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

September 15, 2026 (Youth Endowment Grants)

Up to $5,000 per county; $97,980 total available for 2026 ($19,596 per county); applicants may request funding from multiple counties.

Supports innovative youth-focused programs in the Grand Traverse region, with applications reviewed by local Youth Advisory Councils.

--- ## Description The Youth Endowment Grants program provides funding for projects and organizations that support youth development throughout the Grand Traverse region, which includes Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau Counties, as well as the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians. Grants are intended to build positive developmental opportunities, address needs identified by local youth, and foster innovative, non-duplicative programs. Applications are reviewed by Youth Advisory Councils—groups of local students—who assess proposals for their impact, uniqueness, and level of community and youth support. Preference is given to projects that: - Address needs identified in the [Youth Needs Assessment](https://www.gtrcf.org/impact/2024-youth-needs-assessment.html). - Offer unique and innovative opportunities (not duplicating existing services). - Demonstrate strong support from both youth and community members. --- ## Due Dates - Applications open: August 1, 2026 - Applications due: September 15, 2026 - Grants awarded: December 2026 All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates. --- ## Funding Amount - For 2026, up to $97,980 is available, with $19,596 allocated per county. - Applicants may request up to $5,000 per county and may apply for funding from multiple counties. - Funding can support programs, projects, or operational needs. --- ## Eligibility Eligible applicants include: - 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations - Organizations with a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor - Educational institutions - Governmental entities - Tribal organizations Projects must serve youth in Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, or Leelanau Counties, or the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians. Requests should focus on needs identified by youth and demonstrate community and youth support. --- ## Application Process - Applications are submitted through the [GTRCF Grants Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=gtrcf). - Only one application is needed if applying for the same program in multiple counties. Separate applications are required if the program differs by county. - Applicants may be asked to present at a county grantmaking meeting. - Final reports are required within a year of receiving funding. --- ## Additional Information - Applications are reviewed by Youth Advisory Councils in each county, who make funding recommendations to the Foundation’s Board of Directors. - Awards are typically disbursed in December. - Preference is given to projects directly responding to priorities in the [Youth Needs Assessment](https://www.gtrcf.org/impact/2024-youth-needs-assessment.html), such as mental health, academic stress, and access barriers. --- ## External Links - [Youth Endowment Grants Program Page](https://www.gtrcf.org/grants/youth-endowment-grants.html) - [Youth Needs Assessment](https://www.gtrcf.org/impact/2024-youth-needs-assessment.html) - [Apply via Grants Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/sl/wluhrz) - [About Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation](https://www.gtrcf.org/about/) --- ## Contact Information | Name/Role | Email | Phone | |------------------------------|------------------------------------------|----------------------------| | Community Impact Coordinator | [tcaviston@gtrcf.org](mailto:tcaviston@gtrcf.org) | (231) 935-4066 ext. 111 | | General Grants Contact | [grants@gtrcf.org](mailto:grants@gtrcf.org) | (231) 935-4066 | | General Foundation Contact | [info@gtrcf.org](mailto:info@gtrcf.org) | (231) 935-4066 |

Youth Endowment Grants

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