Our Work
Our Work
Supporting Adaptive and Equitable Communities
In 1976, the discovery of oil and gas on land owned by the Traverse City Noon Rotary Club brought with it an extraordinary opportunity. Rotary Charities of Traverse City was founded on a shared belief that those resources should be used to benefit our region for generations to come. Since then, we’ve invested more than $76 million in nonprofits, the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, local governments, and cross-sector networks. These are the changemakers who are building a more resilient and thriving region across Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau counties in northwest lower Michigan.
We believe that complex problems require collaborative solutions, and that communities are strongest when everyone has the opportunity to thrive. That’s why our work goes beyond grantmaking. We provide funding, learning, and connections to support innovative approaches that address root causes, create shared community assets, and build systems that work for all.
Our Vision
We envision communities that are adaptive and equitable where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Our Mission
Working in partnership with changemakers, Rotary Charities provides funding, learning, and connections to address our region’s complex problems and create community assets for all.
Our Partners
We support 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations, the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, local units of government, and school districts that provide services in Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska and Leelanau counties.
OUR APPROACH
FUNDING
We invest in changemakers and organizations through grants and mission-aligned investments, supporting the creation or expansion of community assets and the work to redesign the systems that support community well-being.
LEARNING
We create and curate opportunities for leaders to build the skills, confidence, and perspectives needed to navigate complexity and lead change.
CONNECTING
We bring changemakers together to share ideas, deepen trust, and amplify collaboration for greater regional impact.
Our PROGRAM AREAS
Community Development
| Supporting place-based efforts that strengthen community assets and advance equitable outcomes. |
Systems Change
| Investing in collaborative efforts to address root causes and redesign systems to work better for everyone. |
Leadership
| Building skills, confidence, and connections among local changemakers through coaching and peer learning. |
Impact Investing
| Leveraging our resources to make mission-aligned investments that generate both financial and social returns. |
- Our Guiding Principles
Over the years, we’ve learned from our grantees that the most impactful projects are those that are driven by a commitment to meaningful partnerships, creative problem-solving, and a willingness to evolve in response to new challenges. These values are reflected in Rotary Charities’ Guiding Principles, which shape our approach to funding and support.
Inclusive – Sustainable solutions emerge when those most affected by an issue are involved in shaping the path forward. We prioritize approaches that center diverse perspectives, amplify community voices, and ensure decision-making power is shared.
Collaborative – Meaningful change happens when we work together. Whether through partnerships, shared leadership, or collective action, we support initiatives that build strong relationships and leverage the strengths of many.
Resourceful – The most effective solutions make the most of what is already available, or bring new resources to bear. We encourage creativity in using existing knowledge, assets, and infrastructure to drive sustainable impact.
Reflective – Growth happens when we take time to learn. We value approaches that integrate reflection into daily work, draw insights from broader contexts, and apply learning to strengthen impact.
Adaptive – Change is constant, and successful initiatives are built to evolve. We support efforts that embrace flexibility, test new ideas, and refine strategies based on real-time learning.
Aligned – We are part of a larger system, and our work is stronger when it connects to others. We invest in efforts that contribute to a shared vision, complement existing initiatives, and move toward a more just, thriving, and resilient region.
- Our Theory of Change
Our work is rooted in a belief that when changemakers have access to support, communities thrive. We provide funding, learning, and connections that equip local leaders with the resources, skills, and relationships they need to strengthen community assets and transform systems.
We aim to ensure that changemakers are equipped to work in inclusive, collaborative, and adaptive ways—approaches we believe are essential for creating long-lasting change. The ripple effects of this work are seen in stronger systems, more accessible community assets, and more resilient, connected communities.
- Our Strategic Plan
For close to 50 years, Rotary Charities has worked alongside changemakers to support resilient and thriving communities across northwest lower Michigan. As we look ahead to the future, we are building on that legacy with a renewed commitment to equity, partnership, and long-term impact.
Our 2024-2027 strategic plan focuses on four key areas—Funding, Learning, Connecting, and Equity Culture & Operations—and reflects our evolving approach to supporting transformative change.