First Emergency Response Fund Grants Awarded: Over $30,000 to Local Relief Efforts

18
Apr

On April 3, 2025, we launched a new charitable fund in response to the devastating ice storm that swept through northern Michigan this spring.

Thanks to the care and generosity of private donors and foundation partners, as well as contributions from the Community Foundation’s own grantmaking reserve, we have already awarded our first round of grants in support of storm relief efforts! 

So far, we've approved over $30,000 in grants, with almost $40,000 in additional requests currently under review.

We are still accepting grant requests. Grants are approved on a rolling basis.

First Round of Grants:
 

  • Northmen Den Youth Pantries Inc. — $5,000
    Supporting expanded food access for students by adding a second day. Funding provided additional meals and pantry resources across multiple school sites.
  • Char-Em Department of Health & Human Services — $2,000
    Assisting individuals with gas cards for generators, food resupply, and temporary housing in response to prolonged power outages.
  • Harbor Springs Community Food Pantry — $5,000
    Replenishing shelf-stable and freezer inventory to meet ongoing demand for food assistance.
  • Northwest Michigan Habitat for Humanity — $5,000
    Supporting cleanup efforts at active construction sites and along storm-damaged roads, enabling the continuation of essential housing projects.
  • Manna Food Project — $5,000
    Expanding emergency food distribution, restocking supplies, and providing gas cards to families using generators. Since the power outage began, Manna delivered food and water to all emergency shelters in Emmet County.
  • Little Traverse Bay Humane Society — $5,000
    Supporting an emergency relief initiative for pets and their owners, including food, supplies, and temporary shelter. To date, the organization has distributed over 1,300 pounds of pet food during the outage, and provided microchips and critical supplies to households in need.
  • Venture North Funding & Development — $5,000
    Providing mini-grants to small businesses recovering from storm-related damage or income loss, helping them stabilize and prepare for the summer season.


Recovery is ongoing, and we’re continuing to work with local partners to meet urgent and emerging needs.
 

We are still accepting grant requests.

Grant requests are reviewed weekly. Tax-exempt charitable organizations, educational institutions, state agencies, tribal governments, or municipalities are eligible to apply for grant support.
 
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