Learning Fund

Learning fUND

  •     Individual Max Funding: $500
  •     Team Max Funding: $2,000
  •  Deadlines: Ongoing

Supporting Learning for Greater Impact

Organizations flourish when their staff feel valued, motivated, and supported in their professional development. Prioritizing continued learning ensures that skills and knowledge stay relevant, enhancing the impact of individuals, strengthening organizations, and benefiting the broader community.

The Learning Fund provides financial assistance to changemakers and their teams for learning experiences that foster professional growth and bolster organizational resilience. It may be used in tandem with support from the Capacity Advisory Pool, providing comprehensive support aligned with your organization’s unique goals and priorities.

What We Fund

The Learning Fund helps cover costs associated with professional development opportunities such as trainings, workshops, conferences or other learning-focused activities that strengthen individual, organizational, and community capacity.

Eligible topic areas include, but are not limited to:

  • Advocacy

  • Board development

  • Collaborative skills

  • Communications and digital marketing

  • Community development

  • Decision-making

  • Evaluation

  • Facilitation

  • Financial management

  • Fund development

  • Goal setting and strategic action

  • Human resources

  • Leadership

  • Partnerships and mergers

  • Racial justice, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging

  • Systems change

  • Technical skills

  • Technology and data management

  • Time management

  • Volunteer engagement and management

 

Submit Your Request 

LEARN MORE

  • Organizational Eligibility

    Eligible applicants must be affiliated as staff, board member, or volunteer of a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, local units of government or school district, and provide services in Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska and Leelanau counties and includes.

    Partnerships and networks are encouraged to apply using an eligible organization as a fiscal sponsor.

  • Request Eligibility

    The Learning Fund supports fees for professional development opportunities, such as trainings, workshops, conferences, and learning cohorts, that strengthen knowledge, skills, or capacity.

    • Funding Limits:
      • Funding limits are based on Rotary Charities’ fiscal year, July 1-June 30.
      • Individuals may apply for up to $500 per fiscal year.
      • Teams of four or more are eligible for up to $2,000 per fiscal year.
    • Timing of Requests:
      • ​Requests must be submitted prior to the start date of the activity.
      • Funding cannot be provided for activities that have already begun or been completed.
      • A specific learning opportunity must be identified before applying.
    • Exclusions:
      • The Learning Fund does not support programs already underwritten by Rotary Charities (e.g., Leadership Learning Lab, Leadership Coaching Cohort, Fund Development Cohort, or other funded opportunities).
      • Funding is not available for:
        • School tuition or material expenses.
        • Consultant fees or services. 
        • Reimbursements or debts.
        • Travel or lodging expenses.
  • Application and Evaluation Process

    Application Submission: Learning Fund requests are accepted year-round through the online application form. Pre-grant meetings are not required.

    Approval Timeline: Applicants will typically receive a notification of approval or denial within two weeks of submission, often sooner.

    Disbursement of Funds: Approved funds will be disbursed during the next regularly scheduled payment cycle, which typically occurs in the middle and at the end of each month. Funds are disbursed to the applicant’s organization; funds cannot be distributed to individuals.

    Evaluation: Learning Fund recipients are required to complete a brief Evaluation Survey within 30 days of completing the funded learning experience. An evaluation link will be sent within one week after the experience ends. Your feedback is essential as it serves as the final report for the grant and helps us adapt and improve the program.

  • Troubleshooting and Support

    Contact Kendra directly for assistance. We are here to support you throughout the application process.