Community assets that are available to everyone are the building blocks of a fair, thriving, and resilient region. Our Assets for Thriving Community grants support the infrastructure & initiatives our neighbors need.

We envision a region where citizens from Kalkaska to Leelanau are able to access what they need to be healthy, engaged, and connected to nature. We are here to help you build Community Assets.

 

What We Fund

We support initiatives that develop, strengthen or build community assets that are available to all, or make an existing asset more widely available. This category is intended for projects that have done significant groundwork prior to application to engage the community, establish working relationships with stakeholders, and execute research to inform strategy. Learn more about our previously awarded grants.

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Potential Grant Uses

We believe that citizen voice is essential in determining what’s best for our communities. We prioritize assets that have been identified by residents as important to improve the quality of life in their community. We recommend applicants demonstrate a robust community engagement strategy and decision-making process. Some potential grant uses include, but are not limited to:

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Are You Ready For This Grant?

This grant is available to initiatives that have done significant groundwork together before applying. Successful applicants:

• Share evidence showing the need for the project in this community. 
• Have a plan to make the asset widely available to the public; or, plan to expand an existing asset so it is more widely available.
• Consulted with project beneficiaries, who have shaped their approach.
• Have a match (secured or pending) for at least 50% of the total project cost, or are able to demonstrate a plan for the funding required.
• Secured written MOUs or partnership agreements, if funds will be shared among partners. 
• Secured governmental approval (zoning, permitting, etc.) if needed. 
• Had a pre-grant meeting with our staff.

 

Getting Ready

We have additional resources to support the convening, engaging, learning, and planning activities that will prepare your initiative for a strong application.

• Seed Grants fund preparatory work.

• We offer learning experiences for changemakers to build the skills to work better together and build community assets that are responsive to community needs. We make an effort to keep these fresh, and there is always something new to learn - check out our Learning Experiences to see what’s coming up.

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Grant Application and Review Process

Application Process

Are you ready to apply for a Assets for Thriving Communities Grant? 

First, we recommend that you review the Guidance for Grantseekers FAQ for information on eligibility, requirements, and the application process.

Before you begin a grant application, it is essential to discuss your initiative with our team. Schedule a meeting with Kendra. This conversation will help align your proposal with our funding priorities and clarify any questions you may have.

Following your pre-grant meeting, our staff will provide you with a link to submit your application electronically. You can prepare for your application by reading through the application questions. Applications for Assets for Thriving Communities grants are due twice a year, in March and September.

If you encounter any issues while completing your online application, refer to our troubleshooting guide, or reach out to Kendra directly for assistance.

 

Assets for Thriving Communities Grant Review Process

After an Assets for Thriving Communities grant application is submitted, it is first reviewed by two members of the Rotary Charities staff and scored based on the criteria in Appendix 1 of the Grant Guidance Document. After staff review, the full application and a summary of the staff review are reviewed by two members of the Rotary Charities board of trustees and two volunteer reviewers from regional Rotary Clubs.

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

Applicants are typically notified of the outcome of their applications soon after the board meeting.

If you have any questions regarding the grant review process, please contact us directly. We're here to support you through the application process and beyond!