Leelanau County Grants for Nonprofits

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation focused on making grants to support environmental, human services and other causes.

The Lawrence Foundation was established in mid-2000. We make both program and operating grants and do not have any geographical restrictions on our grants. Nonprofit organizations that qualify for public charity status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or other similar organizations are eligible for grants from The Lawrence Foundation.  

Grant Amount and Types

Grants typically range between $5,000 - $10,000. In some limited cases we may make larger grants, but that is typically after we have gotten to know your organization over a period of time. We also generally don’t make multi-year grants, although we may fund the same organization on a year by year basis over a period of years.

General operating or program/project grant requests within our areas of interests are accepted. In general, regardless of whether a grant request is for general operating or program/project expenses, all of our grants will be issued as unrestricted grants.

Background

The Robert F. Schumann Foundation was established by Mr. Schumann out of his beliefs that the environment is essential to sustain the future of the planet, that education is essential to solve many quality of life issues for society, and that arts and cultural programs offer society hope and the ability to dream.  Mr. Schumann was an avid environmentalist and fought for open spaces where birds and other animals could maintain habitats and where people could enjoy nature.  He supported efforts to improve the planet through environmental education, as well as artistic and cultural institutions that sought to raise the quality of life for local communities. Robert F. Schumann developed a love of birds early in his life.  From a young age, he continued to learn and understand the importance of protecting the environment from over-development and pollution.  He purchased acreage in upstate New York where he created a bird sanctuary known as Nuthatch Hollow.  There he began a partnership with the local university allowing students, faculty and staff to use the land for environmental studies.  Mr. Schumann served on the board of many environmental and educational institutions seeking to encourage the interests of students of all ages to understand and appreciate the importance of protecting and enjoying the environment. Robert F. Schumann died on December 8, 2011.  His legacy of support for the environment, education, arts and culture will continue through the work of his foundation for many years to come.

Mission

The Robert F. Schumann Foundation is dedicated to improving the quality of life of both humans and animals by supporting environmental, educational, arts and cultural organizations and agencies.

There are no program limitations; however, the foundation is interested in primarily supporting environmental sustainability, education, the arts and humanities.

Program areas

• Environment, animals

Charitable Contributions

Costco Wholesale’s primary charitable efforts specifically focus on programs supporting children, education, and health and human services in the communities where we do business. Throughout the year we receive a large number of requests from nonprofit organizations striving to make a positive impact, and we are thankful to be able to provide support to a variety of organizations and causes. While we would like to respond favorably to all requests, understandably, the needs are far greater than our allocated resources and we are unable to accommodate them all.

Warehouse Donations:

Warehouse donations are handled at the warehouse level - please consult your local warehouse for up-to-date information regarding their donations contacts and review process.

Grant Applications

If the request is under consideration, you may be contacted by staff for any additional information needed. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, and decisions are made based on several factors, including: type of program; identified community need not otherwise available; indication that evidenced based data will establish measurable results of intended outcomes; community collaboration; broad base of financial support; project budget and operating expenses.

Centene Charitable Foundation

Successful corporate citizenship happens when companies invest in the local organizations that know their communities best. The Centene Foundation works with our local partners on initiatives that focus on inclusion, the whole person and community development.

Vision

Centene’s purpose is transforming the health of the community, one person at a time. The Centene Foundation is an essential part of how we pursue this purpose. We achieve measurable impact for the communities we serve through partnerships and philanthropy efforts that invest in initiatives with holistic approaches to dismantling barriers to health.

Areas of Focus

Reflecting Centene’s commitment to the needs of those who rely on government-sponsored health care and to addressing social determinants of health and health equity, preference will be given to initiatives in three distinct areas of focus.

• Healthcare Access
• Social Services
• Education

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust is devoted solely to the funding of charitable, scientific, medical and educational organizations.

