This document provides an overview of economic and community development as an area of focus for Rotary projects. It discusses how Rotarians support investments in people through projects focused on capacity building, economic opportunities, and scholarships. Common project types are outlined, including income generation, marketing, poverty alleviation, education/training, and leadership/skills development. The project lifecycle and ways Rotary Action Groups and Community Corps can provide expertise and local insight are also summarized. Global grant eligibility and potential project scopes involving scholarships, vocational training, small businesses, agriculture, and microcredit are highlighted. Resources for additional information are listed at the end.

1. AREA OF FOCUS
Economic and Community Development
[presenter]
[date]

2. Area of Focus: ECD | 2
Introduction to Economic and Community Development
Rotarians around the world are involved in projects that support investments in
people to create measurable and enduring economic improvement in their lives
and communities through:
 Building capacity to support economic
growth and reduce poverty
 Developing opportunities for work
 Providing scholarships in economic and
community development
Economic development at the community level

3. Area of Focus: ECD | 3
Common Economic and Community Development Project Types
Income
Generation
Marketing
Poverty Alleviation

4. Area of Focus: ECD | 4
Common Economic and Community Development Project Types
Education Training
Leadership
Skills

5. Area of Focus: ECD | 5
Project Lifecycle

6. Area of Focus: ECD | 6
Leveraging Knowledge: RAGs and RCCs
Rotary Community Corps (RCC)
Rotary Community Corps (RCC) is a team of
non- Rotarians who are flexible partners of
service for Rotary clubs.
RCCs offer community solutions for
community issues.
RCCs can offer key insight into the intricacies
of the local community and economic market.
Rotarian Action Groups
(RAGs)
Rotarian Action Groups (RAGs)
leverage their expertise in their
particular area of interest to
support clubs and districts.
The Rotarian Action Group
for Microcredit and Community
Development guides members
in planning and funding
ECD activities.
It co-hosts microcredit
conferences and helps to
advance the field of microcredit
and community development
worldwide.

7. Area of Focus: ECD | 7
Global Grants with The Rotary Foundation
Global grant eligibility requirements
 Sustainable
 Measurable goals
 Align with an area of focus
 Respond to real community needs
 Actively involve Rotarians and
host community members

8. Area of Focus: ECD | 8
Global Grants Scope for Economic and Community Development
Supporting graduate
level studies in:
• Grassroots
economic
development
• Community
development and
organizing
Training related to
community leadership
Comprehensive,
community-led,
and coordinated
community
development activities
• Entrepreneurship
• Financial literacy
• Saleable skills
Community
Development
Vocational
Training
Scholarships

9. Area of Focus: ECD | 9
Global Grants Scope for Economic and Community Development
Development of a:
• Small business
• Cooperative
• Social enterprise
Access to financial
services including:
• Microcredit*
• Savings
• Insurance
*Must be in
partnership with a
microfinance
institution
Development for
subsistence and small
farmers including
facilitating access to
markets
Upgrading
agricultural and
irrigation practices
Small
Business
AgricultureMicrocredit

10. Area of Focus: ECD | 1 0
Economic and Community Development Resources
Communities in
Action: A Guide
to Effective
Projects
Community
Assessment
Tools
An Introduction
to Vocational
Service
Rotarian Action Group for
Microfinance and
Community Development

11. Area of Focus: ECD | 1 1
Global Grant Resources
Grant Management
Manual
Areas of Focus
Policy Statements
Rotary’s Areas of
Focus
Terms and Conditions
for Rotary Foundation
District Grants and
Global Grants

12. Area of Focus: ECD | 1 2
Contact Information
+1 866-976-8279 (toll free)
Rotary International
One Rotary Center
1560 Sherman Ave.
Evanston, IL 60201-3698, USA