FROM STAFF REPORTS
TRAVERSE CITY -- Rotary Charities of Traverse City gave $690,000 to 22 community groups to grow programs, build their organizations and expand capital needs.
Among the awards are $75,000 to Acme Township to help cover the cost of property along Grand Traverse Bay to develop shoreline for public use; $50,000 to Food Rescue of Northwest Michigan for a program that takes food past its sell date from restaurants and grocery stores and gives it to charitable nonprofits for distribution; and $40,000 to Old Town Playhouse so it can hire a development director.
In addition, 13 planning grants of up to $5,000 were given since June to organizations including the City Opera House, Bay Area Transportation Authority and Benzie Area Christian Neighbors.
Rotary will change its grant process this year. In March, agencies can apply for one-year program awards and capital grants worth less than $100,000. Applications for multi-year awards will be accepted in September.
No capital needs above $100,000 will be funded this year.
