Rotary Charities of Traverse City is pleased to announce the recipients of its Spring 2025 Grant Awards. A total of $375,000 has been awarded to six nonprofit organizations and public partners working to strengthen systems and expand access to community assets across Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, and Leelanau counties. 

One grant was awarded through the Systems Change Accelerator program, which supports collaborative efforts to address the root causes of complex community issues. Five additional grants were awarded through the Assets for Thriving Communities program, which supports initiatives that develop, strengthen, or build community assets that are available to all, or make an existing asset more widely available. 

Learn more about these and other grant opportunities at RotaryCharities.org/Grants 

"Each of these initiatives reflects the leadership and innovation of local changemakers who are working together to build a more connected and equitable region," said Sakura Takano, CEO of Rotary Charities. "From improving access to early care and learning and expanding affordable housing, to enhancing public spaces, cultural venues, and transportation infrastructure, these investments strengthen both systems and places that support thriving communities." 

Grant recipients include: 

Benzie Area Historical Society 
Archibald Jones Historical Research Center Storage Systems — $25,000 Assets for Thriving Communities grant 

This grant supports the addition of museum-grade shelving and storage solutions at the Archibald Jones Historical Research Center. These improvements will protect and enhance access to a vast collection of archival materials while expanding opportunities for exhibits, research, and inclusive community engagement. 

East Bay Charter Township 
Safe Routes to School Infrastructure Project — $50,000 Assets for Thriving Communities grant 

Funding will support the completion of the Township's Safe Routes to School infrastructure project. The initiative will create a safer, more connected environment for pedestrians and cyclists near four schools and several key community amenities in the East Bay Corners area. 

Homestretch Nonprofit Housing Corporation 
Crystal Commons Apartments — $50,000 Assets for Thriving Communities grant 

This grant will support the first phase of Crystal Commons, a 36-unit affordable housing development in Thompsonville. This initial phase will construct 12 rental units for families earning between 60% and 80% of area median income, helping address the region’s workforce housing needs. 

The Leelanau School 
Community Auditorium Renovation — $50,000 Assets for Thriving Communities grant 

Funding will support the renovation of the school’s auditorium to support year-round use by the school as well as community organizations. Upgraded lighting, sound, and accessibility features will transform the space into a cultural and civic hub for Leelanau County. 

Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency, as fiscal sponsor for Child Caring Now 
Addressing Systems Issues in Early Care and Learning — $150,000 Systems Change Accelerator grant 

This investment will sustain the coordination of a multi-sector initiative to strengthen the early care and learning system in Northern Michigan. The grant supports collaborative action teams, parent and provider engagement, and a new backbone coordinator role. 

Paddle Antrim, as fiscal sponsor for the Village of Central Lake 
Central Lake Waterfront Improvements — $50,000 Assets for Thriving Communities grant 

The project will enhance accessibility and connectivity at a key trailhead on the Chain of Lakes Water Trail, including an accessible kayak launch, restrooms, parking upgrades, and improved access between the waterfront park and downtown. 

About Rotary Charities of Traverse City:  

Following the 1976 discovery of oil and natural gas reserves on property owned by the Traverse City Rotary Club, Rotary Charities of Traverse City was established as the steward of the financial resources. 

Since that time, over $72 million in grants have been awarded to support nonprofits, municipalities, networks, and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, fostering resilient and thriving communities across Antrim, Benzie, Kalkaska, Grand Traverse, and Leelanau counties. 

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.