TRAVERSE CITY -- Twelve grants totaling $375,000 were announced Tuesday at the Traverse City Rotary Club.

The grants were awarded based on applications received during the spring 2012. The following grants were awarded in the single year program and capital category:

Elk Rapids Historical Society: Capital Grant $24,000
To renovate the former Elk Rapids Methodist Church, making it compatible with the Society's collections and needs

Glen Arbor Township: Capital Grant $15,000
To provide funding for the removal and replacement of a tennis court at the

Village Park Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation: Program Grant $25,000
To support matching funds for the College Access Network Initiative, the purpose of which is to increase college participation and completion in the following pilot sites: Alba, Bellaire, Kalkaska, Forest Area and Mancelona

Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation: Capital Grant $55,000
To provide a $1 for $1 challenge grant to launch the public phase of fundraising for the Historic Barns and Botanic Gardens at the Commons

Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy: Program Grant $40,000
To provide funding for Phase 1 of a FarmAbility program in townships along the US 31 corridor north of Acme. The goal of the first FarmAbility phase is to protect 5,000 acres of farmland for ten years, with a long term goal of permanent protection in the corridor

Grow Benzie: Capital Grant $30,000
To provide funds for the expansion of community gardens, greenhouses and kitchen facility

Leelanau Community Cultural Center: Capital Grant $15,000
To complete the final phase of renovations to the Old Art Building in Leland.  The focus for the project is on technical upgrades to the stage, lighting, sound and video systems

Northwestern Michigan College Great Lakes Maritime Academy: Capital Grant $20,000
To support the purchase of a new maritime simulator for the Academy

PEACE Ranch: Capital Grant $40,000
To provide funds for the construction of a covered arena, thereby expanding Capabilities to run equine therapy programs through most of the year

The Rock of Kingsley: Capital Grant $11,000
To provide funds for computers, a generator, heat exchangers, and folding Chairs to accommodate an increase in the usage of the community center

Third Level Crisis Intervention Center: Capital Grant $60,000
To provide new technology and network infrastructure to more efficiently serve clients

In addition to single year grants, Rotary Charities also makes three-year grants for programs and organizational capacity building. This change occurred seven years ago, when the board recognized the importance of innovation, collaboration, and creating stronger, more effective nonprofits. The Board also recognized the time it takes for programs and organizations to reach their full potential, and thus created the multiple year grant category.

The following grant multiple year grant was awarded this cycle:

Land Information Access: Up North Media Center: Program Grant, Year 1 $40,000
To fund an Outreach Coordinator and improve services to volunteer producers, Nonprofits, municipalities and community organizations

In addition, Rotary Charities provides planning grants to organizations for capital or program planning and organizational capacity assessments. These grants are made on a continuing basis and awards are up to $5,000 and $8,000, respectively. During the period December 2011 and May 2012, $112,750 was awarded for 19 planning grants.

The next opportunity for single and multiple year grants will be September 1, 2012. Check the Charities' web site  for further information and forms, or contact the Rotary Charities office at 231-941-4010.