The Board endeavors to support soundly-managed charitable organizations that give service with a broad scope, have a substantial effect on their target populations, and contribute materially to the general welfare. The Board does not discriminate on the basis of ethnicity, race, gender, sexual orientation or religion.

Mission

The DanPaul Foundation will use its resources to help train teachers and parents in early childhood development, protect children from abuse and neglect, stimulate children's personal social responsibilities, and offer them opportunities for enrichment and growth.

The Foundation will also encourage children to be concerned and informed about the environment and the underprivileged, particularly with regard to clean air and water, and adequate housing and nutrition for all.

Beliefs

The DanPaul Foundation believes that children should have ample opportunities for enrichment in their lives, and thus strives to provide many different ways to enrich and expand children's minds through direct programs and monetary support to organizations doing similar work.

We have provided or currently provide grants related to the following program areas:

• Workshops, Conferences, + Seminars: We strive to offer educational workshops, conferences, and seminars for parents and teachers on topics related to early childhood development.
• Student Scholarships: We aim to help students attending post-secondary education institutions by providing need-based and academic scholarships.
• Scientific Endeavors: We desire to advance scientific endeavors which seek to improve the quality of life for everyone in the world.
• Clean Air + Water: We hope to pass on knowledge and practical life skills to youth regarding their personal responsibility to the environment, teaching them about issues surrounding clean air and water.
• Child Advocacy: We believe in protecting children from abuse and neglect and particularly love to support programs that provide education and assistance to children as well as organizations advocating or caring for vulnerable children.
• Homelessness: We want to encourage young people to take a personal interest in seeing that adequate housing and proper nutrition, especially for the underprivileged and homeless, are available.
• Poverty + Neglect: We seek to help those in poverty as well as educate youth about their responsibility to consider the underprivileged and take care of those most in need of life's basic essentials like adequate housing and proper nutrition.
• Refugee Enrichment: We wish to help refugee youth by supporting programs that provide them enrichment and help them transition to life in a new country.

The DanPaul Foundation provides grants to 501(c)3 tax-exempt non-profit organizations as defined by the IRS. The Foundation is interested in providing funding to programs that directly serve the health, education, development, and welfare of the world's youth.

Grants range from a few hundred dollars up to $15,000 per calendar year.

Together, we are meeting community needs across Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska and Leelanau counties.

We have a variety of grant opportunities available in the Fall from several different Endowments; one common grant application is submitted. 

Access to Recreation Endowment

The Access to Recreation Endowment was established in 2007 through a matching grant opportunity from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, as part of its Access to Recreation Initiative.

Grant awards provide support for recreational projects, programs, and opportunites that are focused on providing universal accessibility design, beyond basic ADA requirements.

Joan Rajkovich McGarry Family Education Endowment

Joan Rajkovich McGarry served the Grand Traverse community - her home - throughout her lifetime, both professionally and as a volunteer. The focus of her service was always to make things better for families. She did that through teaching, advocacy and developing opportunities, both economic and educational.

The Joan Rajkovich McGarry Family Education Endowment supports the continuation and further development of programs and services to support Grand Traverse and Leelanau Counties, related to family and consumer sciences.

Grantmaking Focus

Grant applications are accepted annually each Fall. Applications for programs and activities focused on nutrition and, in particular, school aged children and obesity issues, will be considered.

Program objectives may include, but are not limited to:

•  Education for students and families, including
  • Healthy choices for snacks/meals and consequences of unhealthy choices
  • Programs that educate about how to understand nutritional content in foods
  • Programs that educate about the preparation and preservation of food
• Physical activity for students and families
• Programs that represent the values of Home Economics (the study of our near environment: food, clothing, family, home and community).
  • A professional home economist possesses expertise which includes:
    • safe food handling,
    • nutrition,
    • parenting skills,
    • household management,
    • consumer buying,
    • housing, and leadership skills.
      • Home Economics is now known as Family and Consumer Sciences.

