The Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation announced $612,638 in year-end grants to 77 organizations across Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska and Leelanau counties and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians.

This brings the Community Foundation’s grants and scholarship awards in 2023 to $3.5 million.

“Such a large amount of grant dollars supporting our communities would not be possible without the investment from our donor partners and the important work of our grant partners across the region,” foundation President and CEO David Mengebier said in a statement. “These grants truly show the impact we can have when we work together and support each other.”

Examples of grants awarded during the year-end season include:

· $3,000 to Benzie Senior Resources for its Produce Bingo program that provides every event attendee with a box of fresh produce and shelf-stable food to take home.

· $20,000 to Goodwill Northern Michigan to support the initiative to end chronic homelessness.

· $3,000 to Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy to enhance access to recreation for individuals with mobility disabilities.

· $20,000 to Kalkaska County Library to support the development of branch libraries.

· $15,000 to Leelanau Montessori Forever Foundation to support early childhood expansion at Leelanau Montessori.

· $2,500 to Mindimooyenh Healing Circle to support the Three Fires Midewiwin Winter Ceremonies.

· $5,000 to the Village of Elk Rapids for the renovation of six rain gardens designed to capture and manage storm water runoff from driveways and roads.

To view all grant awards from the Community Foundation’s fall grants, Community Funds, and DEI Fund grant cycles this season, click here. To apply for a grant from the Community Foundation, click here. To make a gift to one or more funds at the Foundation, click here.