Seed Grants

SEED Grants

Small investments can spark big change. Seed Grants support a wide range of early-stage and evolving work, including the planning, collaboration, and capacity-building efforts that help make promising ideas possible.

  •     Funding: Up to $15,000
  •   Deadlines: Monthly
  •    Grant Period: Up to 1 Year

Whether you're exploring a brand new idea or looking to deepen existing efforts, Seed Grants can support the early steps needed to move from vision to action. The work of convening stakeholders, testing new strategies, and building trust takes time and intention. Seed Grants offer the opportunity needed to explore, learn, and adapt before action takes root.

These grants are often a first step toward future efforts that may become strong candidates for our Assets for Thriving Communities or Systems Change Accelerator grants.

What We Fund

Seed Grants support early-stage or adaptive efforts related to physical assets or infrastructure projects, program development, or systems change. Eligible uses include, but are not limited to, the following activities:

  • Pre-Development for Capital Projects
    • Visioning and prioritizing for community projects
    • Site assessments and preparation 
    • Design charrettes and planning with architects, users, etc. 
    • Architectural or structural drawings or plans 
    • ​Environmental or cultural impact exploration 
  • Community & Stakeholder Engagement
    • Convening stakeholders or cross-sector partners
    • Facilitating community planning or engagement processes
    • Developing partnership agreements or exploring governance or stewardship models for collective work
    • Advocacy planning and messaging development
    • Framing, storytelling, and other narrative strategies 
  • Exploration, Experimentation & Design
    • Planning and development of new or adapted initiatives
    • ​Piloting or prototyping approaches 
    • Feasibility studies, needs assessments, market analyses 
    • Systems mapping and other learning or sensemaking activities 
    • Assessing and building the capacity of partners or networks to move forward together 
    • ​Designing inclusive decision-making structures and co-creation with people with lived experience 
  • Organizational Adaptation & Readiness
    • Scenario planning for strategic repositioning
    • Risk management, business continuity preparedness, or succession planning
    • Revenue diversification or fund development strategy
    • Organizational restructuring, shared services, or mergers 
    • Financial dashboard development or systems upgrades
    • Data management transitions to improve agility or security 
    • ​Translating and adapting tools, materials, or processes for accessibility and equity 
  • Wellbeing & Organizational Culture Change
    • Piloting policies and practices that support balance and renewal (e.g., flexible scheduling, collective rest, workload tools) 
    • Training, coaching, or facilitated processes to strengthen leadership and organizational culture 
    • Peer support, team rituals, or connection practices that build belonging and resilience 
    • ​Equity-centered initiatives such as pay/benefits reviews, inclusive benefit pilots, or shared decision-making structures 

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.
    Seed 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

    Following 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 Seed Grants are due by 11:59pm on the 1st of each month.

  • Review Process

    Staff Review: After a Seed grant application is submitted, it is reviewed by two members of the Rotary Charities staff and scored based on the criteria in Appendix 1 of the grant guidance document. 

    Q&A: A list of questions (if any) will be compiled and the applicant can respond in writing. 

    Decisions: A written summary of the staff review and a funding recommendation will be included in the board packet to be considered for funding at their monthly 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.