The Community Foundation was founded over 30 years ago when a group of community champions came together around a vision to give back to our region then, now, and forever.
This vision lives on within our organization today as we work toward a region where every person feels connected, supported, and empowered and where our communities have resources and opportunities for everyone.
in gifts received from donor partners and supporters
in grants & scholarships supporting local students and organizations
in flexible, responsive grants from our Community Funds
in impact investment loans supporting local businesses
Our Programs & Initiatives
As the convener of the Northwest Michigan Community Development Coalition, we provide leadership to more than 40 cross-sector partners working together to advance transformational change across economic, societal, and environmental issues.
When Kalkaska's Railroad Square project faced a major funding obstacle, community partners stepped in to help. Discover how a small grant from our Community Funds helped transform a vacant lumberyard into a thriving downtown gathering space.
A grant from our Land Use Conservation & Planning Endowment helped New Community Vision and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians secure critical funding to preserve 211 acres of Lake Michigan shoreline to protect cultural and natural resources.
One of our Quick Response Grants helped the Kalkaska Commission on Aging ensure seniors continued receiving fresh, healthy produce after a longstanding state program changed.