Rotary Charities of Traverse City does not award $100,000 lightly. “We have very specific criteria involving community impact,” said Rotary Charities Executive Director Marsha Smith. “The New Interlochen Library is a project that touches nearly every aspect of the Interlochen community.”

On average, Rotary Charities awards more than $1 million annually to area non-profits. The $100,000 challenge grant was the highest awarded during the spring grant cycle. “We award challenge grants specifically to spark community giving,” said Smith. “Every $50 gift now becomes $100.” The New Interlochen Library campaign has one year to raise enough money from the community to match Rotary’s grant, turning $100,00,000 to $200,000.

“You can feel the excitement and energy in our patrons when they learn of the plans,” said Library Director Renee Kalchik. “People ask us daily how they can give.”

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