The fund was established as a 501(c)3 charitable organization to allow all donations to be tax deductible. It was founded in 1993 by the Frankfort, Ky Rotary Club to support scholarships for local youth.
Rotarians recognized that to meet their potential, most young people require some additional training or education beyond high school.
Over its 29 year history, the Frankfort Rotary Youth Fund and its partners have awarded over $200,000 in scholarships to approximately 200 local students.
Recipients have used the funds to attend a wide variety of trade schools, community colleges and 4-year universities in pursuit of all kinds of careers including welding, automotive mechanics, information technology, legal, medical, engineering, teaching, etc.
In addition to our major sponsors, Frankfort Plant Board and Burch Court Dental, the youth fund received donations from 30 different companies and individuals in 2021 which are listed on our webpage and in the State Journal each year.
The fund is grateful for donations of any amount and has established the following giving levels:
Named Scholarship ($2000)
Diamond ($1,000)
Platinum ($500)
*Named in honor of Pat Ireland, Frankfort Rotary Club’s first president (1922).
Gold ($250)
Silver ($150)
Other ($______)
Donations at $2,000 and above will be recognized in the name of the donor or their designee.
A one-time award of $2,000 per student
These competitive scholarships are based on the review of a common application. Criteria include financial need, academic performance, and school and community leadership.