Guidelines for Grant Making

The Muskegon Rotary Foundation provides funding for programs and projects that benefit primarily the residents of Muskegon County. Funding for community grants derives from the annual earnings in the Muskegon Rotary Fund held at the Community Foundation of Muskegon County and operates under the rules and regulations of the Community Foundation. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $15,000.
 
The Four-Way Test guides the Muskegon Rotary Club:
 
  1. Is it the TRUTH?
  2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?
  3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
  4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
The Muskegon Rotary Foundation Board of Directors makes all final funding decisions. For questions, clarification, or assistance with Grant Applications contact us at muskegonrotary@gmail.com.

Step 1: Understand the Muskegon Rotary Foundation’s Grant Funding Process

Grant Timeline: 

In November, the Muskegon Rotary Club Community Grants Committee will notify organizations of the beginning of the Muskegon Rotary Foundation’s annual community grant process through announcements and written notice to Club members. The Committee will also ask our community partners, the Community Foundation for Muskegon County and the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce, to inform their members of the community grants funding opportunity.
 
  • Letters of Inquiry Due by the Third Friday of December—12/19/2025 
    Letters of Inquiry must be received by 5:00 pm on the third Friday in December for consideration in the primary grant cycle. 
    • The Community Grants Committee will review all Letters of Inquiry received by the deadline and will select the organizations’ projects and programs which will be asked to submit a formal grant application to the Muskegon Rotary Community Grants Committee. 
 
 
  • Letters of Inquiry Determinations Sent by Third Friday of January—01/16/2026 
    The Community Grants Committee will notify organizations of the status of their letter of inquiry by 5:00 p.m. on the third Friday in January.
    • The Community Grants Committee will notify all organizations of the determinations on their Letters of Inquiry, whether asked to submit a formal grant application or not asked to proceed with a formal grant application by the above stated deadline.
 
  • Completed Formal Grant Applications Due by the Third Friday of March—03/20/2026 
    The Muskegon Rotary Club must receive completed grant applications by 5:00 pm on the third Friday in March. 
    • The Community Grants Committee will review all grant applications received by the above stated deadline and will make recommendations
 
  • Grant Award Notifications—04/17/2026
    Grant applications recommended for funding and approved by the Board will be notified by the third Friday in April. 
 
  • Funds Distributed - Upon approval by Muskegon Rotary Foundation Board of Directors.

Muskegon Rotary Foundation Funding Priorities

Funding Priorities— The Muskegon Rotary Foundation prioritizes funding for projects that 
 
  • Enhance community development in the Muskegon area.
  • Promote a healthier Muskegon County.
  • Support youth development.
  • Celebrate collaboration, inclusion, and diversity.
  • Leadership training for members and students
  • Involve large long-term sustainable solutions to community needs. 
Grant Application Evaluation Criteria - Applications will be evaluated based on the following
 
 
  • Alignment with Funding Priorities: How well does the project align with Muskegon Rotary’s values and funding priorities?
  • Clarity and Impact: Clearly expressed project plan and expected community impact.
  • Community Collaboration: Partnership and collaboration with other organizations.
  • Evaluation: Plans to measure and report on project outcomes.
  • Organizational Capacity: Capacity to staff, execute, and complete the project.
  • Financial Responsibility: Sound fiscal and financial management.
General Funding Exclusions
The Muskegon Rotary Foundation does not fund:
 
  • Grants or Loans to Individuals: Direct financial support for individuals.
  • Routine Operational, Administrative, or Ongoing Expenses: Such as wages, salaries, rent, utilities, marketing, supplies, or annual recurring expenses.
  • School or Religious Activities: Programs serving specific religious groups, classrooms, or other limited membership groups.
  • Capital Projects: Unless they are significant civic improvements with broad community benefit.
Step 2: Submit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI)

To begin a grant application please submit a brief (one-page or less) Letter of Inquiry (LOI) summarizing the proposed project and include the following information:
 
  • Service Priority Alignment: How does the project align with Rotary values and funding priorities?
  • Community Need: What community need does the proposed project meet? 
  • Goals and Evaluation: What is the intended outcome and how will its success be evaluated?
  • Population Served: Who will benefit from the project?
  • Funding and Budget Summary: 
    • Total expected project cost
    • Amount requested from the Muskegon Rotary Foundation
    • Other secured and expected funding sources. 
  • Contact Information: Please include your organization’s name, contact person, email address, mailing address, and phone number.
Please submit your Letter of Inquiry via email to: muskegonrotary@gmail.com. Use the subject line: “Community Grant— (Organization Name) Letter of Inquiry”

Step 3: Formal Grant Application

If the Muskegon Rotary Community Grants Committee accepts your organization’s LOI, you will be invited to submit a formal grant application. We will include instructions for completing the application at that time. The application can be found on the Muskegon Rotary Club website.
 
If the Muskegon Rotary Community Grants Committee does not accept your organization’s LOI and does not invite you to proceed with a formal grant application, you will be notified according to the above timeline. Your organization may resubmit your project for consideration in future grant cycles.