Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $3.7 million (2024)
• Total Assets: $105.4 million
• Grant Range: $250 - $40,000 (varies by program)
• Geographic Focus: Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau Counties, Michigan, plus the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians
• Founded: 1992
• Charity Navigator Rating: 100% (Four-Star rating)
• Annual Grants Awarded: 118 organizations (2024)

Contact Details

Address: 800 Cottageview Dr Ste 1040, Traverse City, MI 49684-2494

Phone: (231) 935-4066

Email:

• General inquiries: info@gtrcf.org
• Grant inquiries: grants@gtrcf.org

Website: www.gtrcf.org

Grant Contact: Steve Wade, Vice President of Community Impact - swade@gtrcf.org

Overview

Established in 1992, the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation (GTRCF) exists to enhance the quality of life in its communities, now and forever, by serving as a leader of local philanthropy. With total assets exceeding $105 million, the foundation concluded its 32nd year in 2024 by awarding $3.7 million in grants and scholarships to support students and nonprofit partners across the region. Since its founding, GTRCF has awarded more than $70 million in grants and scholarships.

The foundation serves a five-county region in northern Michigan, supporting organizations across Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau Counties, as well as the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. In 2023, the foundation supported 333 grant partners, demonstrating its broad reach across the region. GTRCF has been confirmed in compliance with National Standards for Community Foundations, a rigorous accreditation that represents commitment to best practices exceeding federal and state law requirements.

The foundation's strategic plan for 2022-2025 focuses on four overarching goals: Accountability and Focus, Awareness and Relationship Building, Collaboration and Community Impact, and Equity and Inclusion. Under the leadership of Alison Metiva, who became President & CEO on January 1, 2026, after serving 19 years with the organization in various capacities, GTRCF continues to strengthen its role as a trusted steward of community resources.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

GTRCF administers multiple grant programs through various endowments and funds:

Community Funds Grants: $335,108 available for 2025

• Grant Range: $1,000 - $40,000 (recent awards ranged from $5,200 - $40,000)
• Application Method: Two-stage process with pre-applications in May/June
• 2025 Priorities: Housing and mental health/well-being (though not limited to these areas)
• Flexible, responsive grants not restricted to particular causes or programs
• 54% of 2025 Community Funds grants supported housing-related efforts; 31% benefited youth and mental health initiatives

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI) Grants: $2,500 per organization per year

• Support for organizations led by or serving Black, Indigenous people, people of color, LGBTQ+, immigrant, neurodiverse, veteran, and/or disability community members
• Funding for DEI events, trainings, and programs promoting equity and inclusion
• In four years (2021-2024), GTRCF has granted 74 groups a total of $215,111
• Over $54,000 awarded in 2024

Quick Response Grants: Up to $2,500 per request

• For unexpected or unforeseeable needs outside regular organizational budgets
• Applications reviewed monthly by Community Foundation staff
• Decisions made by staff and presented to Board for acceptance

Youth Endowment Grants: Up to $5,000 per county

• Grant decisions made by county-based Youth Advisory Councils (YACs)
• Young people from each of the five counties review applications annually
• $105,000 awarded in 2024; typically over $70,000-$91,000 annually
• $18,200 awarded from each county-based YAC

Fall Field of Interest Grants: Administered through 20 different endowments

• Grant amounts vary by endowment:
  • Some endowments: $250-$2,000
  • Others: $500-$3,000
  • Land use planning endowments: $1,000-$7,500
  • Specific endowments: $5,000-$15,000
• Each endowment has specific eligibility criteria and focus areas
• Eligibility determined through online quiz in grants portal

Designated Endowment Grants: $684,000+ awarded in April 2025

• Support arts and culture, education, environment, health and human services, and youth causes

Priority Areas

GTRCF supports a broad range of community needs across multiple sectors:

• Youth Development: Programs and services supporting young people, including education, recreation, and mentorship
• Housing: Significant focus in 2025 with over half of Community Funds grants supporting housing-related efforts
• Mental Health and Well-Being: Priority area for 2025, particularly youth mental health initiatives
• Education: Including scholarships ($400,000+ in 2024) and educational programs
• Arts and Culture: Supporting cultural organizations and programming
• Environment: Conservation, environmental education, land use planning, natural areas
• Health and Human Services: Including senior services, nutrition programs, accessibility
• Equity and Inclusion: Programs serving underrepresented communities, DEI training and education
• Community Development: Supporting organizations serving the five-county region

What They Don't Fund

Specific exclusions are not explicitly listed in public materials, though eligibility is generally limited to:

• Organizations serving Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau Counties, or the Grand Traverse Band
• Nonprofit, educational, governmental, and Tribal entities
• Contact the foundation directly for specific eligibility questions

