Cross-Sector Partners Launch Grand Traverse Regional Project Dashboard

[Image description: Central image of Railroad Square Pavilion in Kalkaska--a brick building--with logos of organizations involved in the GT Regional Project Dashboard above it and the Community Development Coalition logo below it.]

The Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation, Traverse Connect, Rotary Charities of Traverse City, and Networks Northwest—members of the Northwest Michigan Community Development Coalition—have launched the Grand Traverse Regional Project Dashboard.

The Project Dashboard is intended to increase awareness about important community needs and drive collaboration amongst community leaders as they pursue local, state, and federal funding opportunities, such as through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

“Working together is critical because despite unprecedented public infrastructure investments, communities across the state and country are fighting for a share of these resources,” said David Mengebier, President and CEO of the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation. “By coordinating across organizations, we have a better opportunity to secure funding needed to support our region’s priorities.”

The Project Dashboard features hundreds of programs and projects submitted by local nonprofits and governmental agencies through a process facilitated by Public Sector Consultants (PSC). These programs and projects cover a wide range of public infrastructure and other economic, societal, and environmental investments in Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau Counties. The Project Dashboard, which was built through community buy-in and engagement, includes descriptions of these projects, their budgets, and other relevant details.

“Ideally, this tool will spur partnerships and collaborations to press forward on our region's bright future, as well as support community-driven efforts to develop and prioritize funding proposals,” said Matt McCauley, CEO of Networks Northwest.

The project sponsors – the Community Foundation, Traverse Connect, Rotary Charities, and Networks Northwest – will continue to explore opportunities and resources to support community partners’ efforts to secure ARPA and other state and federal funds. To explore the Project Dashboard, visit: https://nwmicommunitydevelopment.org/project-dashboard/.