Youth Endowment Grants
Youth Endowment Grants from the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation fund innovative, youth-driven projects addressing local needs in five northwest Michigan counties.
Funder: Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation
Due Dates: September 15, 2026 (applications open annually Aug 1–Sep 15)
Funding Amounts: Up to $5,000 per county; total pool $147,980 annually ($29,596 per county); 1-year grants
Summary: Supports youth-focused programs in five northwest Michigan counties, guided by youth priorities and advisory councils.
Key Information: Open to nonprofits, schools, and government entities serving youth in Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, or Leelanau Counties.
Description
The Youth Endowment Grants program, administered by the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation, provides funding for youth-centered projects and organizations in Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau Counties in northwest Michigan. The initiative is designed to address needs identified by local youth through a periodic Youth Needs Assessment, and grant decisions are made with significant input from Youth Advisory Councils comprised of area high school students. Funding is available for programs, projects, or operational support that build positive developmental opportunities and respond to youth-identified priorities. Preference is given to proposals that are innovative, non-duplicative, and demonstrate strong youth and community support.
