[Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation](https://www.gtrcf.org)

May 22, 2026 (pre-application) | July 2, 2026 (full application)

$344,090 available for 2026; applicants may request from $1,000 up to $30,000; grants may include general operating support.

Supports a broad range of organizations and initiatives to foster healthy, resilient, and thriving communities across northwest Michigan.

--- ## Description Community Funds Grants are designed to address funding gaps and support opportunities that other grant programs may not cover. These grants are flexible and responsive, aiming to equitably invest in initiatives that contribute to the health, resilience, and vibrancy of communities in Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau Counties, including the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians. Eligible organizations may propose projects across a diverse array of focus areas, including but not limited to the environment, arts and culture, education, health, and human services. The 2026 cycle will prioritize requests addressing housing and mental health/well-being, but all community-serving projects are encouraged to apply. --- ## Due Dates - **Pre-application deadline:** May 22, 2026 (by 11:59 pm) - **Full application deadline:** July 2, 2026 (by 11:59 pm) - **Notification of pre-application status:** By June 10, 2026 - **Awards announced:** September 2026 --- ## Funding Amount - **Total available:** $344,090 for 2026 - **Typical request range:** $1,000–$30,000 (applicants encouraged to request the amount needed) - **Award type:** May include unrestricted general operating support as well as project-specific funding - **Grant duration:** Generally one year; final report required within a year of award --- ## Eligibility - 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations - Organizations with a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor - Educational institutions - Governmental entities - Tribal organizations Eligible applicants must serve communities within Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau Counties or the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians. Previous grant partners are eligible to reapply. --- ## Application Process 1. **Pre-application:** Submit via the [Grants Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=gtrcf) between May 1 and May 22, 2026. 2. **Review:** Foundation staff review pre-applications for eligibility and alignment; notifications sent by June 10, 2026. 3. **Full application:** Invited applicants submit by July 2, 2026. 4. **Committee review:** Applications are evaluated by a committee using criteria such as community impact, alignment with regional priorities (especially housing and mental health), collaboration, and organizational capacity. 5. **Final decision:** Awards approved by the Foundation’s Board and announced in September. 6. **Reporting:** Grantees must submit a final report within one year of award. --- ## Additional Information - Grant requests informed by data from the [Community Development Regional Scorecard](https://nwmicommunitydevelopment.org/scorecard/) or addressing identified community needs are prioritized. - The Foundation emphasizes inclusivity, accessibility, and collaboration. - Both new and established organizations are encouraged to apply. --- ## External Links - [Community Funds Grants Program Page](https://www.gtrcf.org/grants/community-funds-grants.html) - [Grantmaking Guide](https://www.gtrcf.org/userfiles/filemanager/yjzv46qe0pzys4jp90n5/) - [Grants Portal (application submission)](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=gtrcf) - [Regional Community Scorecard](https://nwmicommunitydevelopment.org/scorecard/) - [Foundation Contact Page](https://www.gtrcf.org/contact/) --- ## Contact Information | Name/Role | Email | Phone | |------------------------------------------|------------------------------------|--------------------| | Steve Wade, Vice President of Community Impact | [swade@gtrcf.org](mailto:swade@gtrcf.org) | 231-935-4066 ext. 108 | | General Grants Contact | [grants@gtrcf.org](mailto:grants@gtrcf.org) | 231-935-4066 |

Community Funds Grants

Sign in to see full grant listing