The days are getting longer, things are starting to wake up again, and in Rotary, we focus on the environment — something that touches every single one of us, every single day.
The District 7780 Outreach Team to Bengaluru, India extends our sincere gratitude to the District for the extraordinary opportunity to fall in love with India. We were warmly welcomed and generously hosted by the Rotarians of District 3191, who organized inspiring and comprehensive tours of their impactful service projects and vibrant city and villages.
This experience has deepened our appreciation for Rotary’s global reach and impact. As a result of the trip, we and our clubs are sponsoring three global grants in India, totaling $150,000.
During the first half of the 2025–2026 academic year, the High School Peer Counseling and Mental Health Advocacy, PALs (Peer Advocate Leaders) Program has focused on building a visible, student-driven system of mental health support and awareness on campus.
The District 7780 District Grant Program empowers Rotary clubs to create meaningful, sustainable impact in their communities through Rotary Foundation funding. This guide outlines the key responsibilities, deadlines, and requirements for both the 2025-2026 Final Reporting process and the 2026-2027 Club Qualification process. By following these steps, clubs demonstrate strong stewardship of Rotary Foundation funds and maintain eligibility for future District Grant opportunities.
For more information see the District 7780 website.
Sharing Our Foundation Good News
District 7780 Still Making an Impact!
By Anonymous, District 7780 Foundation Committee
District Governor Elect Michele Bois-Gilbody has announced that she’ll continue DG Emma Bodwell’s beloved weekly “5 Sparks” email — but with a Foundation twist. Each week, the club that donates the most to The Rotary Foundation, along with the club giving the most per capita, will receive $10,000. District Foundation Chair Aileen Dugan said, “We’re confident this will inspire unprecedented generosity. The details of where the $20,000 weekly prize money will come from are still… evolving. But really, what’s a small detail when District 7780 is ‘Doing Good in the World’?
To qualify for district or global grants, clubs must have two members complete grant training, available online and at the Opportunity Workshop (OW!) on April 11. This year’s training includes a demo of the online grant application and an introduction to the new optional reporting format. Beginning with the February 1, 2027 interim deadline, clubs may submit their report by posting a TikTok video about their project. District Grant Chair Carol Marcotte noted, “We’re thrilled about this development. It should make grant compliance far less burdensome — and maybe even fun.”
The Portsmouth Rotary Club has lost a dedicated Rotarian. Director Emeritus Cliff Taylor passed away on February 26. Cliff was a Past President of our club and a Paul Harris Fellow. As the General Manager of WHEB, Cliff was intimately involved in supporting our community. As a Director of Service Federal Credit Union, he fostered the strong bond between our club and the credit union that exists today.Our sincerest condolences to his family and friends.
Judith Reidman was a devoted member of the Westbrook–Gorham Rotary Club for nearly 25 years. She served for many years as the club’s Vocational Service Chair, contributed her steady leadership on the Board, and guided the long‑running Rotary House Project — a partnership with the Westbrook Regional Vocational Center and the City of Westbrook dating back to 1957. A PHF+6 and our 2008–2009 Club President, Judith remained an active and engaged Rotarian, as well as a committed member of the Westbrook Woman’s Club and Altrusa of Portland, until her passing.
Getting closer! Saturday, April 11th at Westbrook High School our new District Opportunity Workshop (DOW) is ready to share new ideas and best practices for our Rotary programs! Good for all Rotarians, Rotaract, and Interact Members!
Anyone looking to be more involved in their club's programs or committees, this is a perfect chance to learn more and have a lot of fun in the process.
Doors open at 8:00am for check-in & fellowship over coffee and a continental breakfast. 9:00am - We POWER UP!
REGISTER TODAY! CLICK HERE for complete details on the topics, schedule, AND registration.
Nine District 7780 clubs hit the ice on March 1 as Rotarians and their families carried 60 American flags during the first intermission of the Maine Mariners game at Cross Arena — a beautiful sight!
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