Youth Endowment Grants
Forecasted
Youth Endowment Grants support youth-serving organizations across five northwest Michigan counties, funding programs, projects, and operations that address locally identified needs and foster youth development.
Funder: Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation
Due Dates (Anticipated): September 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to $5,000 per county; $147,980 total available in 2026 ($29,596 per county)
Summary: Supports youth programs, projects, and operations addressing locally identified needs across five northwest Michigan counties.
Key Information: Applicants may need to present at a Youth Advisory Council meeting in each county requested.
Description
The Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation’s Youth Endowment supports youth causes and organizations in Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau Counties. Grants can fund programs, projects, or operational support that respond to needs identified by local young people through the foundation’s Youth Needs Assessment. Preference goes to positive developmental opportunities, innovative offerings that do not duplicate existing services, and requests demonstrating support from youth and community members.
Youth leadership is central to the program. Local students serving on county-based Youth Advisory Councils review applications, discuss community needs, and recommend awards for their counties, with final approval by the foundation’s Board of Directors. A gift from Rotary Charities of Traverse City supports the grantmaking and the partners’ shared commitment to youth leadership and community-driven philanthropy.