Youth Endowment

The Youth Endowment was one of the first in our history - and is part of the story of the beginning of the Community Foundation. It was established through a matching grant opportunity from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. For every $2 that was raised for other endowments, $1 was matched for the Youth Endowment. Donors came together, contributing $4 million to the brand new Community Foundation, allowing for the creation of a $2 million Youth Endowment. High school students from across the region participate in a Youth Advisory Council Program, learning about philanthropy and recommending grants from the Youth Endowment.

Our Youth Endowment supports youth causes and organizations across our region. 

Our Mission

The Hansen Family Foundation provides opportunities to domestic, international, secular, and non-secular organizations that support the American way of life, which is defined by the principles of “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” 

Causes

Children

The Hansen Family Foundation supports causes dedicated to helping children both home as well as abroad. Learn More

Education

The Hansen Family Foundation believes that a decent education should be made available to everyone, young or old, the world over. Learn More

Animals

The Hansen Family Foundation believes in helping those who cannot speak on their own behalf. Learn More

Environmental

The Hansen Family Foundation is dedicated to preserving the world we all share. Learn More

Humanitarian

The Hansen Family Foundation views the plight of our fellow man as an opportunity to actively engage and effect change. Learn More

Arts & Culture

The Hansen Family Foundation supports all forms of artistic and cultural endeavors. Learn More

Who We Are

The Creag Foundation is a private grant making foundation established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington.

The founders of the Creag Foundation believe that meaningful change can only be achieved through hard work, creativity and passion. They also understand the practical mechanisms that allow charitable organizations to succeed and grow. As a group, Creag Foundation principals are dedicated to helping today’s most innovative programs improve the human condition in a wide variety of ways.

Our Focus

The broad purpose of the Foundation is to support the efforts of nonprofit organizations who are innovators in the field of human services. Our particular focus is on smaller organizations that are starting out or established organizations that are looking for funding to take their organization in a new direction.

What We Fund

/ What We Fund

The Creag Foundation is focused on innovation in the industry. We will consider proposals from 501(c)(3) organizations that are finding new ways to address societal issues facing the nonprofit community. Applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for one year before submitting. If your organization has held 501(c)(3) status for over a year, and your believe that your organization has a new approach to an existing social problem or is addressing a previously unaddressed social issue, you are welcome to contact us and request that we consider your organization for a funding opportunity.

Our Fall Grants provide funding to support a range of programs and services, including those that focus on education, the environment, youth, seniors, health and human services, and more. This year, we will award fall grants through 19 different endowments that we steward. 

Suttons Bay and Bingham Endowment

A community fund, committed to Suttons Bay and Bingham Townships, The Suttons Bay and Bingham Endowment was established in 1995. Owen Bahle, a champion for and friend of the Suttons Bay area, was a founding supporter and had a wish to support the community he loved. Many other donors have since joined in this commitment.

Grant awards support a variety of organizations, community projects, and programs that benefit Suttons Bay and Bingham Townships and the Village of Suttons Bay.

Together, we are meeting community needs across Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska and Leelanau counties.

We have a variety of grant opportunities available in the Fall from several different Endowments; one common grant application is submitted. 

Northwest Michigan Osteopathic Endowment

Grant awards from the Northwest Michigan Ostepathic Endowment support medical professionals' education and other innovative health education, research and treatment programs, and programs/projects that respond to community health needs. 

Fall Field of Interest Grants

Together, we are meeting community needs across Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska and Leelanau counties.

We have a variety of grant opportunities available in the Fall from several different Endowments; one common grant application is submitted. 

Boys and Girls Club Endowment

The Boys and Girls Club of Grand Traverse Endowment provides support for programs and services that are consistent with the mission of the Boys and Girls Clubs to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. This can be achieved by providing a safe place for children to learn and grow; supporting ongoing relationships with caring, adult professionals; providing life-enriching programs and character development experiences; and providing hope and opportunity.

Together, we are meeting community needs across Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska and Leelanau counties.

