Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Fund

The Diversity Equity Inclusion Fund, managed by the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation, is dedicated to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts across the Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau Counties in Michigan, as well as the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians sovereign nation. This initiative directly aligns with the Foundation's mission to support community-led efforts that create a more inclusive and equitable region. The fund prioritizes addressing systemic disparities and fostering environments where all community members can thrive. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are organizations led by and serving community members of color, including Black and Indigenous people, as well as LGBTQ+, immigrant, neurodiverse, veteran, and/or disability communities. The impact goals are to strengthen these communities by providing general operating support, increasing awareness and education, enhancing effectiveness, voice, and visibility, promoting equity and inclusion through programs and projects, and offering relevant DEI trainings. Key priorities for funding include general operating support for community-led organizations, events that provide education and increase awareness, initiatives that boost the effectiveness and visibility of marginalized groups, and programs or projects specifically designed to promote equity and inclusion. A significant focus is also placed on diversity, equity, and inclusion trainings, with a strong preference for organizations that employ community members of color, particularly Black and Indigenous individuals, to facilitate these learning opportunities. The expected outcomes of the Diversity Equity Inclusion Fund include more robust and effective organizations led by and serving marginalized communities, increased public awareness and understanding of DEI issues, and a more equitable and inclusive environment across the region. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the grant amount, the emphasis on general operating support, program implementation, and training suggests a focus on the growth and impact of supported organizations and the reach of their initiatives. The Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation's strategic priorities are evident in this fund's design, emphasizing community-led solutions and direct support for groups historically underrepresented or marginalized. The theory of change appears to be that by empowering these specific community-led organizations and fostering greater awareness and education, the foundation can contribute to systemic change that promotes equity and inclusion, ultimately leading to a more vibrant and just community for all residents in their service area. Grant requests are capped at $2,500 per organization per calendar year, with exceptions for schools where individual groups or teams can each receive up to $2,500, provided students are involved in the application process.