Local Impact

Trusted Giving Partner. Sustainable Resource.

As a community foundation, we're uniquely positioned to invest gifts in permanent endowments that generate ongoing grants and scholarships to support our local communities, forever.

We combine gifts to increase value, leverage strategic partnerships for greater impact, and invest for sustainability, all to ensure granted funds make a marked difference on the quality of life throughout our region.

By working together, we can support meaningful, lasting impact, now and forever.

Leelanau Antrim Benzie Grand Traverse Kalkaska

2023 At A Glance:

$112k awarded to support environmental quality, protection, and education.
$120k awarded to support health and human service programs.
$2M in assets for the benefit of the community.
$113k awarded to support arts and culture programs and organizations.

$635k awarded to support education, scholarships, and early childhood programs.
$42k awarded to support environmental quality, protection, and education.
$20.6M in assets for the benefit of the community.
$16k awarded to support arts and culture programs and organizations.

$168k awarded to support health and human service programs.
$188k awarded to support education, scholarships, and early childhood programs.
$9M in assets for the benefit of the community.
$86k awarded to support arts and culture programs and organizations.

$248k awarded to support health and human service programs.
$139k awarded to support youth causes and programs.
$9.8M in assets for the benefit of the community.
$70k awarded to support environmental quality, protection, and education.

$32k awarded to support education, scholarships, and early childhood programs.
$20k to support arts and culture programs and organizations.
$200K in assets for the benefit of the community.
$27k awarded to support youth causes and programs.

Our Programs & Initiatives

Community Development

As the convenor of the Northwest Michigan Community Development Coalition, we provide leadership to more than 40 business, governmental, and nonprofit cross-sector partners working together to advance transformational change in the region. Together we’re working to align and leverage resources and coordinate public policy and advocacy actions to drive positive economic, societal, and environmental improvements throughout our communities.

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Diversity Equity Inclusion

We understand that our neighbors across Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau Counties and the sovereign nation of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians have different needs and that these needs can change over time. We are committed to using our leadership, resources, and voice to build toward a better future where all people across our region have equitable access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive. Through diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, we can work together to support a region of healthy, resilient, thriving communities that benefits everyone.

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Early Childhood

We know that supporting families during a child’s first years of life is essential to their future success and opportunities to thrive, including through their school years and beyond. We are striving to contribute to the dynamic and collaborative partners working across the region to ensure that all children in our region get a strong start through stewardship of our Cleo M. Purdy Endowment and CLEO – Central Lake Early Opportunities, as well as leveraging other resources, including grants and partnership, in support of the early childhood system overall.

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Youth Philanthropy

We strive to engage young people to be leaders and decision-makers on issues impacting youth in their communities. Through our Youth Advisory Councils (YACs), local high school students have the opportunity to engage directly in philanthropy. Our YACs are made up of young people from each of the five counties we serve—Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau. Together, YAC students act as advisors to our Youth Endowment, giving money to youth programs and services that make a difference in our region.

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