Community Grant Giveaway
Is there a specific nonprofit organization in your region that truly shines? A group that seeks to improve the area or make a positive impact through their efforts? Nominate them for consideration of a $7,000 grant.
Great Lakes Energy has teamed up with CoBank, one of it’s lenders, to create a positive impact in your community by awarding three $7,000 grants to local nonprofit organizations.
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 will be reviewed, vetted, and approved by GLE. With the approved nominations collected, GLE members will once again be called upon to place their vote and ultimately determine each recipient of the North, Central, and South region grants.
Additional program information can be found on the Community Grant Giveaway Rules and Guidelines page.
2023 Community Grant Giveaway Recipients
North Region
Brave Hearts Estate
“They do so much for our Michigan veterans and run totally off their fundraisers and corporate and personal donations to do this. Veterans and their families can stay at Brave Hearts Estate free of charge.”
Central Region
Uplift Pine River Area Kids
“Uplift Pine River Area Kids was created to help feed children living in rural poverty and who are food deprived. Uplift will provide a bag of food to help supplement their weekend meals and snacks.”
South Region
Trinity Lutheran Church Food Pantry
“Trinity Lutheran Church is proud to host the oldest and largest Community Food Pantry in Oceana County. Trinity Lutheran and its congregation promote a tradition of true community involvement and provide aid regardless of religious affiliation.”
2023 Community Grant Giveaway Finalists
North Region
“They do so much for our Michigan veterans and run totally off their fundraisers and corporate and personal donations to do this. Veterans and their families can stay at Brave Hearts Estate free of charge.”
“Our Mission is to reduce suicide through prevention education and to assist and empower those in crisis. Our organization helps with financial assistance for mental health through counseling, therapy, and outpatient care. We also fund conferences on suicide prevention in our area, suicide prevention training, and provide booths at many events raising awareness of the importance of mental health. We have many resources for places in our area to receive help, numbers to contact for assistance, and how to help those who are suicidal. Knowledge is key in providing HOPE.”
“Crossroads Industries, Inc. focuses on community integration and employability for adults with disabilities in the community of Gaylord. Crossroads has a job readiness program which assists clients with obtaining jobs independently in the community as well as internal employment in several departments within the company. The mission of Crossroads is ‘We create opportunities for employment and social independence!’ Crossroads is a staple in the community for adults with disabilities, with recently achieving their 50th anniversary as a non-profit in Gaylord!”
“This organization helps pets, vets, families and children with community events, scholarships, lunch funds, student pantries, and so much more. The group works with other organizations in Antrim, Kalkaska, and Otsego counties to find and identify needs in the area and provide support however needed.”
“Harbor Hall, Inc. provides services to include substance abuse counseling, behavioral health counseling, residential treatment, transitional living and primary care services to our community. Harbor Hall, Inc works with adults at all locations and adolescents at the outpatient offices. Harbor Hall, Inc. accepts most private insurances as well as medicaid. Harbor Hall, Inc has three locations to meet the needs of the community. This grant money could be used to help individuals who struggle with their copays and or paying for services in general. The money could be used to educate the community on dangers of drugs and alcohol and what to look for in kids. Harbor Hall is working with families and therapy tools could be purchased to help with family therapy.”
“The Mancelona Food Pantry and Resale Shop is a Non-profit organization serving Antrim County and the surrounding areas. The Community Lighthouse is a non-profit in Mancelona and is operated on a volunteer basis. It services between 400 and 900 families a month, providing people with food and low-cost clothing.”
“We are a Northern Michigan shelter serving those in homeless situations since 1988. They help the homeless by giving them a place to sleep at night but make them also do chores and look for work during the day. They do not take government funds. There is also a shelter for women.”
“All the funds raised go to assisting those diagnosed with cancer. Personally a family member received help and I have been personally involved with fund raising for years.”
Mission Statement: Northern Michigan Cancer Crusaders are here to help our local families and friends cope with the impact of cancer.
“WRCNM provides confidential support, advocacy, counseling and the Safe Home to people in Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Emmet and Otsego counties. WRCNM is a dynamic organization that: Provides many specialized services for adults, children and families that seeks positive solutions in crisis situations.”
Central Region
“Caritas is a service of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Custer Michigan. Serving Mason, Lake Oceana and Manistee counties. Their mission is: Caritas Food Pantry is dedicated to reducing hunger in Mason and surrounding counties through community cooperation making the best possible use of all available resources.”
