Community Grant Giveaway
Is there a nonprofit organization in your area that is truly making a positive impact in the community? Would the group's efforts benefit from additional financial support? In a matter of minutes, your input could help the group become the next recipient of a $10,000 grant.
Great Lakes Energy has teamed up with CoBank, one of its lenders, to create a positive impact in your community by awarding three $10,000 grants to local nonprofit organizations.
Through this annual program, GLE members are asked to submit the names of 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations to be considered in their region. Once the nomination period is over, submissions are reviewed, vetted, and approved by GLE. Members are then asked to submit their vote, which helps determine the recipient of the North, Central, and South region grants.
Additional program information can be found on the Community Grant Giveaway Rules and Guidelines page.
Online Nominations
May 4 – 22, 2026
Nonprofits Selected
May 23 – June 7, 2026
Grants Awarded
2025 Community Grant Giveaway Recipients
North Region
Raven Hill Discovery Center
“The center staff is always willing to help youth and adults develop an appreciation and knowledge of nature in northern Michigan, as well as other local science and history topics.”
Central Region
Hersey's House of Hope
“HHH is a faith-based transition home for women. Women in crisis are not always taken seriously. Women who are homeless need someone dedicated to providing a stable, Christian-based home to assist learning, growing, and preparing them to return to society on a productive level. Women need a second chance. HHH has extremely passionate volunteers dedicated to its mission. A grant would help tremendously in 2025.”
South Region
Benny's House
“Benny’s House in White Cloud is a cornerstone of support for families across Newaygo County. As a community food pantry, it works tirelessly to fight food insecurity, providing essential groceries and meals to hundreds of individuals each month. In partnership with the Feeding America food truck, Benny’s House extends its impact even further, bringing fresh, nutritious food directly to those in need. In a rural region where resources are limited, this compassionate outreach is truly life-changing. A $10,000 award would help Benny’s House continue to feed hope, dignity, and strength into the heart of the community.”
Past Community Grant Giveaway Recipients
2025
North: Raven Hill Discovery Center
Central: Hersey’s House of Hope
South: Benny’s House
2024
North: Crawford County Christian Help Center Food Pantry
Central: Mason County Mutts
South: Operation Solo
2023
North: Brave Hearts Estate
Central: Uplift Pine River Area Kids
South: Trinity Lutheran Food Pantry
2022
North: Grass River Natural Area
Central: The Lakeshore Food Club
South: Bass Lakes Area Environmental Partnership
2021
North: Good Samaritan Family Services
Central: Bread of Life Food Pantry
South: Stony Lake Therapeutic Riding Center