Learning Fund

The Learning Fund, provided by Rotary Charities, offers financial support for professional development opportunities such as trainings, workshops, and conferences. Individuals can request up to $500 per year, while teams of four or more can apply for up to $2,000. The fund is designed to help participants enhance their skills in areas like leadership, financial management, communications, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. Importantly, no matching funds are required, and the program operates on a fiscal year cycle from July to June. Eligible Learning Topics: The Learning Fund supports a variety of topics, including: Board development Communications & digital marketing Financial management Goal setting & strategic action Leadership Racial justice, diversity, equity & inclusion Systems change, and more. However, funding is not available for certain areas like school tuition, travel, lodging, or programs already underwritten by Rotary Charities (e.g., Leadership Learning Lab). Eligibility: Applicants must be affiliated with a 501(c)(3) organization, Native nation, local government, or school district serving the counties of Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, or Leelanau. Application Process: Applications are accepted year-round and must be submitted before the start of the activity. Applicants will be notified of approval within two weeks. Disbursements are made to organizations, not individuals, during scheduled check runs in the middle or end of the month. Participants must complete a Learning Fund Evaluation Survey within 30 days after the learning experience. For further questions, applicants are encouraged to contact Kendra Luta at Rotary Charities.