Grant Criteria

Grants must focus on a community priority as identified by the Rotary Club of Traverse Bay Sunrise Foundation.  Grant cycles occur once a year in the winter. Grant awards can range from $100 to $1,000. Grant requests must be submitted by February 15.  The Rotary Club of Traverse Bay Sunrise Foundation Board is responsible for all funding decisions. 

Grants will be awarded to organizations located within Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Kalkaska, Benzie and Antrim counties.

An applicant must be a school system or have received a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that it is tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) and is not a private foundation as defined by the IRS. Units of government are not eligible for funding.

Grant priorities:

  • Arts and culture           
  • Basic human needs
  • Environment
  • Health and safety
  • Recreation
  • Education
  • Youth

Grants available for:

  • Equipment/supplies
  • Participation fees
  • Program expenses
  • Special opportunities/projects

Grants will not be considered for:

  • Endowments
  • Individuals
  • Political or lobbying activities
  • Event sponsorships
  • Servicing debt
  • Religious activities or programs that:
  • require a person to hold or accept a particular religious belief, doctrine or creed as a condition to receive services;
  • primarily address spiritual needs; or
  • have evangelism as the primary purpose of the program.

Grant recipients must agree to:

  • Use funds only for the designated purpose
  • Provide a written grant report to Sunrise Rotary Club within 12 months of grant acceptance and agree to possibly do a presentation at a club meeting
  • Not transfer any grant proceeds to another organization
  • Return monies not used for grant purpose within 12 months of grant acceptance