Governance and Leadership

Executive Leadership

Alison Metiva, President & CEO (effective January 1, 2026)

• 19-year tenure with GTRCF in roles of increasing responsibility
• Previously Chief Operating Officer
• Experience managing grantmaking, scholarships, communications, marketing, donor stewardship, development, HR, and budgeting
• Board Chair Jerry Ring noted: "I am excited about where the Foundation is headed, and it'll continue to be a strong, trusted partner in our region under Alison's leadership... she is trustworthy and dependable. She brings a high degree of certainty to her work and has no hidden agendas."
• Outgoing CEO Dave Mengebier said: "If you're looking for a visionary leader to guide the foundation, Alison is the perfect choice. I know Alison will do an exceptional job of building upon the Foundation's successes."

Steve Wade, Vice President of Community Impact

• Oversees grant programs and community impact initiatives
• Contact: swade@gtrcf.org

Recent Staff Additions:

• Torey Caviston, Youth and Community Impact Coordinator
• Mercedes Michalowski, Donor Engagement Director

The Community Foundation team comprises eleven experienced and highly qualified professionals.

Board of Directors

The foundation is governed by a regionally representative Board of Directors comprised of engaged community members with diverse backgrounds, skill sets, and experiences.

Board Officers:

• Laura Asiala, Chair - Chief Sustainability Officer, WholeWorks, LLC
• John Bercini, Treasurer - Born in Dowagiac, MI; spent over 30 years on Wall Street, including as Senior Vice President for the Roosevelt Investment Group
• Mark L. Wilson, Secretary - Founder of New Leonard Media; enrolled member of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians
• Cash Cook, Secretary - Executive Director, Kalkaska Village Downtown Development Authority

Additional Board Members:

• Elise Loud - Founder of Placecraft, a Michigan-based community planning consultancy
• Rachael Birgy - Board of Education Trustee for Northwest Education Services; President of the Kalkaska School Board
• Lauren Clark - Resource Specialist with OS Reentry, Networks Northwest

In recent years, the foundation welcomed eight new board directors, strengthening regional representation and bringing fresh perspectives to governance.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

GTRCF uses an online grants portal for all grant applications. The application process and requirements vary by grant program.

Access the Grants Portal: Visit www.gtrcf.org/grants/apply.html to access the online portal

Eligibility Quiz: For Fall Field of Interest grants, complete a short eligibility quiz that will show which grant opportunities your organization qualifies for based on your responses

Application Questions: Questions vary by grant opportunity but the grantmaking process begins with submitting a grant application through the online portal

Decision Timeline

Community Funds Grants (Two-Stage Process):

• Pre-applications accepted: May 28 through June 21 at 11:59 PM
• Initial review: Week of June 24 by Community Foundation team
• Notification to all pre-applicants: First week of July
• Full applications due (for selected applicants): July 14 at 11:59 PM
• Awards announced: Later in the year (October 2025 for recent cycle)

Quick Response Grants:

• Rolling basis: Submit applications anytime through the Grants Portal
• Review schedule: Beginning of each month by Community Foundation staff
• Decision timeline: Relatively quick, with decisions presented to Board of Directors for acceptance

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Grants:

• Varying deadlines throughout the year
• Check grants portal for current deadlines

Fall Field of Interest Grants:

• Fall application cycle (specific dates vary by endowment)
• Check portal for each endowment's timeline

Youth Endowment Grants:

• Annual review cycle managed by Youth Advisory Councils
• Contact foundation for specific timeline

Success Rates

Specific success rates are not published. In 2024, the foundation awarded grants to 118 organizations and supported 333 grant partners in 2023, demonstrating broad support across the region.

Reapplication Policy

Previous grant partners can reapply for Community Funds grants. The foundation has not published specific restrictions on reapplication for unsuccessful applicants. Organizations with questions about reapplication should contact Steve Wade at swade@gtrcf.org or the grants team at grants@gtrcf.org.

Application Success Factors

While GTRCF does not publish specific application tips or success rates on their website, the following factors emerge from their grant awards and organizational priorities:

Alignment with Current Priorities

In 2025, GTRCF is prioritizing requests addressing housing and mental health and well-being, though grants are not limited to these focus areas. Recent grant awards show that 54% of Community Funds grants supported housing-related efforts, while 31% benefited youth and mental health initiatives. Organizations addressing these areas may have stronger alignment.

Geographic Service Area

Organizations must serve communities within Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, or Leelanau Counties, or the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. Clear demonstration of impact within this five-county region is essential.