We have a variety of grant opportunities available in the Fall from several different Endowments; one common grant application is submitted. 

Our Fall Grants provide funding to support a range of programs and services, including those that focus on education, the environment, youth, seniors, health and human services, and more. This year, we will award fall grants through 19 different endowments that we steward. 

Campbell Endowment

The Campbell Endowment was established in 1996 with an anonymous gift from a donor with a heart for helping individuals achieve independence.

Grant awards support organizations and programs that promote self-sufficiency and that address needs in one or more of the following areas:

• Food,
• Health Care,
• Housing, and
• Childcare. 

About Us

The Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation began in 1992 when a group of community champions came together around a vision to give back to our five-county region then, now, and forever.

This vision lives on within our organization today as we continue supporting a variety of community need areas, including youth, arts and culture, education, environment, and health and human services.

We do this by promoting giving, engaging in collaborative leadership, supporting nonprofit organizations through meaningful grants and local students through scholarships, and building endowments that make a lasting impact for generations to come.

To date, we have received more than $123 million in gifts and awarded over $65.7 million in grants and scholarships.

Healthy Youth and Healthy Seniors Endowment

The Healthy Youth and Healthy Seniors Endowment was established in compliance with an award from the State of Michigan Tobacco Settlement Partnership.

Grant awards support programs that improve the health of youth (birth - 18) and/or seniors (age 55 and older). These opportunities may include, but are not limited to, programs that focus on health and nutrition; family counseling; early childhood development; smoking prevention and cessation; daycare, preschool, and after school care. 

For example: 

Programs for healthy youth could include:

• smoking prevention and cessation and substance abuse
• violence and conflict resolution
• access to dental care
• community alternatives for recreation
• child care

Programs for healthy seniors could include:

• pharmaceuticals (i.e. access, cost, medication interaction)
• preventing and managing chronic disease (i.e. cancer, heart, lung, stroke)
• long term care alternatives (i.e. assisted living, respite care, family caregiver support)
• mental health and aging (i.e. substance abuse, depression)
• workforce and aging (i.e. age discrimination, continuing career opportunities)     

Together, we are meeting community needs across Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska and Leelanau counties.

We have a variety of grant opportunities available in the Fall from several different Endowments; one common grant application is submitted. 

Our Fall Grants provide funding to support a range of programs and services, including those that focus on education, the environment, youth, seniors, health and human services, and more. This year, we will award fall grants through 19 different endowments that we steward. 

Land Use and Conservation Planning Endowment

Established in 1997, in partnership with the C.S. Mott Foundation and the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy, the Land Use Conservation and Planning Endowment provides support for land use planning or land use stewardship activities. 

Grant awards supports programs or projects such as seminars and workshops; developing school programs that promote regional environmental or land use issues; assisting units of government in creating land conservation programs; watershed and wetlands conservation; and/or researching economic, environmental and social impact of land use and conservation planning. 

Fall Grants Application

Our Fall Grants provide funding to support a range of programs and services, including those that focus on education, the environment, youth, seniors, health and human services, and more. This year, we will award fall grants through 19 different endowments that we steward. 

Richard V. and Kimiko O. Williams Endowment

The Richard V. and Kimiko O. Williams Endowment was established to support programs and activities in Grand Traverse and Leelanau Counties related to Great Lakes maritime heritage, history, and education; stewardship of the Great Lakes; environmental conservation, education, and land use, including recreation.

The Traverse City Track Club Endowment supports projects and programs that align with the Track Club's mission: The Traverse City Track Club promotes and encourages health, fitness, fellowship, community service, family recreation and competition via running and walking. We welcome all ages and abilities.

About Us

The Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation began in 1992 when a group of community champions came together around a vision to give back to our five-county region then, now, and forever.

This vision lives on within our organization today as we continue supporting a variety of community need areas, including youth, arts and culture, education, environment, and health and human services.

