Here are some sources of funding in the region.
You can also research foundations on 990 Finder.
Biederman Foundation
Funding Priorities
Civic improvements, youth education, health and human services, preservation efforts
Geography
Grand Traverse, Benzie, Leelanau, Antrim, Kalkaska
Deadlines
April 1st for consideration at Spring meeting, September 1st for consideration at Fall (discretionary) meeting
Contact
Chris Warren, Secretary
Cherryland Cares
Funding Priorities
Health and Human Services, education, youth and basic needs.
Geography
Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau, Manistee and Wexford counties.
Deadlines
Applications are reviewed and grants are awarded quarterly. Dates are subject to change.
1st Quarter: March 6th (decisions March 16th)
2nd Quarter: June 5th (decisions June 15th)
3rd Quarter: September 11th (decisions September 21st)
4th Quarter: December 11th (decisions December 21st)
Contact
Consumers Energy Foundation
Funding Priorities
Social welfare, education, community, civic and cultural development, enviornment, and buildings, structures or equipment
Geography
Communities in Michigan’s lower peninsula where we have a business presence.
Deadlines
Applications are open, considered quarterly
Contact
Carolyn Bloodworth, Secretary/Treasurer
DTE Energy Foundation
Funding Priorities
Arts and culture, community transformation, economic progress, education and employment, environment, human needs
Geography
Communities where we have a business presence.
Deadlines
Education & Employment Application period: January 21 – February 1, 2019 Decision made: March, 2019
Community Transformation, Economic Progress Application period: April 15 – April 26, 2019 Decision made: June, 2019
Arts & Culture, Human Needs Application period: July 22 – August 2, 2019 Decision made: September, 2019
Environment Application period: October 21 – November 1, 2019 Decision made: December, 2019
Contact
Frey Foundation
Funding Priorities
Building Community, Children & Families, Community Arts, Environment
Geography
Kent, Emmet and Charlevoix Counties or projects that impact the broader West or Northern Michigan regions
Deadlines
The Frey Foundation uses a two-stage application process. The first step is an online letter of inquiry that is accepted year-round. Once submitted, an applicant can expect a response regarding next steps within 30 days. If invited to complete a full proposal, applicants are asked to submit within 90 days or by the next application deadline (the 15th of February, May, August or November).
All funding decisions are made by Frey Foundation Trustees and applicants typically receive a funding decision in the quarter that follows submittal. For example, if you submit an application on or before the February application deadline, your request may be eligible for funding consideration in May.
Contact
Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation
Funding Priorities
Arts and culture, education, environment, health and human services, youth
Geography
Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau
Deadlines
2019 deadlines are March 1st, June 1st, and September 1st.
FOCUS Fund grants are designed to impact broad community needs and interests in our five counties and preference is given to requests that offer a philanthropic approach to community needs that have the potential for transformative community impact.
Fall grant applications are available mid-August and are due on October 1st, 2019.
Youth Endowment/YAC grants are awarded to nonprofits, educational, and governmental organizations serving youth in our five county area.
There are 20+ funds/endowments that cover a variety of needs and it’s important to check the criteria for each individual opportunity.
The CF is home to 90 scholarship opportunities. Most applications are due by March 1st.
Contact
Oleson Foundation
Funding Priorities
Education, environment, community development, health and human services
Geography
Grand Traverse, Charlevoix, Emmet and Antrim counties
Deadlines
April 1st
Contact
United Way of Northwest Michigan
Funding Priorities
Health: Reduce Substance Abuse and Childhood Obesity (Priority - Prevention)
Education: High School Graduation Attainment and a successful post-secondary launch. (Priority - Prevention)
Basic Needs: Basic Needs targeting fragile and vulnerable populations. Housing, utilities, and food security. (Priority - Intervention)
Geography
Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and/or Leelanau Counties
Deadlines
Pre-application due April 3rd, full application due April 27th
Contact
Seth Johnson, President
231-947-3200
Local Rotary Clubs give grants for various purposes in their community.
Reach out to your local club to learn about opportunities for funding and community service. The Traverse City Noon Rotary Club gives Good Works grants to organizations that serve Grand Traverse County.