HISTORY OF AWARDED LARGE GRANTS

The first Rotary Auction was held in 1960 to raise money to buy land for the Bainbridge Island Public Library.  Not only did this mark the beginning of a unique and revered community event, it also represented the first instance when the event’s revenues were used to support a major community project. Over the past 57 years, money from the Large Grants (Huney) Fund has been used to help provide a wide variety of projects that have vastly improved the quality of life on Bainbridge Island.  These projects include:

 

Purchasing land, facilities, and equipment for numerous parks and the Park District, such as:

 

  • The Bainbridge Artisan Resource Network (BARN) – 2023
  • First Years Children’s Center – 2022
  • Battle Point Astronomical Association – 2022
  • New roof for the Filipino American Community Hall – 2021
  • Battle Point Park:
    – Kids Up Playground Renovation – 2019 and 2001
    – 2 new Soccer Fields – 2008
    – Transmitter Building – 2004
    – Ritchie Observatory Building – 1990
  • Rotary Field Park – 2015, 2013 and 1962
  • Owens Playground – 2015
  • The Waypoint – 2012
  • A movable stage for the Park District – 2009
  • Rotary Centennial Park – 2005
  • Bainbridge Aquatic Center: • Ray Williamson Pool – 2002• Don Nakata Pool – 2004
  • Fort Ward State Park Boat Launch Ramp – 1972
  • Pritchard Park – 2003
  • Funding a ballot measure to create the Bainbridge Island Park District – 1965Eagledale Park – purchase land – 1968

Additional support for the Bainbridge Island Public Library, such as:

  • Refresh, Revitalize and Renovate Project – 2016
  • Funding to help double the size of the Library – 1996
  • Remodeling the Library – 1981Furnishings for the Library – 1961

Other funded projects include:

  • Bainbridge Community Foundation for COVID relief- 2020
  • Bainbridge General Store – website development for downtown merchants – 2020
  • Bainbridge Island Rowing Center construction costs – 2019
  • AEDs (Automated External Defribillators) throughout the island – 2018
  • Kitsap Humane Society renovation – 2018
  • Morrow Manor (Poulsbo) help with construction cost – 2017
  • Fort Ward Community Hall – construction funding – 2016
  • Island Wood – 4th Sleeping Lodge – 2008
  • West Sound Wildlife Shelter – install and improvements to donated building – 2008
  • Children’s Museum – Improvements – 2003
  • Bainbridge Island Historical Museum• Move school building to current site –  1969 & 1970• Repair of building and heating system, Reference Library – 2003
  • WWII Nikkei Internment and Exclusion Memorial – 2003 Bainbridge Island Commons – Help with construction cost – 1994
  • Helpline House Storage Facility – 1989 and 1992
  • Purchase of a new medical aid vehicle for the Fire Protection District – 1987
*Large Grant (Huney) named after Judd Huney, Past President of our Rotary Club (1953 – 54), who was instrumental in establishing the Large Grants (Huney) Fund from which we provide the money for the Large Grants.