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GIVE Northern Michigan Editor’s Note | Cara McDonald
You may have noticed there’s a housing crisis going on just about everywhere, but especially here in Northern Michigan, where there’s a confluence of economic pressures, a shortage of supply and an increasing crush of investors, second-home owners and relocating folks all looking to own their slice of the pie.
None of us are unaffected. This has ratcheted up the pressure and pain felt by some for decades as longtime locals and visitors have bemoaned the changing times, the tourist traffic, the rising prices; it prompts an unflattering chorus of “got mine, good luck with yours” and “I’ve been here forever, my claim is more valid.” (Which, if that’s a thing, then may I introduce you to our Anishinaabek neighbors who may have some thoughts.)
This squeeze and sense of finite resources makes us all want to grab a piece of the dream and “own” the North. It’s tempting to do, without realizing the damage that impulse does not only to our local economy and communities and landscapes we love, but also to our sense of connection to this place and each other.
I’ve shared before that the GIVE guide is one of the most beautiful things we get to work on each year, and I mean it. In the next pages, you’ll find the very embodiment of welcome, of generosity, of neighborly concern and forward-thinking care taking. The stories run the gamut: inspired cyclists dreaming of a world where every kid has a bike and rides the streets like a free-spirited dervish. Conservationists fighting to save a stretch of shoreline for a single pair of nesting loons. Neighbors helping single moms secure safe childcare and education to help lift their kids out of poverty. Librarians working to spread literacy and put books in the hands of everyone who hungers to learn.
The heroes in this guide are passionate leaders and everyday people who just love hard enough, give a little and then a bit more, because they own the North, too. If we want to own it here, then let’s own it all—let’s own the short-term rentals, the long lines at restaurants, the tired parent working two jobs to make ends meet, the lonely senior down the street who feels their world changing. We’ll own the crush of development threatening wildlife corridors, the lack of transportation for workers, the need for after-school clubs and homework help and affordable family housing. We’ll own the beaches and the bays and the sunsets and the traffic and the parking and the festivals, the waterfalls and outdoor concerts and walkable old downtowns and reliable diners and honor-system farmstands and secret sledding hills. We’ll own sugar maples in fall, the first trillium, a summer night’s chorus of frogs with the same joy we own the magic of a fireworks finale. We’ll own it all.
This is your owner’s manual. I hope it inspires you to give where your heart feels most at home.
Explore all 15 of the 2023 Nonprofits featured in this year’s issue of GIVE Northern Michigan:
- Artworks Big Rapids Area Arts and Humanities
- Traverse Area District Library
- Benzie Area Christian Neighbors (BACN)
- Single MOMM
- Crystal Community Ski Club
- Norte
- Eagle Village
- Leelanau Christian Neighbors
- The Friends of Point Betsie Lighthouse, Inc.
- The Festival Foundation
- Grand Traverse Bay YMCA
- Interlochen Public Radio
- Grand Traverse Conservation District
- Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy
- Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities
Artworks Big Rapids Area Arts and Humanities
THEIR MISSION: Vitalizing the community through the arts and humanities while creating a culture of warmth and belonging and bringing the arts to everyday life.
“The humanities part of our mission often gets lost,” says Director of Creative Arts Education and Community Engagement Arthur Johnson, who is tasked with working more humanities programming into Artworks’ offerings. “Introducing a perspective or viewpoint that people maybe wouldn’t be aware of, getting people curious—that’s the goal.”
RECENT SUCCESS STORY: A three-part mini course on understanding Buddhism, classes on basket weaving and photography, an intimate one-person play critiquing the evolution of journalism, lunchtime experiential learning experiences and so much more made 2023 a standout year.
CURRENT CHALLENGE: It’s twofold. First, there’s a palpable need for therapeutic art right now. “We’re finding more of a community need for art classes or workshops for those who are suffering from mental health disorders,” Johnson says. “People are hurting in general.” Second, Artworks is asking how they can expand services and programs to reach the rural community with only a small staff of four and a handful of volunteers.
SOLUTION: The answer lies in more local collaborations and community support. Artworks needs teachers capable of leading workshops and help getting the message out about 2024 programming—the theme is Telling Our Story, and events and programming are already breaking boundaries with student displays, exhibits showcasing work by adults with cognitive challenges and unique perspective photography by the Big Rapids Camera club.
HOW YOU CAN SAVE THE DAY: Visit artworksinbigrapids.org to donate, or become an Artworks member and enjoy discounts on gift shop items, classes and rental facilities.
Traverse Area District Library
THEIR MISSION: The library provides dynamic resources and services that stimulate intellectual curiosity, facilitate lifelong learning, promote literacy and nurture personal enrichment.
