The Rotary Club of Petoskey has launched its Centennial Grant Program, making up to $277,000 available for a bricks-and-mortar community project in Emmet County. Applications are open now through November 1, 2026.
Centennial Grant Program — Now Accepting Applications
The Rotary Club of Petoskey is proud to mark more than a century of service to Emmet County with one of the most significant investments in our history. The Centennial Grant Program makes available up to $277,000 to fund a lasting, bricks-and-mortar community project — something built to serve the people of Emmet County for generations to come.
We are looking for a project that is ready to move forward. One that addresses a real community need, has the organizational backing to see it through, and will stand as a visible legacy of Rotary's commitment to this community.
WHO CAN APPLY
The Centennial Grant is open to organizations in Emmet County that serve the people of Emmet County, including:
• Tax-exempt nonprofit organizations
• Educational institutions and public schools
• Municipalities and public agencies
• Faith-based organizations for non-religious community projects
• Individuals or unincorporated groups partnered with an eligible fiscal sponsor
PROJECT REQUIREMENTS
This grant funds capital, bricks-and-mortar projects only — new construction or significant physical improvements to an existing structure or site that result in a lasting, tangible community asset. Events, programs, and operational funding are not eligible.
Funded projects must:
• Be shovel-ready at time of application
• Be implementable within 12–24 months of award
• Include a plan for permanent Rotary recognition (plaque or naming)
• Serve the people of Emmet County
WHAT YOUR APPLICATION MUST INCLUDE
• Project description and scope — what will be built and who benefits
• Sponsoring organization and any partners
• Shovel-readiness documentation — status of design, site control, and permits
• Implementation timeline — projected start and completion dates
• Full budget — total project cost, requested Rotary contribution, and all other funding sources
• Feasibility evidence — secured funding, approved plans, or site agreements
• Community impact — who will be served and the lasting benefit to Emmet County
• Rotary visibility plan — how the club’s centennial contribution will be recognized
KEY DATES
• August 19, 2026 — Application portal opens
• September 24, 2026 — Optional Zoom information session, 1 PM ET (will be recorded)
• November 1, 2026 — Application deadline, 11:59 PM ET
• November 2026 – January 2027 — Committee review and scoring
• February 2027 — Finalists announced
• March 17, 2027 — Finalist presentations to Rotary Club of Petoskey
• March 24, 2027 — Winner announced
• Mid-2029 — Project completion
HOW TO APPLY
Applications are submitted through the Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation (PHSACF) online grant portal. Follow these three steps:
Step 1 — Visit the PHSACF grant portal
Step 2 — Log in to your existing PHSACF account, or create a new free account if this is your first time applying.
Step 3 — Enter access code ROTA02 to begin the Rotary Centennial Grant application.
PHSACF staff are available to assist with any technical portal questions: grants@phsacf.org | (231) 348-5820
ZOOM INFORMATION SESSION
An optional Zoom information session will be held on September 24, 2026 at 1 PM ET. The session will be recorded for those unable to attend live.
DOWNLOAD THE GRANT INFORMATION SHEET
For a one-page summary of eligibility requirements, key dates, and step-by-step application instructions, download our Grant Information Sheet.
→ DOWNLOAD GRANT INFORMATION SHEET
Contact Megan DeWindt, Centennial Project Committee Chair:
☎ 231-838-1566
✉ centennialgrant@petoskeyrotary.org