Six Northern Michigan Initiatives Receive Rotary Charities Grants Totaling $376,489

Miriam • Jun 11, 2024

Contact: Miriam Owsley, Strategic Communications Manager

Rotary Charities of Traverse City is proud to announce the recipients of our Spring 2024 Grant Awards, a total investment of $376,489 to regional nonprofits and collaboratives. These grants, part of our continued commitment to fostering community growth and resilience, support projects aimed at enhancing experiential learning and cultural enrichment, support for individuals with disabilities, housing, and addressing homelessness. 

Four of the grants were awarded through Rotary Charities’ Assets for Thriving Communities grant program, which provides support to initiatives that develop, strengthen, or build community assets that are available to all, or make an existing asset more widely available.  

One grant was awarded through our Systems Change Accelerator grant program, which provides support to collaborative initiatives targeting the root causes of complex community problems.  

One grant was awarded through our Emerging Needs grant program, which provides flexible and responsive funding to support critical projects or urgent community needs. 

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

“These grants represent our deep commitment to addressing critical needs and fostering equity and inclusivity, aligning with our vision of communities that are adaptive and thriving for everyone,” said Sakura Takano, CEO of Rotary Charities. “This funding will strengthen essential services, enhance educational and cultural engagement, and tackle complex community challenges. By investing in innovative projects and community-driven solutions, we aim to create durable positive impacts that enhance the well-being and resilience of Northern Michigan communities.” 

Disability Network Northern Michigan 
Technology Empowerment: Innovation & Inclusivity for All — $50,000 Assets for Thriving Communities grant 
The Disability Network of Northern Michigan (DNNM) has been awarded a $50,000 grant to expand their "Surviving to Thriving Technology Empowerment" program, aimed at bridging the digital divide for underserved communities and individuals with disabilities. This project will provide tailored digital skills training, enhancing accessibility and fostering inclusivity. Founded in 2003, DNNM promotes independence and positive social change for individuals with disabilities across Northern Michigan.  

Habitat for Humanity Grand Traverse Region 
Affordable Housing Solutions Using Precast Concrete Walls — $50,000 Assets for Thriving Communities grant 
Habitat for Humanity Grand Traverse Region has been awarded a $50,000 grant to support the construction of four homes using precast concrete walls, significantly reducing build time and enhancing home quality and energy efficiency. This funding is for Phase 2 of the New Waves Development, a 14-home neighborhood addressing the urgent need for affordable housing in Northern Michigan.  

Inland Seas Education Association 
The Future of Great Lakes Education — $50,000 Assets for Thriving Communities grant 
The Inland Seas Education Association (ISEA) has been awarded a $50,000 grant to support the construction of a new facility on their Suttons Bay campus, including a multi-use learning space, state-of-the-art laboratory, and housing for interns and volunteers. This facility will enhance ISEA’s ability to inspire curiosity and stewardship of the Great Lakes through hands-on education, serving students, teachers, and community members. With a focus on expanding their impactful experiential education programs, ISEA has educated over 165,000 participants across the Great Lakes region since 1989. 

Northwestern Michigan College Foundation, Dennos Museum Center 
Preparation for AAM Accreditation: Phase II LED Lighting Upgrades — $26,489 Assets for Thriving Communities grant 
The Dennos Museum Center has been awarded a $26,489 grant to upgrade outdated track lighting fixtures to energy-efficient LED units. This upgrade is part of the museum's preparation for its first-time accreditation with the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), enhancing collections care and visitor experience. As a premier cultural facility and Smithsonian Affiliate, the museum continues to offer diverse and high-quality programming while pursuing best practice and sustainability goals. 

Goodwill Northern Michigan, NW MI Coalition to End Homelessness  
Ending Chronic Homelessness — $150,000 Systems Change Accelerator grant 
Goodwill Northern Michigan and the Northwest Michigan Coalition to End Homelessness have been awarded a $150,000 grant to support their Initiative to End Chronic Homelessness by 2028. The project aims to address the root causes of homelessness through collaborative solutions and public-private partnerships. This initiative focuses on changing community narratives, improving accountability, and strengthening sustainability to make homelessness rare, brief, and one-time in the Greater Grand Traverse region. 

Goodwill Northern Michigan 
Housing-Based Case Management — $50,000 Emerging Needs grant 
Goodwill of Northern Michigan has been awarded a $50,000 Emerging Needs grant to support a housing-based case manager for clients transitioning from homelessness into housing at East Bay Flats and other locations. The funding fills a vital gap until funding awarded from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) becomes available in 2025. This case manager will provide critical support, including connections to employment, mental health services, and substance use counseling, to help clients maintain stable housing. This initiative is part of Goodwill's broader strategy with the Northwest Michigan Coalition to End Homelessness to end chronic homelessness by 2028.  

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 $76 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.  

Learn more at RotaryCharities.org