RECENT SUCCESS STORY: The Traverse Area District Library is celebrating a host of big wins. The library’s children’s programming saw a 58-percent increase in summer library challenge program attendance with 1.88 million minutes of reading tracked. The free program brought all generations together over music, games, performances and a shared love of reading. Thanks to a collaboration with area schools, 5,217 students have received library cards in the past year. And the new bookmobile is on a roll, bringing library resources to those who can’t easily access the library in person.
CURRENT CHALLENGE: Recent Michigan Student Test of Education Progress (M-STEP) scores show lagging proficiency in math and English language arts. The youth literacy struggle is real and the Traverse Area District Library is on a mission to course correct. “The ability to read, speak and understand is key to quality of life for everyone,” says Executive Director Michele Howard. “Literacy rates are linked to economic success later in life. It’s vital.”
SOLUTION: The library is focused on making reading fun and accessible, bringing in guest authors, continuing its read-to-a-dog program and creating a special fund to invest in more intensive literacy-focused activities, giving kids the joy of reading to take home.
“My favorite thing is to look out the library window and see a parent dragging their kid to the car with their books and the kid is already nose-deep, not looking up from their book,” says Howard.
HOW YOU CAN SAVE THE DAY: Visit tadl.org/donate and choose a library program to support. Donate your gently loved books to the library and purchase a book to give someone for the holidays.
Benzie Area Christian Neighbors (BACN)
THEIR MISSION: To improve the quality of life for people with limited resources by providing food, clothing, financial assistance, education and social support.
RECENT SUCCESS STORY: Bill came to the GED program at BACN, which is run by MichiganWorks!, in the fall of 2019. He’d dropped out of high school as a sophomore and never gone back. Later in life, when his 13-year-old daughter asked him for help with homework, he didn’t know how to help her. He was ashamed, embarrassed and felt like he’d failed as a father.
“In that moment, Bill decided he had to finish high school, not only for himself, but so that his kids knew how important it was for them to graduate,” says BACN Executive Director Sarah Lee Sullivan. Since graduating, Bill has enrolled at Northwestern Michigan College, pursuing a degree in nursing.
CURRENT CHALLENGE: Over the last few years, there has been a noticeable trend developing in Northern Michigan surrounding a lack of trained workers for high-demand jobs in healthcare and trade careers. BACN learned that, though tuition costs can be covered by financial aid, the remaining educational costs—laptops and tools, gas to get to school, childcare while parents are in class—are huge barriers to student success.
SOLUTION: The Benzie Area Adult Learner Fund was created with partners Northwest MichiganWorks! and BEST Benzie County Educational Network to cover these expenses. Assistance kicks off in January 2024 and includes mentoring and social support to guide Benzie Area adult learners who are seeking postsecondary education or a career training program for the first time.
HOW YOU CAN SAVE THE DAY: Visit benziebacn.org to contribute to the Adult Learner Fund and other BACN programs.
Single MOMM
THEIR MISSION: Founded in 2008, Single MOMM cultivates communities to ignite hope, healing and confidence within single moms, guiding them to healthy independence.
RECENT SUCCESS STORY: In 2023, more than 1,900 single mom– led families were impacted as Single MOMM brought hope and restoration to places of devastation and loss by replacing poverty with job opportunities, abuse with safe shelter, loneliness with healthy community, stress-filled homes with stable parenting and paralyzing fear with faith.
CURRENT CHALLENGE: Helping families that have survived severe abuse, illness and economic devastation, Single MOMM is faced with increasing intensity and complexity of needs as families struggle to find available childcare, affordable housing and adequate transportation. “This next year the focus is to go deeper in the lives of the women that we serve and wider in the geographic area we cover, says Executive Director Jennifer Finnegan Pool.”
SOLUTION: Responding to these needs, Single MOMM must train more mentors to support moms, expand its mobile offices to neighboring counties, increase available classes and grow its residential program.
HOW YOU CAN SAVE THE DAY: Volunteer. Give. Become a Single MOMM family champion for $365 a year and provide mentorship to a single mom working hard to support her children. Program champions are also needed to cover the cost of events, courses and residential programs ($2,500 to $10,000 a year). Learn more and make a difference at singlemomm.org.
Crystal Community Ski Club
THEIR MISSION: Fostering a lifelong passion for the outdoors and boosting physical and mental health by engaging youth through snow sports.
