The purpose of the Rotary 2026-27 Global Grant Scholarship is to foster international understanding through graduate study in a foreign university with a concentration in one or more of Rotary International’s Seven Areas of Focus. The value of the scholarship is $30,000. Two scholarships are available.

Colin Gershon, of the Rotary Club of New Haven, is the Committee Chair. All questions should be directed to Colin for any clarifications. The final decision regarding Global Grant Scholarship recipients is made by The Rotary Foundation. Sponsoring clubs will be responsible for submitting Global Grant Scholarship to TRF, and when approved be responsible for financial stewardship.

To be eligible for a Global Grant Scholarship through District 7980, the candidate must maintain permanent residence within the boundaries of Rotary District 7980 (i.e., within Fairfield, New Haven, Middlesex, or New London counties) or attend an institution of higher learning located within the boundaries of District 7980.

Candidates must apply, be interviewed, and be endorsed by a District 7980 Rotary Club prior to being interviewed by the District Scholarship Committee. If you are interested in applying for this scholarship, you should contact your local club prior to December 15, 2026, to receive the necessary guidance. The deadline for submitting the application to the Rotary Club is January 17, 2027. The club is responsible for reviewing the application, interviewing the candidates, and forwarding the completed application to the District Scholarship Committee. The interview schedule is set by the Rotary Club. All decisions on endorsement are made by the Rotary Club. There are no limits on the number of applications from an institution of higher education or endorsed by a Rotary Club. For those having questions about securing club interviews and endorsement, please contact the District Scholarship Chair, Past District Governor, Colin Gershon at cmg@gershonlaw.com or District Grants Sub-committee Chair John Merkel at GrantsChair7980@gmail.com.

Global Scholar Application Material

Endorsed applications must be forwarded by the Rotary Club or applicant to the District Scholarship Committee no later than February 28, 2027. Applications without a Rotary Club endorsement will not be considered. All applications must include:

• Terms and Conditions of Rotary Global Scholar Grant
• Areas of Focus Policy Statements
• District 7980 TRF Global Grant Scholarship Application 2026-27
• District 7980 TRF Global Grant Scholarship Objectives Application Addendum 2026-27
• District 7980 TRF Global Grant Scholarship Academic Recommendation 2026-27
• District 7980 TRF Global Grant Scholarship Non-Academic Recommendation 2026-27
• Rotary Club Endorsement for GG Grant Scholarship Candidate

*Please note, a letter of acceptance into program should be submitted prior to the interview date. If that is impractical, please contact Colin Gershon.

The interviews are scheduled for Saturday, April 3, 2027, via Zoom, and may extend to the next day, depending on the number of applicants.