News & Stories

Thanks to generous donors and community partnerships, 211 students across our region are pursuing their educational goals with support from Community Foundation scholarships. This year, 267 scholarships totaling $546,720 were awarded to high school seniors, college students, and trade school students.

Our 2026 Youth Advisory Council seniors are graduating and looking ahead. Hear what YAC meant to them and discover where their paths will take them next.

So far this year, we've awarded more than $1.68 million in grants to 156 organizations across our five‑county region—fueling impact in arts, education, health, human services, environmental conservation, and youth programs.

A dedicated educator and a beloved local flower shop are being celebrated as Kalkaska’s 2025 Citizen and Business of the Year. Join us April 21 at the Annual Kalkaska Luncheon as we honor the community’s outstanding leaders and kick off the National Trout Festival.

The recent ICE operations and resulting harm in Minnesota are deeply felt across our region. We stand with our neighbors, uplift community support efforts, and remain committed to building a place where everyone feels connected, supported, and empowered.

The Community Foundation is proud to welcome eight new board directors—community leaders and youth representatives who bring diverse experience and a shared commitment to strengthening our region.

A love of Michigan’s lighthouses brought Kathy Tuckerman to the Grand Traverse region—but her passion for community is what inspired her to stay and give back. As an active volunteer, Community Foundation monthly donor, and legacy supporter, Kathy champions local causes that foster inclusiveness, protect natural spaces, and create opportunities for all.

With support from our Community Funds and dedicated donors, Goodwill Northern Michigan is strengthening trauma‑informed case management, expanding housing services, and building a collaborative network that empowers people to rebuild their lives. 

With unprecedented federal funding cuts disrupting critical community services, we are collaborating with local funders to support nonprofits through uncertainty. By coordinating strategies, gathering on‑the‑ground insights, and launching practical workshop series, this collaborative effort is helping organizations navigate rising needs, staffing challenges, and financial instability.

Looking for help with college or trade school costs? Over 100 scholarships are now open for students across our region! Apply by March 1.