RECENT SUCCESS STORY: In 2023, the Nordic Rocks cross-country skiing program touched the lives of more than 650 students across eight elementary schools. Third-graders took one-hour Nordic lessons on school playgrounds while fourth- and fifth-graders navigated Crystal Mountain’s groomed trails. Program founder Beth Major’s award-winning curriculum covers mastering basic skills while honing leadership, confidence and a growth mindset.
CURRENT CHALLENGE: CCSC faces an ongoing challenge in ensuring that all young individuals, regardless of their socio-economic background or physical abilities, have equal access to programs. Limited resources and the costs associated with snow sports equipment, transportation and program fees are significant hurdles.
SOLUTION: Generous donors and ski-loving volunteers have played a big role in providing scholarships, equipment and resources. By continuing to support CCSC, you directly contribute to keeping program fees affordable, offering scholarships to underserved youth and expanding outreach programs.
“Together, we can overcome our challenges and ensure that every child can discover the thrill of winter sports and the sense of community that CCSC offers. Your support can truly transform young lives in our community,” says board member Anna Luther.
HOW YOU CAN SAVE THE DAY: Help CCSC reach more children and make winter sports accessible for all by donating toward scholarships, equipment and program expansion; volunteering your time as a coach or mentor; spreading the word about CCSC; sponsoring a child or exploring opportunities for corporate partnerships.
Visit ccskiclub.org to make an impact.
Norte
THEIR MISSION: Championing bikes and community in Northern Michigan, Norte engages youth to be physically active and socially connected through cycling-focused programs.
RECENT SUCCESS STORY: Any given year, there are 200 to 400 children on the summer camp waitlist. In 2023, Norte increased its summer camp capacity by 39 percent—a substantial jump that ensured more children gained confidence, explored the community and learned how to navigate the region safely by bicycle—all made possible by Norte staff, donors, volunteers and coaches.
CURRENT CHALLENGE: As a small nonprofit, Norte is in a continual state of fundraising to support basic operating and program needs. While summer camps and programs like community slow rolls, the bike library, bike tune-ups, balance bike meet-ups, bike valet and Bikes for All continue to grow, the need for financial support and coaches also continues to widen.
SOLUTION: Individual donations account for nearly 50 percent of the Norte operating budget, while program revenue accounts for less than 30 percent. Financial gifts from the community are essential for impact and growth. “When you see a team of Norte riders pedaling through town, you can smile and know that you helped provide that experience,” says Executive Director Jill Sill.
HOW YOU CAN SAVE THE DAY: Join us as a participant, coach, volunteer, business champion, or donor. Your financial gift ensures Norte programs reach the children who need us most and allows us to provide even more scholarships, trained coaches, well-maintained bicycles, and community programs across Northern Michigan.
Get involved at norteyouthcycling.org.
Eagle Village
THEIR MISSION: To help children navigate their futures after being removed from their homes because of abuse, neglect or abandonment. Through God’s help and love, Eagle Village equips children and families for success.
RECENT SUCCESS STORY: Among the 4,167 lives impacted in 2022, Eagle Village served 275 children through residential treatment, adoption, foster care, short-term interventions, trauma assessments, counseling and specialized summer camps. One child in particular left a deep impression on staff; he’d arrived suffering from trauma, his hair purposely grown over his face as a shield. As he worked through his trauma, he decided to cut his hair so his face could be seen and he could better communicate with staff. He is now living with a family that has started the adoption process.
“This is a place that values each life, guides youth through their trauma, and helps them find hope” says Vice President of Advancement Carol Hyble. “These are Michigan’s orphans. They’re normal kids who have gone through unthinkable things. They need help navigating those experiences and, with therapists and staff, learn how to move past it.”
CURRENT CHALLENGE: When a child turns 18, they are moved out of the residential foster care system and it can be challenging for these young adults to navigate the workforce or college and independent living. Independent living programs are not currently available for these youth in Northern Michigan.
SOLUTION: Eagle Village is developing a program to meet the needs of these vulnerable young adults.
HOW YOU CAN SAVE THE DAY: Financial gifts and volunteers are always needed. Visit on Friends Friday, the third Friday of each month, for an in-depth look at Eagle Village history, mission and a campus tour. Join a Serve Saturday, the first Saturday of each month, to assist with a meaningful work project. Make a financial contribution at eaglevillage.org/donate to help change the life of a child.
Leelanau Christian Neighbors
THEIR MISSION: Founded in 1987, this impactful nonprofit of more than 200 volunteers helps Leelanau County residents who are facing emergencies through programs that include Blessings in a Backpack, the LCN Baby Pantry and Samaritans’ Closet along with a community food pantry and financial assistance. “Every person has such individual circumstances. Someone might come and say, ‘I need help paying my rent.’ We look at why that is,” says Executive Director Mary Stanton. “We find the answers to those questions and then look at them as a whole person and ask, ‘how can we really change the situation?’ And that’s made a difference in peoples’ lives.”
