Rotary Charities has announced the recipients of its Fall 2024 grant awards, a total investment of $350,000 in regional nonprofits and collaboratives.

The grants are intended to "support projects aimed at enhancing public places, protecting the environment, and expanding access to the arts and affordable housing," according to a Rotary Charities release. One grant was awarded through the Systems Change Accelerator grant program, which provides support to collaborative initiatives targeting the root causes of complex community problems. Four grants were awarded through the Assets for Thriving Communities grant program, which provides support to initiatives that develop, strengthen, or build community assets that are available to all, or make an existing asset more widely available.

The Fall 2024 grant recipients are as follows: 

>  Benzie Conservation District, Northwest Michigan Watersheds Coalition (Systems Change Accelerator grant): The Northwest Michigan Watersheds Coalition, through fiscal sponsor Benzie Conservation District, has been awarded a $150,000 grant to strengthen local systems for water quality protection in the region. This initiative aims to enhance collaboration among stakeholders, raise awareness of water-smart decision-making, and address regulatory gaps that threaten the health of local watersheds. 

> Crosshatch Center for Art & Ecology: Crosshatch Center for Art & Ecology has been awarded a $50,000 grant to support the development of “Hatchquarters,” a creative campus near Bellaire focused on community building, artistic innovation, and education. The funding will help establish the lodge, which will serve as a venue for workshops and programs, laying the foundation for future additions like a regenerative farm, makerspace, and artist residency.

> New Community Vision: New Community Vision has been awarded a $50,000 grant to support the acquisition of over 200 acres of land on the Leelanau Peninsula. The former Timber Shores Campground, a critical property that includes wetlands, wooded dunes, and a cold-water trout stream, will find its new purpose as a nature preserve, with a dedicated 24-acre section allocated for a future attainable housing development.

> Thompsonville Area Restoration Project: The Thompsonville Area Revitalization Project (TARP) has been awarded a $50,000 grant to support the construction of a trailhead and visitors’ pavilion at the historic Thompsonville Junction. This placemaking project will enhance the Betsie Valley and SMART trail systems by creating a welcoming and accessible destination for cyclists, walkers, and visitors. 

> Traverse City Dance Project: The Traverse City Dance Project has been awarded a $50,000 grant to support the inaugural Traverse City Dance Festival. The festival will feature a wide range of performances by professional dance companies, workshops, community events, and film screenings, with a vision to reduce cultural barriers and foster a deeper appreciation for dance in Northern Michigan by offering accessible, inclusive experiences in approachable settings.