Tomorrow Fund grants provide financial support.
Written by International Trustee Srishti Khadilkar
Sometimes even the best ideas need a little support. That’s where the Tomorrow Fund comes in. For CKI clubs and districts looking to implement service projects, the Tomorrow Fund provides grants of up to US$2,000.
Made possible through donations to the Kiwanis Children’s Fund, the Tomorrow Fund empowers clubs through financial resources that contribute to impactful service work in their communities. Whether your club wants to start a new environmental initiative, support a local hospital or create educational kits for children, the Tomorrow Fund can help bring dreams to life!
What you’ll need
- Your membership ID number and club key number: Email Kiwanis International’s member services if you need help finding these numbers.
- Contact information: Have contact information for your Kiwanis advisor and/or district administrator readily available.
- Project description: Applicants need a brief description of their project’s purpose and what community needs they will address. Successful grant applications often mention how the project serves one of CKI’s main objectives: childhood development, environmental justice, food insecurity and homelessness, and/or mental health.
- Project timeline and budget: Along with a description, the application requires a project timeline and budget. Make sure to be as detailed as possible and state the exact steps for bringing your project to life.
The next steps
- Create an idea for a project: Research local needs and see how you can most benefit your community. Research service initiatives or reach out to your Kiwanis club for ideas.
- Create a budget: Prospective applicants need to have a clear budget for their project. Formulate an Excel sheet and list needed items and their approximate costs. Make sure to be as detailed as possible! For instance, instead of just stating “food costs,” write an in-depth summary of the foods/ingredients you will be purchasing.
- Complete the application: Applications opened October 1. Fill out the application with attention to detail, providing a compelling narrative for your project and why it deserves funding.
More tips
Successful applicants have provided a clear timeline and budget and stated how each member will participate in the project. Additionally, show how the project will impact your community. Highlight the key issues your area faces and how the initiative will directly alleviate these concerns. Also express how your project will have a lasting impression on your club. How will you make sure that initiatives such as your own are continued by your club and others in the area/region to target the addressed community issue?
Ready to apply?
Applicants must first create an account with Foundant. The application portal can be found here.
Applications are open through December 1, 2024. If you are planning a summer service project, the next application cycle will be April 1-June 1, 2025.