RECENT SUCCESS STORY: Thanks to grant funding, the Summer of Sharing program served 70 families lunches and breakfasts during the 2023 summer break from school. “It was a fabulous program. Families were given menus, all of the food, spices, knives, spatulas, can openers—all of the tools to create it,” says Stanton. “We would love to continue a Food for Families program beyond summer in addition to our food pantry.”
CURRENT CHALLENGE: Rising grocery and housing costs mean more and more neighbors are reaching out for assistance. The Leelanau Christian Neighbors food pantry is serving 146 families each week along with families accessing the baby pantry weekly for diapers, wipes, toys, food and clothing.
SOLUTION: To continue expanding services and fully serving neighbors, the nonprofit is seeking funding, staff and volunteers. “LCN employs only one full and two part-time people to run the overall organization, so volunteers are crucial to our success,” Stanton says.
HOW YOU CAN SAVE THE DAY: Visit leelanauchristianneighbors.org to contribute and to learn more about donating food and goods to the pantry and resale store.
The Friends of Point Betsie Lighthouse, Inc.
THEIR MISSION: This nonprofit leads restoration efforts, handles daily operations and raises awareness for one of the state’s most iconic lighthouses.
RECENT SUCCESS STORY: A dedicated team of staff and volunteers delivers programming that includes story times, ghost tours, an adult lecture series, scavenger hunts and daily tours. During peak season, June through August, the lighthouse welcomes 300 visitors a day.
CURRENT CHALLENGE: The 75-year-old concrete apron that separates the lighthouse from Lake Michigan is eroding and cracking due to water and wind exposure. Friends of Point Betsie Lighthouse received a State of Michigan grant for $5.1 million to replace the apron as well as an additional $350,000 from county and township offices. But the project is estimated to cost more than $10 million.
SOLUTION: Aiming to break ground in 2025, lighthouse advocates are working with Marine Engineers, the State Historic Preservation Office, Office of Energy and Great Lakes and Army Corps of Engineers to develop a plan while fundraising to meet monetary goals. The nonprofit will request construction bids in the spring of 2024.
HOW YOU CAN SAVE THE DAY: While strong donor support has enabled the Friends to secure matching grants to restore and maintain this beloved site, additional resources to begin construction and complete the project will be needed. Visit pointbetsie.org to donate. Become a lighthouse member or volunteer and help lighten the staffing load. Be a tour guide, sit at the top of the tower and answer questions or work in the gift shop. Pick one day a week or one day a year—every effort helps.
The Festival Foundation
THEIR MISSION: Founded by growers in 1926, the Festival Foundation preserves Michigan traditions and the local cherry economy through iconic annual events that include the National Cherry Festival, the Iceman Cometh mountain bike challenge and the Leapin’ Leprechaun 5k.
RECENT SUCCESS STORY: Bouncing back from pandemic setbacks stronger than ever, the beloved Cherry Festival will turn 100 in 2026. A 100th Anniversary Cherry Festival Committee is already hard at work planning special celebrations highlighting the festival’s history and regional traditions. (Hint: It will have a lot to do with pies.)
CURRENT CHALLENGE: As they look into a sustainable future, the Festival Foundation is hoping to purchase a permanent home office and materials storage space in downtown Traverse City (rather than renting space).
SOLUTION: In 2020, the nonprofit created its Festival Foundation Growers’ Program, inviting donors to contribute anywhere from $5 to $500 monthly. “Every one of those small contributions makes a big difference,” says Festival Foundation CEO Kat Paye. “Those donations are very important for us to preserve traditions.”
HOW YOU CAN SAVE THE DAY: Join the Festival Foundation Growers’ Program, volunteer to help out at an event or donate online at thefestivalfoundation.org.
Or, simply attend an event. “Run the 5K, race the Iceman Commeth, come to a parade—if you’re at one of our ticketed events, that’s funds going into our organization that’s then turned back into community funding for things like area trails, Norte Youth Cycling, the local NICU and family birthing center and aviation scholarships,” Paye says.
Grand Traverse Bay YMCA
THEIR MISSION: This not-for-profit social services organization is all in on youth development and healthy living for every generation.
RECENT SUCCESS STORY: As the leading provider of fitness, health and wellness services in the Traverse City region, the YMCA has connected countless residents with resources such as the Child Development Center, Summer Day Camps and the life-saving Safety Around Water program.
