Community Foundation awards $334,090 to 21 local nonprofits

What’s happening: The Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation recently awarded $334,090 in Community Funds grants to support essential programs and services across Northern Michigan. Out of 94 applicants, 21 local organizations were selected to receive flexible funding designed to address the region’s most critical and urgent challenges.

What they’re saying: “We received 94 Community Funds grant requests this season, which continues to show that our region needs these flexible funding resources,” said Steve Wade, who is the foundation’s vice president of community impact. He emphasized that these specific funds are vital because they fill operational gaps that other resources cannot reach, targeting pressing community challenges directly.

Who are the recipients: Grants were distributed to 21 organizations serving Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau counties, alongside the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. Recipient highlights include:

• Housing Solutions: 43% of funds support groups like Homestretch Nonprofit Housing and Housing North.
• Youth & Mental Health: 33% of allocations benefit organizations like the LIFT Teen Center.
• Basic Needs & Advocacy: Support extends to food pantries, the Women’s Resource Center, and FLOW.
  Additionally, three grants specifically fund diversely-led organizations or groups directly engaging underfunded populations.

What’s next: To learn more about the community foundation’s recent grant awards, please visit the foundation’s website: www.gtrcf.org/grants/grant-awards. The foundation welcomes both one-time and monthly gifts of any size to support areas of greatest needs at: www.gtrcf.org/give.