THE Rotary Club of Perth has changed the way it issues small community grants for projects that support the club’s principles, in order to prioritise the vast number of applications it receives each year. If proven successful, the small grants pilot scheme could become a regular program for the organisation.According to Nigel Barker, chair of Rotary’s Community Service Committee which is handling the grants, eligible projects include those where a small amount of funds can be leveraged to benefit a large number of people in the community. As a first in the club’s 78-year history, Mr Barker said the new system should benefit the community, since previous grants were handed out as worthy applications were received."Grants of up to $500 are available for projects that support the Rotary Club’s principles of service above self," he said. Applications close on Saturday October 1, with application forms available from the Rotary Club Office, which can be contacted on 9321 4356.