Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation

?? New Grant Opportunity! We've launched Quick Response Grants—a new monthly funding opportunity designed to provide fast, flexible support to organizations in our region. Nonprofits, schools, government, and Tribal entities across Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau Counties and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians can apply for up to $2,500 to meet smaller funding needs. With $60,000 available in 2025, we’re excited to help local organizations fill funding gaps and seize opportunities! [Photo credit: Kalkaska Area Interfaith Resources | Image description: KAIR volunteers standing together with food pantry shelves filled behind them with packaged goods.] #GrantOpportunity #CommunityImpact #Philanthropy #CommunityFoundation

We're excited to announce this year's Kalkaska Citizen and Business of the Year award winners! Congratulations to the 2025 Kalkaska Citizens of the Year: Dave and Sharon Stockford, former longtime educators in Kalkaska Public Schools, and the 2025 Kalkaska Businesses of the Year: Elmaple Farm, Iott Seed Farms, and Jenkins Potato Farm, three local potato farms that are collectively being recognized. Award winners were selected through a community nomination process and the Kalkaska Awards Committee. They will be honored at the 55th Annual Kalkaska Luncheon—sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and many local businesses—on Tuesday, April 22 from 11:30 am-1:00 pm at Railroad Square Pavilion in downtown Kalkaska. The Luncheon is currently sold out, with the full cost of event registrations supporting our Endowment for Kalkaska Area, a permanent fund dedicated to supporting the Kalkaska community. [Image description: The Elmaple Farm Family standing together in front of the Elmaple farm sign outside on a bright day with the farm and trees in the background.] #SupportingCommunity #CommunityFoundation #KalkaskaCounty

Congratulations to Joan Hughes, our Administrative Donor Support Services Associate, on 24 years with the Community Foundation! Joan, we always appreciate your sunny personality and boundless curiosity and passion for our work, your colleagues, and our region. [Image description: A head shot of Joan who has blondish-white short hair and is wearing a black turtle neck with a gray blazer over it.] #CelebratingStaff #WorkAnniversary #CommunityFoundation

“What do community foundations do?” It’s a question our Board Chair, Jerry Ring hears often—and one he answers beautifully in his recent Traverse City Record-Eagle op-ed. From smart charitable investing to convening partners around critical community issues, Jerry breaks down how GTRCF helps build a healthier, more resilient region—one thoughtful investment at a time. Check out his full op-ed to learn how your giving can create lasting impact! [Image description: Headshot of Jerry Ring who is wearing a blue sweater over a collared shirt and is standing in front of a wall of evergreens.] #PhilanthropyMatters #CommunityFoundation #NorthernMichigan #ImpactInvesting

Last week, we welcomed State Senator John Damoose for a Community Development Coalition Town Hall at West Shore Bank. Senator Damoose provided updates on recent state legislation and shared his thoughts on key challenges facing Michigan at both the state and federal levels. He also took questions from attendees, creating space for thoughtful dialogue on issues impacting our region. Thank you to everyone who joined us for this important conversation! [Image description: Senator Damoose with Community Development Coalition Advocacy Coordinator, Leah Bagdon McCallum seated at the front of a gathering space with two large TV screens above them.] #CommunityVoices #PolicyMatters #NorthernMichigan #CommunityDevelopment

We're excited to announce that Alison Metiva will become the Community Foundation's next President & CEO effective January 1, 2026! Alison will succeed David Mengebier who will be stepping down from the position at the end of 2025. During her 19-year tenure with the Foundation, Alison has served in a variety of roles with increasing responsibility, including managing the organization’s grantmaking and scholarship programs, communications and marketing, donor stewardship and development, human resources and budgeting. Most recently, Alison has served for three years as our Chief Operating Officer, overseeing the Foundation’s day-to-day operations. Learn more about Alison: https://lnkd.in/g9s45pvD [Image description: A headshot of Alison who has long wavy hair and is smiling in a blazer poses in front of a light brick wall.] #CelebratingStafff #NextCEO #NewCEO #CommunityFoundation

Since last year, we've brought together The Homelessness Collective alongside Rotary Charities of Traverse City. The Collective has been made up of cross-sector leaders--including Goodwill Northern Michigan, Goodwill Northern Michigan, Jubilee House, Northwest Michigan Coalition To End Homelessness, the Traverse City Police Department Quick Response Team, MUNSON HEALTHCARE, the City of Traverse City, Michigan, Grand Traverse County, and neighborhood associations--who are working on solutions to housing and homelessness in the Traverse City area. As a Collective, we've advocated at the city and county levels for funding that would support Safe Harbor's transition to a year-round emergency shelter. We're excited that Grand Traverse County has now approved $400,000 to support Safe Harbor's year-round operations. This is a big win and a step toward supporting housing solutions in our region. [Image description: Exterior of Safe Harbor, including its outdoor sign that reads "Safe Harbor" and "Emergency Shelter & Resource Center."] #HousingMatters #CommunityPartnerships #Advocacy

Last week, members from our team joined fellow philanthropic leaders in Washington, D.C. for Foundations on the Hill 2025! Together, they engaged with policymakers to advocate for flexible philanthropy, nonprofit access to federal funding, and policies that strengthen our communities. As our COO Alison Metiva shared, “It’s so clear that what happens at a state and federal level impacts our sector, our work, and, most importantly, the people we serve.” [Image description: A group of 27 Michigan philanthropic leaders posing together for a photo in business attire.] #PhilanthropyMatters #AdvocacyInAction #FOTH2025

The Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy's 11 Trends in Philanthropy for 2025 is here! This year’s report dives into key shifts in the sector, including the rise in nonprofit lobbying, the growing momentum of collective giving, and how philanthropy is evolving in a polarized era. These insights are a must-read for anyone working to create positive change. [Image description: A close-up photo of a person wearing glasses with the light of a screen reflecting onto them and a graphic of the 11 Trends in Philanthropy report in front of the person.] #Philanthropy #Trends #PhilanthropicSector #Report

Scholarship applications are closing soon! ?? We have over 100 scholarships available for graduating seniors, current college students, and vocational/trade school students from Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau counties, as well as the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. By completing our General Scholarship Application, students can discover scholarships they qualify for, with additional opportunities requiring separate applications or supplemental materials. Learn more & apply by March 3: https://lnkd.in/g7Eexb57 [Image description: A group of 2024 Crystal Downs Country Club scholarship recipients standing together outside on a sunny day with the scenic golf course in the background.] #Scholarships #SupportingStudents #CommunityFoundation