Submitted photo Shown is the geometric raised bed at Jennings Randolph Elementary School that was recently funded by the Rotary Club of Elkins.

The Rotary Club of Elkins has opened its annual grant cycle, inviting all public schools and libraries in Randolph County to make application. Each year, the Rotary Club of Elkins awards grants to local public schools and libraries to improve, enhance or otherwise benefit the local community. Projects will be judged based on the following criteria:

Innovation: The dictionary defines innovation as “new and creative, especially in the way that something is done”. The Rotary Club of Elkins is looking for the use of creativity to solve old problems, simply purchasing “packaged programs” is not considered innovative, but how you utilize the program may be, so be descriptive with how you will execute the program.

Student Involvement: The activity must directly involve and benefit students/young people.

Lifespan: Be sure to include the approximate number of years the project will benefit students/young people; those that can be a benefit for a number of years will receive more consideration.

Evaluation: Include specific and measurable outcome expectations that illustrate the impact of your project; be sure to discuss how you will evaluate the project’s success. Use your evaluation of the project in a way that clearly demonstrates how the grant funds will be utilized.

Budget: The budget template should be completed thoroughly with items to be purchased, suppliers and estimated costs; attaching additional information regarding items (pictures of equipment, reviews etc.) on the budget is encouraged to leave no question about what plans to be purchased, but it is not required.

Past Project Performance: Providing that your school/library has received this funding in the past, share how that award benefited your students/area youth and, if applicable, how this project will continue that work. Grantees who received funding in the most recent award year will receive additional consideration if post-award requirements were met.

In the past, grants have been awarded for projects such as the construction of composting bins at Tygart Valley Middle/High School, theater upgrades at Elkins High School, the summer reading program at the Valley Head Public Library and the planting and tending of a geometric raised bed at Jennings Randolph Elementary School.

This year’s grant recipients will be recognized and receive their awards at the Rotary Club of Elkins International Festival that will be held on Saturday, May 17, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Elkins Rotary Amphitheatre in the City Town Square. Tickets for the event can be purchased from any Elkins Rotary Club member or by contacting Rotary President Tammie Rizzio at tammierizzio@gmail.com.

All schools and libraries are invited to participate in this program. Teachers wishing to make an application are directed to coordinate with their school principal; only one project per school will be funded. Applications can be secured from each school’s principal and library directors or by emailing Rotarian Chris Lee at chrisleewv@gmail.com.

“Our club is thrilled to provide this opportunity to our local schools and libraries! We have a rich history of supporting young people in our community. From the Rotary Youth Exchange, support of both Boys and Girls State participants, support to local Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops and 4-H camps, our club prioritizes its support for these opportunities and organizations that provide such worthwhile experiences for the young people of Randolph County. With our public schools and libraries grants we are able to support projects in area schools and libraries that enhance learning but may not otherwise be completed. We are excited to see the proposed projects this year and can’t wait to share the announcement of the awards with the community during our event on May 17,” said Rotary President Tammie Rizzio.

Rotary is a global network of 1.4 million neighbors, friends, leaders and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in their communities, and in themselves. Visit www.Rotary.org to learn more about Rotary International, visit the club’s Facebook page – Rotary Club of Elkins – or contact club president Tammie Rizzio at tammierizzio@gmail.com for more information about the Rotary Club of Elkins.