The Park City Rotary Club has officially opened applications for its 2026 Project Grant cycle, inviting local nonprofits in Summit County to apply for funding aimed at supporting community-focused initiatives. The Rotary Club aims to empower organizations that align with its core mission, which encompasses various humanitarian efforts. This year, the club has allocated $40,000 in grant funding, with individual grants ranging from $2,000 to $5,000. Steve Yapp, the chair of the grants committee, expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to support local organizations through these grants. "We are proud to fund these grants with money raised at our annual Miners Day and Running of the Balls event," Yapp stated. The annual fundraising events not only bolster community spirit but also provide crucial resources to nonprofits that play a vital role in enhancing the quality of life in Summit County. To be eligible for the grants, applicants must operate nonprofit programs within Summit County and possess a 501(c)(3) IRS tax-exempt status. Additionally, grant applications must focus on a specific project that can be completed within one year. Yapp emphasized the importance of clearly identifying the project for which funding is being sought. This targeted approach ensures that the Rotary Club can effectively assess the impact and feasibility of each proposal. In 2025, the Park City Rotary Club awarded grants to a diverse range of organizations, further illustrating its commitment to community support. Recipients included the Summit County Community for Children’s Justice, Hope Alliance, the GFWC Park City Athenaeum Club, Recycle Utah, Habitat for Humanity of Summit and Wasatch County, Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter, Summit Community Gardens/EATS, and many others. Each of these organizations contributes significantly to the community in various capacities, from environmental conservation to educational support. "These organizations provide great value to our community," Yapp noted, reflecting on the impact of past grant recipients. "We are looking forward to learning about the projects that need our support this year." This anticipation highlights the Rotary Club's dedication to understanding and addressing the evolving needs of the community. The deadline for submitting completed grant applications is set for February 22, 2026. Awardees will be notified by March 4, and the official presentation of checks will take place during the organization’s awards luncheon on March 24. This timeline allows organizations to plan their projects and ensures that the Rotary Club can efficiently allocate the funds. To guide potential applicants, the Rotary Club has outlined specific guidelines for the application process. Firstly, the organization must have programs actively operating within Summit County. Secondly, it must hold a 501(c)(3) designation to confirm its tax-exempt status. The application should clearly address a specific project that the grant funds will support, and it must align with one of the Rotary’s designated areas of focus. These areas include promoting peace, fighting disease, providing clean water, sanitation, and hygiene, saving mothers and children, supporting education, growing local economies, and protecting the environment. For interested nonprofits, application forms are readily accessible on the Park City Rotary Club’s official website at parkcityrotary.org. The online platform provides detailed instructions and resources to assist organizations in navigating the application process. The opening of the 2026 Project Grant cycle not only signifies the Rotary Club's ongoing commitment to community enhancement but also highlights the collaborative spirit that drives local initiatives in Summit County. By investing in projects that address immediate community needs, the Park City Rotary Club continues to foster a culture of support and empowerment, ensuring that various organizations can thrive and contribute positively to the region’s development. As the application deadline approaches, anticipation builds for the innovative and impactful projects that will emerge from this funding opportunity, reinforcing the community’s resilience and commitment to continuous improvement.