The Rotary Club of Menlo Park Foundation has made a lasting impact in our communities. We support the following programs:
Community Grants
Annually the Foundation donates about $50,000 to eligible not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organizations who assist underserved populations in our community. The Community Gifts Committee, which solicits grant applications, will make grant applications available February 1,2023.
Belle Haven Community Garden
In 2014 our Club spearheaded the development of the Belle Haven Community Garden. Collaborating with City of Menlo Park employees and Belle Haven neighbors, Menlo Park Rotary leaders identified a suitable garden location and coordinated initial landscape development. Facebook and Greenhart have been major contributors to financing the garden, while the City of Menlo Park, particularly the facilities department, provided logistical support. Presently 35 garden beds, provided free of charge, are being cultivated by Belle Haven residents. Importantly, the process has also brought neighbors out of their homes, to meet and work together in a lovely, peaceful setting embedded in their own community.
Interact Club
The Foundation supports a 25-student service club at Eastside College Prep, called "Interact," which annually conducts a food drive, toy drive, a Bay clean-up day, and other projects that help their community. Annually, each Interact student attends a Menlo Park Rotary meeting and Interact officers address the club at our year-end banquet. Full scholarships have also been awarded to five Interact students to participate in 3-day Rotary Youth Leadership camps.
Rotary Connects
The Foundation's periodic "Rotary Connects" programs gather non-profit, business, and community leaders to share in important discussions about our local affairs. Recent topics include the status of water resources and the availability of non-technical jobs in Bay Area companies. Please check back periodically for updates on the next event.
Rotary Means Business
Periodically the Rotary Club holds networking opportunities for Rotarians and non-Rotarians. Please check back periodically for updates on the next event.