Assets For Thriving Communities

Assets For Thriving Communities Grants

Accessible community assets are the building blocks of a fair, thriving, and resilient region. From affordable housing and multi-modal transportation to arts, culture, and education, these shared resources play a critical role in improving quality of life for all.

  •     Funding: Up to $50,000
  •  Deadlines: March & September
  •   Grant Period: 1-3 years

Our Assets for Thriving Communities grants support the development, enhancement, and expansion of community assets that are grounded in community input and accessible to all. These grants are designed for projects that have already completed substantial groundwork, including relationship-building, stakeholder engagement, and strategy development informed by research.

We prioritize efforts that reflect a clear understanding of community needs and values, and we encourage applicants to demonstrate strong engagement strategies and transparent decision-making processes. While community input is central to this grant category, the grant itself is not typically intended to fund engagement activities. If your project is focused on that phase of work, please consider applying for a Seed Grant.

What We Fund

Assets for Thriving Communities grants may support capital projects and programmatic initiatives in areas such as:

  • Multi-modal transportation
  • Affordable housing
  • Accessible recreation
  • Arts & culture
  • Energy (efficiency, conservation, renewable)
  • Child welfare
  • Land preservation
  • Health and wellbeing
  • Education

These examples are not exhaustive. We welcome creative ideas that meet shared community needs and align with our mission to foster thriving communities across the region.

Learn More

  • Organizational Eligibility

    Eligible organizations must:

    • Provide services in Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, or Leelanau counties.
    • Be a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, a local unit of government, or a school district.
    • Partnerships and networks may apply using an eligible organization as a fiscal sponsor.

    Find more information in our Guidance for Grantseekers.

  • Prepare to Apply

    Before applying, we recommend reviewing our Grant Guidance Document and visiting our Guidance for Grantseekers FAQ page. This resource answers commonly asked questions about eligibility, application requirements, and the review process, ensuring you have the knowledge needed to submit a strong proposal. Taking the time to review this guidance can help clarify expectations and improve your application experience.

    You can also prepare by reviewing the application questions.
    Assets for Thriving Communities Grant Application Questions

  • Application Process

    Step 1: Review Our Guidance for Grantseekers

    Before applying, we recommend reviewing our Grant Guidance Document and Guidance for Grantseekers FAQ. This resource answers commonly asked questions about eligibility, application requirements, and the review process, ensuring you have the knowledge needed to submit a strong proposal. 

    Step 2: Schedule a Pre-Grant Meeting

    Ready to take the next step? Submit a request to meet with our staff and explore how we can support your initiative.

    Schedule a Pre-Grant Meeting

    This conversation will help you refine your proposal, confirm alignment with the grant category, and address any questions you may have.

    Step 3: Access the Online Application

    After your pre-grant meeting, our staff will provide you with a link to submit your application electronically. We recommend reviewing the application questions in advance to prepare your responses. 

    Applications for Assets for Thriving Communities grants are due in March and September. 

    Please refer to the Grant Guidance Document for specific deadlines. 

  • Review Process

    Staff and Board Review: Applications for Systems Change Accelerator grants are first reviewed by two members of the Rotary Charities staff and two members of the Rotary Charities board and scored based on the criteria in the Grant Guidance Document. 

    Volunteer Review: After staff and board review, the full application and a summary of the staff review are reviewed by two Rotarian volunteer reviewers. 

    Reviewer Questions and Applicant Response: After the reviews are completed, a list of questions (if any) will be compiled and the applicant can respond in writing or at the review meeting. 

    Review Meeting: A review meeting with the review team and the applicant will occur via Zoom. After the Zoom meeting, the review team will debrief and decide on a recommendation to be considered by the board. 

    Decisions: The Rotary Charities board of trustees will make funding decisions at their June (Spring applications) or December (Fall applications)  meeting.

    Notification: Applicants are typically notified of funding decisions within days of the Board meeting.

  • Troubleshooting and Support

    If you encounter any challenges while completing your online application, contact Kendra directly for assistance. We are here to support you throughout the application process.