TO TOP
Resources For Change
Funding
We provide financial resources to changemakers, investing over $63 million in the 5-county Grand Traverse region since 1977.
Learning
We offer learning experiences to help changemakers in our region work better together.
Connecting
We connect changemakers with resources and opportunities that support meaningful change in our region.
Our Grantees In Action
We've supported hundreds of local organizations over the years who make the five-county region a unique place to learn and grow. We're honored to work in partnership with grantees to build a region that is fair, thriving and resilient.
Safe Routes to School
$130,000
Support schools and families to navigate Safe Routes to School infrastructure
Peace Ranch
$60,000
Expand equine therapy services
Housing North
$125,000
Advocacy for Affordable Housing
TART Trails
$65,000
Construct a segment of the Traverse City to Charlevoix trail system
Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation
$60,000
Expand Generations Ahead
Leelanau Conservancy
$40,000
Support for the Palmer Woods 1000-Acre Project
Human Nature School
$44,000
Timber Frame Barn
SEEDS
$37,500
Organic waste systems analysis
Working Better Together
We feel fortunate to support good work in our community financiailly, but we are just as proud of our efforts to connect and work alongside changemakers in our region through opportunities to learn and collaborate. Together we create the conditions for more meaningful change.
Our Leadership Learning Lab sweeps lower northwest Michigan:
Our Mission:
We’re working together to address our region’s complex problems & create community assets for all.
Learn With Us
by admin
Once opportunities and points of leverage are identified, systems can begin to shift when multiple actions across a system design a constellation of actions that act on those patterns.
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by Miriam
A lack of affordable housing is a common challenge to "gateway communities". Community members may hold the key to a unique solution.
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by sakura
Five years ago, Rotary Charities began a journey to shift our focus from charity to changemaking in an effort to better help our region tackle our most complex problems and create community assets for all. We have much work ahead.
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by Miriam
Good Samaritan Family Services has grown its programming over 30 years to support its neighbors in Ellsworth, MI. With support of an Assets for Thriving Communities grant, their Family Center buildout is now complete.
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by freya
This is the second in a series of blogs about different aspects of systems change work. This series is about making different choices about how we work and what we work on when we are aiming for community-level change in our most complex problems. These are choices that require we walk upstream, together, to investigate why our problem looks the way it does downriver.
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by Miriam
With the support of a $50,000 Assets for Thriving Communities grant the Traverse City office will serve at least 250 immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers living in Northern Michigan communities during the next two years.
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by freya
by Miriam
With the support of a $50,000 Rotary Charities Assets for Thriving Communities grant, The Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park plans to transform a 1900’s era dairy barn into an education center and develop a children's sensory garden, projects that embody the “beauty is therapy” ideal that guided the institution which shaped the land.
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by Miriam
With the support of a $50,000 Assets for Thriving Communities grant, the nonprofit Bay Community Theatre plans to replace outdated and crumbling infrastructure and provide engaging experiences for the community with a keen interest in accessibility and affordability.
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by freya
The first in a four-part blog series exploring different aspects of systems change work: convening, connecting & committing; finding leverage points for change; designing interventions to change systems; and learning as we go.
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by Miriam
A $50,000 Assets for Thriving Communities grant will support a collaborative effort to re-route the North Country Trail through downtown Kalkaska and create a non-motorized accessible trailhead and boardwalk along the Boardman River.
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by freya
Last month, Rotary Charities officially launched a new service to support grantees working to change the roots of complex community problems. The pilot will include all grantees taking a collaborative systems approach and will make 5 to 10 hours of coaching from systems change experts available at no cost.
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by Miriam
Wendy Irvin, CEO of Habitat for Humanity GTR, shares some of the best advice that has guided her career and volunteerism, and what makes a great board member.
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by admin
by Miriam
GTRLC, NMISN and WC shifting mindsets by providing the tools and opportunities to be land stewards
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by admin
We came together from diverse perspectives to care for one another, work together, and find new ways of addressing the challenges our communities face.
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by Miriam
Kalkaska village officials are leading an effort to honor the town's history and revitalize the downtown.
