The Learning Fund is a funding initiative administered by Rotary Charities, a philanthropic organization based in Traverse City, Michigan. The fund is designed to support professional development for individuals and teams working within organizations that serve five counties in Northern Michigan: Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau. With a focus on cultivating professional growth and enhancing organizational capacity, the Learning Fund complements other Rotary Charities support mechanisms such as the Capacity Advisory Pool.
The fund covers expenses associated with professional learning opportunities including but not limited to trainings, workshops, conferences, and other skill-building activities. Eligible topic areas span a wide range of fields including leadership, communication, racial justice, financial management, evaluation, digital marketing, and more. The fund explicitly excludes coverage of school tuition, consultant fees, lodging or travel costs, and any program previously underwritten by Rotary Charities.
Applicants must be affiliated with eligible organizations such as 501(c)(3) nonprofits, the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, local governments, or school districts. Additionally, applicants must provide services within the aforementioned five counties. Partnerships and networks may also apply if they designate an eligible organization as a fiscal sponsor.
Funding limits are clearly defined by applicant type and fiscal year: individuals may receive up to $500, while teams of four or more are eligible for up to $2,000. Applications must be submitted before the learning activity begins, and retroactive funding is not permitted. The fund operates on a rolling basis with no fixed deadlines and accepts applications year-round via an online form. Pre-grant meetings are not required, and approval decisions are typically communicated within two weeks.
Funds are disbursed to the applicant's organization, not directly to individuals, during Rotary Charities’ mid- and end-of-month payment cycles. After the funded learning activity concludes, recipients are required to complete an evaluation survey within 30 days. This evaluation serves as the final report and helps inform future adaptations of the program. For assistance, applicants may contact Kendra at [email protected] or call (231) 941-4010.
Submit before the activity starts; funding not retroactive; identify specific opportunity before applying.
