Rotary awards $500K to nonprofits

June 17, 2009 06:50 am

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TRAVERSE CITY -- Rotary Charities of Traverse City gave more than $500,000 in grants to nonprofits that serve five local counties.

The awards total $520,874, and were given to 16 organizations to help with construction projects, developing programs and improve operations.

The Rock of Kingsley Youth Center received a $70,000 capital grant, the largest award given, to help construct a youth center at the old Kingsley Fire Hall.

Other recipients include:

-- Great Lakes Children's Museum, $50,000 to improve fundraising and marketing operations;

-- Elk Rapids Schools, $40,000 to build four new tennis courts; and

-- Northwest Michigan Health Services, $25,000 to fund a medical interpretation and training program.

In addition, 11 organizations this spring received planning grants, worth up to $5,000. They include the Fishtown Preservation Society, the Leelanau Conservancy and the Old Town Playhouse.

A complete list of recipients can be found at www.rotarycharities.org.