“Circle Rocking S Children’s Farm is a 501c3 tax-exempt nonprofit organization that has been operating for more than 25 years, providing touch therapy and recreation free of charge to people with disabilities. Circle Rocking S Children’s Farm serves, on a normal year, more than 1,000 people with special needs, and depends on donations to provide all programs and animal maintenance. Donations Your donation is greatly needed and all money goes toward the special needs programs.”
“COVE serves multiple counties in the GLE area ensuring people have access to shelter, protection and advocacy if they are unfortunate victims of domestic violence or sexual assault. They also provide education on ways to help prevent and deter violence at the root. They have limited funding, but do critical work that is not covered by other agencies in the area.”
“Crossroads Recreation Connection is a dedicated group of volunteers to bring FREE recreational opportunities to residents of Reed City and surrounding communities with an emphasis on providing activities for our youth. Their goal is to promote health and wellness for all ages and income groups through outdoor activity. They intend to build a Pocket Park in downtown Reed City: a four-season amenity anchored by a splash pad and including public restrooms with a warming/cooling observation area, a fire pit, an ice-skating rink, a covered pavilion, and ample seating areas with shade.”
“This program provides community living support and inclusion for adults with developmental disabilities. It’s the only day program in the area with no functionality requirements, they accept clients no matter how high or low functioning. They rely on donations for field trips and community outings so a grant that they could use for an extra outing would be great for the participants!”
“Located in Lake County, they provide food for approximately 100 to 120 families a month. We used to be able to purchase food at a reasonable price through Feeding America, however, due to lack of food through them, we are forced to purchase food at market price, a great burden on our small church.”
“Lakeshore Food4Kids is a program to feed preschoolers-12 graders with food insecurity at home, for the weekend. This organization provides breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks to these students every Friday to take home.”
“MCCH is a new Hospice Home located in Reed City and serves people of Lake, Mecosta, Osceola counties and neighboring communities during the end of life journey. They provide care, comfort, assistance and education to terminally ill clients and their loved ones. MCCH is a non-profit facility which relies solely on donations and community support.”
“Uplift Pine River Area Kids was created to help feed children living in rural poverty and who are food deprived. Uplift will provide a bag of food to help supplement their weekend meals and snacks.”
South Region
“4 One 2 Care is an organization created to increase mental health awareness and aid in suicide prevention. They are such a beacon of light in our community. They are brave enough to share personal experiences to start hard conversations. With the way the world has changed since the beginning of the pandemic, supporting organizations that create these opportunities to normalize hard conversations and awareness are even more important than ever.”
“Angels of Action is a non-profit organization that serves children and families in both Mecosta and Osceola Counties. Angels of Action is home to nine programs that work to assist our community in several ways, addressing physical, emotional, and educational needs.”
“Arbor Circle offers over 50 programs and services for children, youth, families, and adults who need supportive resources during tough times. Arbor Circle is a non-profit organization whose mission is to transform the lives of children, adults, and families facing mental health, substance use, and family concerns. They have services in 11 different counties, many of which are in the Great Lakes Energy region, including Allegan, Kent, Muskegon, Newaygo, and Ottawa counties.”
“The HCPAA exists to provide quality arts education experiences to students in Oceana County, free of charge to local schools. Over 20+ years they have brought in world-renowned musicians and artists to educate and train staff and students, enriching their lives and learning through outstanding events and services. The HCPAA operates solely based on donor contributions and the generosity of patrons.”
“Helping Hands has been organized as a response to the needs of our community. Located in Howard City, they are a united effort of the Tri-County area, providing emergency food assistance, referral for counseling, and a place to learn how you can help others.”
“This organization is focused on providing veterans and their families opportunities to connect and become emotionally closer. Outdoor events and activities include using the natural resources available to make maple syrup, walking color tours, hay rides and boat tours on the beautiful Muskegon River.”
“They provide a multitude of food and basic services to those in need. We currently serve approximately 240 families per month annually. At 40 meals per person, this means we provide 13,000 meals per month.”
“Trinity Lutheran Church is proud to host the oldest and largest Community Food Pantry in Oceana County. Trinity Lutheran and its congregation promote a tradition of true community involvement and provide aid regardless of religious affiliation.”
“The Wings Home is an end-of-life care home that provides compassionate care in a home like atmosphere to Wings of Hope Hospice patients during the last days of their lives. There is no cost to live at Wings Home.”
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