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by admin
We are committed to providing the funding, learning, and connections that changemakers need to be successful in meeting the needs of our region.
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by Miriam
A group of Northern Michigan nonprofit organizations and a coalition of food pantries are working collaboratively to tackle food insecurity by going upstream to address its root causes.
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by Miriam
Nearly every community in Northern Michigan is experiencing the effects of housing shortages and rising housing costs.
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by Miriam
As the deadline to apply for our Fall 2021 Grant Cycle approaches, we're sharing some resources that may be helpful as you submit your application.
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by Miriam
Grow Benzie's Benzie Hive initiative will provide partner organizations and networks with tools and resources to help them collaborate and serve the community.
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by Miriam
The Civil Air Patrol Traverse City Squadron performs search and rescue operations, special missions and prepares the next generation of aviators as they lift off into careers in aerospace, rocketry, and the Airforce.
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by sakura
A note from Sakura Takano, CEO, on Rotary Charities' direction, and an invitation for coffee & conversation on July 14, 2021.
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by Miriam
The Northport Arts Association's Clay Works Studio will be a unique asset in Leelanau county, offering workshops, open studios, and residencies.
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by Miriam
From their repurposed EMS building downtown, The Rock of Kingsley strengthens their community by providing programming for people of all ages.
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by Miriam
The Garden Theater anchors the lively downtown and brings movie-goers to the coastal town of Frankfort not only to enjoy a film but to spend their dollars throughout the community.
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by Miriam
Newton’s Road Northwest is dedicated to STEM learning, sparking “aha moments,” and guiding students through career pathways that lead to in-demand and family-sustaining jobs in Northwest Michigan and beyond.
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by Miriam
Traverse Area District Library's new Bookmobile will bring books, resources, and educational materials to communities throughout Northern Michigan
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by Miriam
The topic of affordable housing is having its moment in the news, but assisting families and individuals to secure stable housing is nothing new for Habitat for Humanity Grand Traverse Region.
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by Courtney
by Miriam
Sakura's experience, community leadership, and vision for the future of the organization solidified her selection.
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by Miriam
Ripple Effects Mapping blends appreciative inquiry and mind mapping to measure a broad range of program impacts.
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by Miriam
by Miriam
Resilient responses to crisis reveal hidden capacities and opportunities to reimagine and improve
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by Miriam
It started as a group of colleagues who just wanted to better understand recycling in our region. But thanks to a Seed Grant, their work grew into a Systems Change Accelerator grant matched with State funding.
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by Miriam
Becky Ewing reflects on 14 years at Rotary Charities and the impact of service on her career, personal life, and community.
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by tori
by tori
When COVID-19 changed the way they interact with educators, the art park leveraged years of materials to create a beautiful field guide for online learners.
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by tori
We chat with Dan Buron from Goodwill and Christina Barkle from Groundwork Center about community care during COVID-19.
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by admin
by tori
Tori talks with Julie about the deep relationship building it takes to create a community asset.
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by Amelia
Environmental organizations work together to tackle invasive plant species threatening our dunes - but they can't do it without the community.
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by Amelia
In a country where health and wellness is so closely linked to social class, Traverse Health is a haven for dignified care for all - especially during COVID-19.
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by tori
Tori and Seth talk about anti-oppression work, white allyship and creative practice in the first episode of our Connected for Change podcast.
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by tori
As we rearrange the way we work together during COVID-19, the CHIR is making it easy for health and social service supporters to work together from a distance on Basecamp.
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by tori
Our local food relief system is relying on their partnerships to make sure no one is left behind during the crisis.
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by admin
by admin
In this video, we hear from Mancelona residents about the potential blight removal brings to this Northern Michigan community.
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by tori
by sakura
We've unlocked a portion of our endowed assets for financial & social returns, in support of nonprofit projects
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by admin
by admin
by tori
by freya
by admin
Daunted. Stressed. And yes, a little terrified. This is where I found myself as I began the journey to take over for a well-loved, long-time leader of our foundation. I knew my relationship with stress had to change.
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by colleen
