Clara McManus is partner in McManus Farms, a cherry producing farm located in Traverse City. She is a recognized benefactor and volunteer in the Grand Traverse County region, especially for her support of the Grand Traverse Pavilions, an intergenerational community center and adult residential community. She was instrumental in the development of one of two permanent endowment funds managed by the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation on behalf of The Pavilions—the Clara McManus and Friends General Endowment Fund. McManus is also a long-time supporter of 4-H both in Grand Traverse County and at the state level. She has raised funds to purchase vans for 4-H youth programming at the county and regional level. She has also served on the Michigan 4-H Foundation board of trustees, where she was responsible for raising funds to support statewide 4-H programs and for assisting with the maintenance and development of Kettunen Center, the primary state 4-H leader and youth training center. Her service to 4-H has been recognized with the Michigan 4-H Citation Award. In 2004, she received the Grand Traverse Area Distinguished Senior Award.