Community Foundation Receives $172,000 from Grand Traverse County
Pictured, from left to right: David Mengebier, president and CEO of the Community Foundation; Nate Alger, administrator of Grand Traverse County; and Kerry Baughman, executive director of Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency
On Tuesday, February 16, Grand Traverse County administrator Nate Alger presented checks of $86,986 to the Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency and $172,000 to the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation.
"We are excited to present these funds today," said Nate Alger, administrator of Grand Traverse County. "Partnerships like this help get assistance to those in need and tackle challenges facing our community."
As we continue to move forward through the COVID-19 pandemic, Grand Traverse County Administration looks to continue bringing community organizations together to serve area residents' needs and make improvements within the county.
"We are grateful to Grand Traverse County for leveraging these resources for the Urgent Needs Fund," said David Mengebier, president and CEO of the Community Foundation. "This infusion of funds will allow us to continue providing support to nonprofit, educational, governmental, and tribal entities who are responding to the impacts of the pandemic in Grand Traverse County."
These funds originate from the MEDC/CDBG reimbursement to the County for COVID-19 related expenses. Since the beginning of the pandemic, the County has recognized a need for county-wide partnerships to help meet the needs of those affected most.
"Food insecurity in our communities has been and continues to be a huge concern during the pandemic. At Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency, the impact is evidenced by the increasing numbers of home-bound seniors who participate in the Meals on Wheels program," said Kerry Baughman, executive director of Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency. "More seniors than ever depend on the Meals on Wheels program to ensure their nutritional needs are met while keeping themselves safe at home. Grand Traverse County's commitment to seniors in the community through this support is so greatly appreciated and will make a critical difference in such a time of need."
Throughout the agency's 47-year history, Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency has remained dedicated to helping individuals and families achieve greater economic security by assisting residents in solving community problems as well as meeting individual needs through case management, advocacy, group participation, and service provision. Serving Antrim, Benzie, Charlevoix, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau, Missaukee, Roscommon, and Wexford Counties, NMCAA leads in strengthening our communities by empowering people to overcome barriers, build connections, and improve their quality of life. For more information, visit www.nmcaa.net.
The Community Foundation for Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau Counties was established in 1992 to enhance the quality of life in our communities, now and forever, by serving as a leader of local philanthropy. We are focused on creating healthy, resilient, thriving communities by serving donors, awarding meaningful grants and scholarships, and participating in collaborative leadership on important community issues. In 2020, the Community Foundation received $15M in donor contributions and awarded $3.8M in grants and scholarships. For more information about the Community Foundation, visit GTRCF.org or call 231-935-4066.