TRAVERSE CITY — The Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation has awarded more than $334,000 in Community Funds grants to 14 organizations serving Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau counties, as well as the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians.
Per an Oct. 20 news release, the $334,700 in awards range from $5,200 to $40,000 and provide flexible funding for organizations addressing the region’s greatest needs.
Grant recipients include Goodwill Industries of Northern Michigan, Child & Family Services of Northwestern Michigan, Northwest Michigan Supportive Housing, Father Fred Foundation, ROCK of Kingsley Youth Center, Traverse Bay Children’s Advocacy Center, Frankfort Community Land Trust, Grass River Natural Area, Michael’s Place, Habitat for Humanity Grand Traverse Region, Women’s Resource Center for the Grand Traverse Area, Microcenter Child Care Network, Acme Christian Thrift Store and Food Pantry, and Grand Traverse Industries.
“Community Funds reflect our commitment to supporting organizations and causes that strengthen our region,” said Steve Wade, vice president of community impact for the Community Foundation. “By filling gaps that other funds cannot, Community Funds help ensure the region’s most pressing challenges are met with timely, inclusive solutions.”
More than half of this year’s Community Funds grants — 54% — will support housing-related efforts. Another 31% will benefit youth and mental health initiatives. Four grants support organizations that are either diversely led or directly serve underfunded communities, while six organizations received assistance after federal funding cuts affected their operations.
“We received an astounding 111 Community Funds grant requests,” said Mercedes Bowyer, donor engagement director for the Community Foundation. “This shows that our region needs these flexible funding resources and that we can do more together by continuing to grow these important funds.”
More information about the Foundation’s recent grant awards and giving opportunities is available at www.gtrcf.org.