Our Fall Grants provide funding to support a range of programs and services, including those that focus on education, the environment, youth, seniors, health and human services, and more. This year, we will award fall grants through 19 different endowments that we steward. Our Fall Grants provide funding to support a range of programs and services, including those that focus on education, the environment, youth, seniors, health and human services, and more. This year, we will award fall grants through 19 different endowments that we steward. 

Genuine Leelanau Charitable Endowment

Established in 2006 by Genuine Leelanau, many donors have joined together to give to a shared interest of supporting children and families in Leelanau County.

Grant awards support integrated arts and other projects that benefit Leelanau County children and families in need.

Mission

Driven by a philanthropic calling to support marginalized communities throughout the world, the Semnani Family Foundation partners with on-the-ground organizations and leverages its resources in a cost-effective and efficient manner that delivers the maximum benefit.

History

Guided by his grandmother Maliheh’s example and teachings, Khosrow Semnani and his wife Ghazaleh established the Semnani Family Foundation in 1993. The foundation’s first grant was issued through CARE International to an orphanage in Romania that cared for newborns affected by HIV. Over the last few decades, the foundation has continued to build upon its mission to empower the disaffected, partnering with a variety of organizations in different countries who can make the greatest impact.

In addition to its global influence, the Semnani Family Foundation established roots within the state of Utah with the founding of Maliheh Free Clinic in 2005 to provide free healthcare to thousands of uninsured people in the Salt Lake City area.

Where We Work

The Semnani Family Foundation focuses primarily on promoting health, education, and disaster relief for marginalized communities all around the world. Driven by a clear mission to adapt and serve at the global level, we have leveraged our resources to make a meaningful impact in the following countries so far:

• Afghanistan
• Bosnia
• Colombia
• England
• Ethiopia
• Ghana
• Guatemala
• India
• Iran
• Kenya
• Madagascar
• Mali
• Mexico
• Pakistan
• Philippines
• Romania
• Somalia
• South Africa
• Tanzania
• Tonga
• Uganda
• United States
• Yemen

At the heart of the Foundation lies a fervent commitment to human welfare, always prioritizing health and the needs of society’s most vulnerable.

Our Mission

The Tony Robbins Foundation is a nonprofit organization created to empower individuals and organizations to make a significant difference in the quality of life of people often forgotten.

We’re dedicated to creating positive changes in the lives of youth, seniors, the hungry, homeless and the imprisoned population, all who need a boost envisioning a happier and deeply satisfying way of life. Our passionate staff, generous donors and caring group of international volunteers provide the vision, inspiration, and resources needed to empower these important members of our society.

Grants

Dedicated to meeting challenges within the global community, creating solutions and taking action, The Tony Robbins Foundation provides monetary donations to various organizations around the world. Funding requests are evaluated on an ongoing basis. We look for organizations that align with our mission to empower individuals and organizations to make a significant difference in the quality of life of those often forgotten.

Our Mission

Our mission is to continue and further the philanthropic legacy of Gardner Cowles, Jr. and the Cowles family, which includes promotion of education, social justice, health, and the arts.

The Founder

The Cowles Charitable Trust was first established in 1948 by Gardner “Mike” Cowles, Jr. (1903-1985). Born into the Cowles publishing family of Des Moines, Iowa, Mike was the youngest of Gardner Cowles and Florence Call Cowles’ six children. A newspaper editor and publisher by trade, he was committed to his family’s traditions of responsible, public-spirited, and innovative journalism as well as philanthropy. 

The Cowles Charitable Trust supports the arts, education, the advancement of ethical journalism, medical and climate research.

About the Foundation

Jesse W. Couch lived a life of zeal, honor, and dedication to the betterment of his community. The Couch family now humbly stewards the foundation he created to carry on his legacy of service for future generations. We believe that impact is best accomplished through partnerships with local organizations that know the people and communities they serve. We invest in and support efforts to protect the environment, further conservation and preservation initiatives, and save historical architecture that preserves community heritage. We also support initiatives that promote wellness and mental health and organizations seeking to provide and further education for all communities.

