The Rotary Club of Alexandria has awarded grants totaling $65,000 to 41 nonprofit organizations that advance literacy for children and adults in Alexandria.

The grants seek to improve the lives of children, youth, seniors and those with special needs in the Alexandria community. The grants are traditionally presented at the organization’s annual Contributions Day Luncheon in mid-June. Due to the current COVID-19 crisis, recipients were notified earlier this month and funds were dispersed in an effort to quickly support the needs of each nonprofit. The Contributions Day Luncheon will be rescheduled for a later date.

Additionally, in late March, the club made a $10,000 gift to the ACT NOW COVID-19 RESPONSE FUND to make emergency funds available to organizations on the front lines.

“This year, we all face additional challenges as we navigate the uncertainties created by COVID-19,” said Rotary Club of Alexandria president Sharon Meisel. “Given the critical needs of those served by the grantee organization, the club’s board of directors believed it was important to release the funds now. Our Rotary members are committed to working together with the community to help our Alexandria neighbors in these unusual and stressful times.”

The funds awarded are raised primarily at the Rotary Club of Alexandria’s signature event, its annual Taste for Giving held at the US Patent and Trademark Office every October.

Chartered in 1928, the Rotary Club of Alexandria has over 100 members who meet weekly and live their motto of “service above self.” The club is part of Rotary International, a global network of 1.2 million members. https://alexandriarotary.org/