Grant Opportunities
Since 1992, we’ve awarded more than $65.7 million in grants and scholarships to support the people and places of our region. We seek opportunities to support grant partners by funding a variety of community-based projects.
Our grants, unless otherwise stated, are open to 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations, organizations with a 501(c)3 fiscal sponsor, educational institutions, governmental entities, and Tribal organizations across Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau Counties as well as the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, a federally recognized Tribe.
Quick Links
Grants Portal | Recent Grant Awards
Open Grant Opportunities
Fall Grants | TCAPS Grants | DEI Fund
“So much of what is done to improve small communities relies on the work of community organizations and nonprofits. Without the support of responsive and flexible funding, projects—such as those envisioned for Thompsonville—would not be possible."
-Chuck Kraus, President, Thompsonville Area Revitalization Project
Our Grantmaking Process
Our grant review process includes committees composed of community representatives and/or Community Foundation staff and board directors. All grants are approved by our Board of Directors prior to being awarded.
A final grant report is due within a year of being awarded a grant. This report is used to understand the outcome of your project and allows us to share the successes of your project with our supporters, community partners, and the general public.
How Grant Decisions Are Made
Grant decisions are made by a committee that may include: Community Foundation staff, Community Foundation board directors, community members, and/or donor partners. In evaluating grant applications, grant review committees give consideration to the following:
- Grant application outcomes match the purpose of the grant/fund.
- The potential impact of the project on the community.
- Opportunity for collaboration with other nonprofit or community partners.
- Probability that the project can be implemented and sustained.
- Incorporating equity and inclusion, such as reducing or eliminating barriers, in the community.
- Other funding sources that are being leveraged.
Additional consideration is given to grant applications that advance one or more shared priorities on the Community Development Coalition Regional Scorecard.
Grants Calendar
SPRING
March 1: DEI Fund grant applications due
May: DEI Fund grants awarded
June 1: DEI Fund grant applications due & Community Funds grant applications open
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SUMMER
July 14: Youth Endowment grant applications open; Community Funds grant applications due by 12:00 pm
Aug 15: Fall grants applications open; DEI Fund grants awarded
Sept. 1: DEI Fund & Youth Endowment grant applications due
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FALL
Oct. 2: Fall cycle grant applications due
Nov: DEI Fund and Community Fund grants awarded
Nov. 1: TCAPS grant applications due
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WINTER
Dec: Fall grants, Youth Endowment, and TCAPS grants awarded
Dec. 1: DEI Fund grant applications due
Jan: DEI Fund grants awarded
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Note: If a grant opens or has a deadline that falls on a weekend, the grant will be due the following Monday.
Year-Round Grant Opportunities
Diversity Equity Inclusion (DEI) Fund Grants
Our DEI Fund supports diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts across the five-county region, including primarily providing support for organizations led by Black, Indigenous, people of color, LGBTQ+, immigrant, neurodiverse, and/or disability community members. We also consider applications to fund DEI trainings and other partners and programs promoting equity and inclusion.
- Grant awards available: $2,500 per organization per year
- Applications open: Year-round
- Applications due: March 1, June 1, September 1, December 1
- When grants are awarded: January, May, August, November
Learn More & Apply Today
Traverse Area Public Schools (TCAPS) Grants
We offer two competitive grant opportunities specifically for Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS) through our TCAPS Academic Excellence Endowment and the Titan Excellence Fund Endowment. Only one application needs to be completed for both available TCAPS opportunities.
- Grant awards available: $8,476 for the TCAPS Academic Excellence Endowment and $1,910 for the Titan Excellence Fund Endowment
- Applications open: Year-round
- Applications close: November 1
- When grants are awarded: December
Learn More & Apply Today
Summer Grant Opportunities
Community Funds Grants
Community Funds grants can support needs and opportunities that our other funds cannot as they provide broad support for our region and can fund all types of organizations. We welcome applications from grant partners who are ready to accept significant and strategic investments to support their missions.
- Grant awards available: For 2023, we had $238,000 available for grants.
- Applications open: June 1
- Applications due: July 14
- When grants are awarded: November
Learn More
Youth Endowment Grants
Our Youth Endowment supports youth causes and organizations across our region, with grant decisions made by our county-based Youth Advisory Councils.
- Grant awards available: $91,800 or $18,360 per county. Applicants may request funding from one or more counties for up to $5,000 per county.
- Applications open: July 14
- Applications due: September 1
- When grants are awarded: December
Learn More
Fall Grant Opportunities
Fall Grants
Our fall grants provide funding to support a range of programs and services, including those that focus on education, the environment, youth, seniors, health and human services, and more. This year, we will award fall grants through 19 different endowments that we steward. Check out our fall grants guide for more information about each endowment and available grant opportunity.
- Grant awards available: Amount varies based on specific endowment from which applicants are eligible to receive funding.
- Applications open: July 14
- Applications due: October 2
- When grants are awarded: December
Learn More & Apply Today
Traverse City Track Club Endowment Grants
The Traverse City Track Club Endowment supports projects and programs that align with the Track Club's mission: The Traverse City Track Club promotes and encourages health, fitness, fellowship, community service, family recreation and competition via running and walking. We welcome all ages and abilities.
- Grant awards available: Previous grant partners were awarded between $500-$50,000.
- Applications open: August 15
- Applications due: October 2
- When grants are awarded: December
Learn More & Apply Today
Contact Us
For questions about our grant opportunities, please email us at grants@gtrcf.org, call us at (231) 935-4066, or reach out to one of our Community Impact team members:
Steve Wade, Vice President of Community Impact
(231) 935-4066 ext. 108 | swade@gtrcf.org
Gina Thornbury, Senior Community Impact Manager
(231) 935-4066 ext. 107 | gthornbury@gtrcf.org
Torey Caviston, Youth and Community Impact Coordinator
(231) 935-4066 ext. 111 | tcaviston@gtrcf.org
Brittany Morton-Smith, Operations and Grants Coordinator
(231) 935-4066 ext. 106 | bmortonsmith@gtrcf.org
