from our programs throughout the Rotary world.

What is Programs of Scale?

Programs of Scale supports longer-term, high-impact programs led by Rotary members. These programs are:

  • Evidence-based interventions that must have already demonstrated success in affecting change;
  • Locally relevant to the needs, priorities, and institutional structures of the setting and participating communities;
  • Ready to grow by having the right stakeholders and systems engaged to bring the intended benefits to new settings, such as a different community or group of people;
  • Implemented according to a strong theory of change and have integrated monitoring, evaluation, and collaborative learning systems; and
  • Guided by Rotary members in partnership with others, leveraging the unique strengths of Rotary.

Funding

Each year, Programs of Scale supports a competitive grant process that may result in an award of US$2 million from The Rotary Foundation that is distributed over a three- to five-year period to a club- or district-sponsored program showing success and readiness to expand to help more people in more places.

Award qualification

While the programs must be sponsored by a qualified Rotary or Rotaract club or district, the programs will be implemented with experienced partners who are also committed to long-term success and sustainability. Implementing partners may include nongovernmental organizations, private institutions, government entities, or other Rotary entities, such as Rotary Action Groups. These partners should be engaged in program design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation, and sustainability.

Applicants are required to include cash contributions totaling a minimum of US$500,000 from one or more program partners outside of Rotary.

The application process

Programs of Scale has a two-step competitive application process that lasts 9 to 11 months. The first step is a call for concept notes and the second is an invitation to submit a full proposal to a select number of the highest scoring concepts.

All program entries will go through a rigorous review process conducted by Rotary members, Cadre, Rotary staff, and other subject matter experts.

If awarded a Programs of Scale grant, Rotary members should be prepared to engage with the Foundation for five to seven years to foster a learning partnership that explores and documents program successes and challenges to help inform both Rotary programming and the work of Rotary members around the world.

Start your application

The application period for the 2026 Programs of Scale competition is now open. If you are considering applying for a future Programs of Scale grant, download and read the Programs of Scale Grant Competition Handbook.

Apply Now

Programs of Scale grant application key dates for 2026 Programs of Scale award

  • August 2025: Concept notes due​
  • October 2025: Invitation to submit proposal​
  • February 2026: Site visits (virtual and/or in-person) ​
  • April 2026: Award decision

Key characteristics of top program proposals

The Programs of Scale competition demonstrates the breadth and quality of service programs that Rotary members are leading around the world. These successful programs are the result of Rotary members' ability to tap into powerful local and global networks for expertise, collaboration, and support that can be harnessed to create large-scale change. While all of our applicants have unique strengths relevant to their programs, the following are key characteristics that have pushed applications forward in the Programs of Scale grant review process:

  • Ready to scale: Program has already demonstrated successful implementation with proven, measurable results. Clear evidence is shared to show that the program works.
  • Built for sustainability: The program is in line with a local, regional, or national government effort — whichever level is best suited for the proposed program — and sustainability is integrated into program design and implementation.
  • Promotes learning: The program is clear about how interventions are leading to the desired long-term positive change and how that change is measured. It notes the opportunities to share that learning with the broader Rotary world.
  • Represents Rotary: Rotary members participate as volunteers and program-level guides, but also use their convening, advocacy, and policy influence skills to support longer-term change.
  • External investment: Rotary sees Programs of Scale as an opportunity to leverage the support and resources of like-minded partners. Commitments from external investors demonstrate their belief in the power of multi-stakeholder partnerships with Rotary.

Learn about past award recipients

Learn more

Questions?

If you have questions, please write to programsofscale@rotary.org.

Resources & reference