Annual Grant Focus

Each year, we seek to partner with and support non-profit organizations making an impact in the focus areas listed here. 

The focus area for this year is Wildlife Conservation. We believe it's our duty to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. We envision a world where everyone works in harmony to protect what is important so that all life on this planet can thrive.

The Foundation was established in December 2013 by Kathryn B. McQuade, after retiring from 33 years of working in the business community. I was blessed to have been born into a loving middle class family. My father worked very hard to insure that all of his children were given an opportunity for a good education and my mother, “a stay at home Mom’ was always there for us. My world was safe and comfortable. My life is in stark contrast to how much of the rest of the world lives. I continue to read of the terrible injustices waged against women and children globally and hope that this foundation can provide them the opportunity and resources to succeed. We will support organizations that help us achieve our goal of Striving to make sustainable improvements in women and children’s rights education and welfare.

Kathryn McQuade Foundation Grant

The Foundation will make timely decisions on your grant request and provide clear communications on our expectations of reporting progress.

Women

The Foundation’s goal is to provide women assistance and provide them an opportunity to succeed. Assistance can take many forms, however our goal is to help them become self sufficient and enable them to lift themselves out of poverty and provide for their children. Access to education, job training and professional skills, even access to capital in order to build a business are possible ways we will consider helping women to succeed. Grant requests should focus on enabling the women to sustain financial independence.

We look forward to hearing of the many creative ways organizations are working on helping women succeed through out the world. To help women is to help their children and the communities they live in.

Children

Too many children in the US and across the world live in poverty and lack the access to education. Education and/or appropriate skills training are necessary to break the cycle of poverty and crime. While the assistance to women may take many forms, the foundation’s focus for children will target education and/ or skills training. The Foundation is open to many ideas on how to accomplish this goal and look forward to receiving proposals to help all children achieve their potential.

About Us

The Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation began in 1992 when a group of community champions came together around a vision to give back to our five-county region then, now, and forever.

This vision lives on within our organization today as we continue supporting a variety of community need areas, including youth, arts and culture, education, environment, and health and human services.

We do this by promoting giving, engaging in collaborative leadership, supporting nonprofit organizations through meaningful grants and local students through scholarships, and building endowments that make a lasting impact for generations to come.

To date, we have received more than $123 million in gifts and awarded over $65.7 million in grants and scholarships.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI) Fund

Our DEI Fund is dedicated to supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts across Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau Counties as well as the sovereign nation of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians.

We believe diversity encompasses, but is not limited to, race, ethnicity, economic circumstances, zip code, age, health and ability status, neurodiversity, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, resident or immigration status, national origin, veteran status, and religion. 

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. Learn more about our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

About the DEI Fund

The DEI Fund supports diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts across the region, including primarily providing support for organizations led by Black, Indigenous, people of color, LGBTQ+, immigrant, neurodiverse, and/or disability community members. We will also consider DEI training and learning and other partners, programs, and opportunities promoting equity and inclusion.

Amount

Grant requests for up to $2,500 will be considered. Generally, grants to an organization will not exceed $2,500 in a given year.

Impact100 Traverse City collectively funds transformational grants in the areas of environment & recreation, education, arts & culture, family, and health & wellness in the five county area including Grand Traverse, Antrim, Leelanau, Benzie and Kalkaska.

• Arts & Culture
  • Charitable initiatives that cultivate, develop, educate, and improve the cultural climate within those five counties.
• Education
  • Charitable initiatives that further the ability to educate and improve education within those five counties.
• Environment & Recreation
  • Charitable initiatives that preserve, enhance, revitalize, or restore facilities and surroundings within those five counties.
• Family
  • Charitable initiatives that strengthen and enhance the lives of children and families within those five counties.
• Health & Wellness
  • Charitable initiatives that positively impact the mental or physical health and wellness of the people within those five counties.