Strategic Alignment with Foundation Goals

GTRCF's 2022-2025 strategic plan emphasizes:

• Accountability and Focus: Demonstrate clear outcomes and organizational strength
• Collaboration and Community Impact: Show how your work connects with other community efforts
• Equity and Inclusion: Consider how your programs serve or are led by underrepresented communities
• Awareness and Relationship Building: Engage with the foundation beyond just grant applications

Types of Organizations Funded

Recent Community Funds grant recipients provide insight into the foundation's funding patterns:

• Goodwill Industries of Northern Michigan
• Child & Family Services of Northwestern Michigan
• Northwest Michigan Supportive Housing
• Father Fred Foundation
• Habitat for Humanity Grand Traverse Region
• Women's Resource Center for the Grand Traverse Area
• Traverse Bay Children's Advocacy Center
• Grass River Natural Area
• Michael's Place
• ROCK of Kingsley Youth Center
• Frankfort Community Land Trust
• Microcenter Child Care Network

This list shows support for established service providers addressing housing, youth, mental health, environment, and basic needs.

Application Quality

The two-stage process for Community Funds grants allows the foundation to review pre-applications before requesting full proposals, reducing burden on applicants. This suggests they value:

• Clear, concise pre-applications that articulate need and impact
• Realistic budget requests aligned with organizational capacity
• Projects ready for implementation

Equity and Inclusion Considerations

With over $215,000 in DEI grants awarded over four years and a dedicated endowment established in 2024, the foundation demonstrates strong commitment to equity. Organizations led by or serving Black, Indigenous people, people of color, LGBTQ+, immigrant, neurodiverse, veteran, and/or disability community members should consider the DEI grant program.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Choose the Right Program: With multiple grant programs ranging from $250 to $40,000, carefully select the program that best fits your project. Quick Response Grants (up to $2,500) are ideal for unexpected needs, while Community Funds grants ($1,000-$40,000) support larger initiatives.

• Emphasize 2025 Priorities: If your work addresses housing or mental health and well-being, highlight this alignment in your application. However, don't be discouraged if your work falls outside these areas—the foundation continues to fund broadly across community needs.

• Demonstrate Regional Impact: Clearly articulate how your work enhances quality of life in Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, or Leelanau Counties. The foundation seeks to be "a leader of local philanthropy" in this five-county region.

• Consider the Two-Stage Process: For Community Funds grants, invest time in a strong pre-application. Being selected to submit a full application is a significant step, and pre-applications are due May 28-June 21.

• Build Relationships Beyond Grants: GTRCF values awareness and relationship building as a strategic goal. Attend their events, engage with their communications, and connect with foundation staff (Steve Wade, VP of Community Impact, at swade@gtrcf.org) before applying.

• Explore Multiple Funding Opportunities: Don't overlook Fall Field of Interest grants through specific endowments. Complete the eligibility quiz to discover which of the 20 different endowments your organization might qualify for—some may be less competitive than Community Funds.

• Youth Programs Have Dedicated Support: Organizations serving youth should explore both the Youth Endowment (with decisions made by young people on Youth Advisory Councils) and general programs. Youth is a consistent funding priority with $105,000 awarded in 2024 through YACs alone.

References

• Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation Official Website: https://www.gtrcf.org/ (Accessed March 2026)
• GTRCF Grant Opportunities: https://www.gtrcf.org/grants/apply.html (Accessed March 2026)
• GTRCF Community Funds Grants: https://www.gtrcf.org/grants/community-funds-grants.html (Accessed March 2026)
• GTRCF Board of Directors: https://www.gtrcf.org/about/board-of-directors.html (Accessed March 2026)
• GTRCF Vision, Mission, Values: https://www.gtrcf.org/about/ (Accessed March 2026)
• GuideStar Profile - Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation: https://www.guidestar.org/profile/38-3056434 (Accessed March 2026)
• Charity Navigator Rating: https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/383056434 (Accessed March 2026)
• "Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation awards $3.7 million to local causes," 9&10 News, January 28, 2025
• "Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation grants over $684,000 to local organizations," 9&10 News, April 22, 2025
• "Grand Traverse Foundation distributes $334,000 to local organizations," 9&10 News, October 20, 2025
• "Metiva selected as next president and CEO of Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation," Rural Innovation Exchange
• "'BE PART OF SOMETHING BIGGER': Metiva preps for CEO job at Community Foundation," Record-Eagle
• GTRCF Diversity, Equity, Inclusion information: https://www.gtrcf.org/priorities/diversity-equity-inclusion.html (Accessed March 2026)
• GTRCF Youth Advisory Councils: https://www.gtrcf.org/impact/youth-advisory-councils.html (Accessed March 2026)
• Community Foundation National Standards: https://www.cfstandards.org/ (Accessed March 2026)
• Cause IQ - Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation: https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/grand-traverse-regional-community-foundation,383056434/ (Accessed March 2026)