Systems Change Accelerator Grants

Systems Change Accelerator Grants is sponsored by Rotary Charities (serving Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, or Leelanau counties in Michigan). Supports collaborative initiatives that aim to transform the systems producing persistent, complex problems like poverty, homelessness, climate change, and health inequities.

Ten Northern Michigan Initiatives Receive Rotary Charities Grants Totaling $400,000 | Rotary Charities Ten Northern Michigan Initiatives Receive Rotary Charities Grants Totaling $400,000 Ten Northern Michigan Initiatives Receive Rotary Charities Grants Totaling $400,000 Miriam • Nov 11, 2025 Contact: Miriam Owsley , Strategic Communications Manager Rotary Charities of Traverse City is pleased to announce the recipients of its Fall 2025 Grant Awards.

A total of $400,000 has been awarded to ten nonprofit organizations and public partners working to strengthen systems and expand access to community assets across Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau counties. Each of the grants were awarded through the Assets for Thriving Communities program, which supports initiatives that develop, strengthen, or build community assets that increase access, opportunity, or belonging.

Learn more about this and other grant opportunities at www. RotaryCharities. org/Funding “Each of these projects represents the creativity, resilience, and collaboration that define Northern Michigan’s changemakers,” said Sakura Takano, CEO of Rotary Charities.

“From protecting natural spaces and expanding libraries to strengthening systems that support nonprofits and veterans, these investments reflect our region’s shared commitment to thriving, connected communities.

” Grant recipients include: Cottages at Corning — $50,000 Assets for Thriving Communities grant This grant supports the completion of four single-family homes in the Cottages at Corning development, which will be sold to working Benzie County families at a subsidized cost.

Funding will cover finishing elements such as paved driveways and sidewalks, landscaping, a pavilion, and privacy fencing to enhance livability and long-term value.

Elberta Labor Heritage Center Elberta Heritage Center — $12,000 Assets for Thriving Communities grant Funding will support the establishment of a permanent home for the Elberta Heritage Center and WUWU Community Radio, preserving the village’s history, amplifying local voices, and reinvigorate public space on Main Street.

Elk Rapids District Library “A Library for Everybody” Capital Campaign — $41,500 Assets for Thriving Communities grant This grant supports the renovation and expansion of the Elk Rapids District Library to create a fully accessible, modern facility that doubles community space, enhances literacy and learning, and strengthens civic engagement.

Kitchen Upgrade — $40,000 Assets for Thriving Communities grant Funding will support upgrades to the organization’s heat-and-serve kitchen, expanding its ability to serve meals and host programming for veterans while creating a safe, welcoming space for connection and support.

Sugar Loaf Scenic Area — $25,000 Assets for Thriving Communities grant This grant supports the permanent protection and restoration of the Sugar Loaf Scenic Area, reducing erosion, supporting native species, and improving watershed health while ensuring public access for visitors of all abilities.

Conservation Resource Alliance Mitchell Creek Meadows Demonstration Site — $40,000 Assets for Thriving Communities grant Funding will support the completion of a comprehensive stream restoration effort and the creation of a demonstration site to inspire watershed restoration efforts across the region in partnership with local governments, conservancies, and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians.

Force Multipliers Network — $50,000 Assets for Thriving Communities grant This grant supports a one-year backbone strengthening initiative building on Grow Benzie’s Systems Change Accelerator work. Funding will support facilitated convenings, professional communications, enhanced administrative systems, and business planning to scale shared services county-wide.

Friends of the Fife Lake Public Library The Next Chapter: Building a Thriving Hub for All — $41,500 Assets for Thriving Communities grant This grant supports the expansion of the Fife Lake Public Library to create a fully accessible, multi-use community hub for rural residents. Funding will enhance technology access, expand programming, and provide flexible spaces for connection and learning.

Norte Bicycle Pump Track — $50,000 Assets for Thriving Communities grant Funding will support the construction of a 19,000-square-foot bicycle pump track at the Grand Traverse County Civic Center, creating a free and inclusive community space where riders of all ages and abilities can build skills, confidence, and connection.

Northwest Michigan Arts & Culture Network Arts & Culture Summit Development — $50,000 Assets for Thriving Communities grant This grant supports the continued development of the regional Arts & Culture Summit for 2026 and 2027, building on the success of the 2025 pilot. Funding will strengthen partnerships, staffing, and infrastructure to establish the Summit as a sustainable, inspiring community gathering.

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