Rotary Charities of Traverse City

The organization’s mission is to provide funding, learning, and connections to address the region’s complex problems and create community assets for all. Its grant programs support community assets, collaborative work addressing root causes of complex challenges, early-stage or evolving initiatives, and training and professional development.

Rotary Charities’ website says eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, local units of government, and school districts that provide services in its five-county region. Partnerships and networks may apply through an eligible fiscal sponsor. The website also describes funding for organizations headquartered outside the region when their work significantly benefits local residents and the impact can be clearly measured or documented.

The grantees’ own descriptions illustrate the range of organizations supported. Discovery Center & Pier describes its mission as connecting people of all ages, abilities, and needs to the Great Lakes through recreation, education, history, science, and stewardship. Crosshatch Center for Art & Ecology says it builds strong communities through the intersections of art, farming, ecology, and economy. Homestretch describes its work as providing and preserving decent, affordable housing for people with low and moderate incomes. Paddle Antrim says it protects water resources by connecting people to waterways through paddle sports.