CURRENT CHALLENGE: The definition of wellness is changing and expanding, and the YMCA is shifting its services to answer the call. “Wellness is no longer about waistlines or biceps, but more about mindsets and interactions,” says President and CEO Andrew Page. “With that in mind, the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA is becoming more purposeful in addressing social isolation and loneliness, not only for aging adults, but all ages.”
SOLUTION: The YMCA is bringing community together over free breakfasts, free workshops hosted by professionals from all walks of life and increased financial assistance so everyone can gain access to services regardless of ability to pay.
HOW YOU CAN SAVE THE DAY: “In partnership with our community, we all know we can do more to help,” Page says. “Whether it’s sharing a smile or just saying hello. Little things matter and kindness can be the elixir for a troubled soul.”
Page and the YMCA invite you to gift others awareness and kindness as they work to help address community mental health in a more holistic and effective way. Financial contributions can also be made at gtbayymca.org/give.
Interlochen Public Radio
THEIR MISSION: To make Northern Michigan a place known for high-quality journalism where news, storytelling and local knowledge are core features of a rich civic life.
RECENT SUCCESS STORY: Interlochen Public Radio’s podcast Points North is now heard in more than 30 states and 20 countries. It won four of 13 categories in the multi-state regional Murrow Awards this year and has earned air-time on NPR’s radio show Snap Judgement.
CURRENT CHALLENGE: The sheer amount of content clamouring for attention in our media-saturated age and the decline of local journalism.
SOLUTION: Thanks to funding by Rotary Charities, Interlochen Public Radio is currently conducting a survey of more than 60 news organizations in Northern Michigan to see if a collaborative approach to the news business is possible. “We’d like to produce a better future, one where our industry thrives rather than fights just to survive,” says Interlochen Public Radio Executive Director Peter Payette.
HOW YOU CAN SAVE THE DAY: Support local news in your community with your attention and money. Visit interlochenpublicradio.org/givetoday to contribute to Interlochen Public Radio. Your gift will support this critical service, including special initiatives like developing a network of local news organizations who can join forces to meet community needs going forward. “Recognize that news is more expensive at the local level, but that is the cost of a society that can govern itself,” Payette says.
Grand Traverse Conservation District
THEIR MISSION: To lead, facilitate and inspire exploration, appreciation, conservation and restoration of our natural world.
RECENT SUCCESS STORY: In spring 2023, the Grand Traverse Conservation District welcomed its inaugural cohort of farmers into the Great Lakes Incubator Farm program. These dedicated farmers have been highly active throughout the season, engaging in hands-on farm projects, interactive educational sessions and field trips. The farm is thriving with garlic and rye crops, potatoes, onions, shallots, corn, collard greens, sunflower sprouts, beans, tomatoes, peppers and squash, all flourishing in the healthy soil.
CURRENT CHALLENGE: The Grand Traverse Conservation District is currently in need of funding for the $1.2 million Ottaway Crossing, a 160-foot pedestrian bridge that will span the Boardman-Ottaway River where the Sabin Dam used to be. This bridge—named in honor of the river’s original designation and the Indigenous community—will play a crucial role in enhancing trail connectivity.
The bridge will connect trails on the east and west side of the Boardman-Ottaway River, encouraging walkers, cyclists, anglers and adventurers to explore miles of trails on the Natural Education Reserve and beyond. The footbridge is an integral part of the ongoing restoration efforts, alongside initiatives such as stabilizing riverbanks, planting thousands of native trees and shrubs and managing invasive species. Together, these efforts will transform the Natural Education Reserve into an impressive community destination.
SOLUTION: The Grand Traverse Conservation District is actively seeking donations to support construction of the Ottaway Crossing.
HOW YOU CAN SAVE THE DAY: To contribute and be a part of this transformative project, visit natureiscalling.org/campaign. Your support will help create a lasting impact on the natural environment and community.
Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy
THEIR MISSION: To protect significant natural, scenic and farm lands and advance stewardship now and for future generations.
RECENT SUCCESS STORY: In its 32-year history, GTRLC has protected nearly 47,000 acres of land and 153 miles of shoreline. Most recently, the group completed its $2.4 million fundraising campaign to protect the 120-acre Turtle Cove Nature Preserve. “Saving that truly significant land and shoreline was a high priority,” says Director of Communications and Engagement Jennifer Jay. “Keeping Arbutus Lake pristine and protected and preserving a major wildlife habitat—there were a lot of wins with that one.”
CURRENT CHALLENGE: Before the intrusion of docks, boat traffic and shoreline development, Lake Bellaire was likely home to six pairs of loons, which require undisturbed locations to build nests and raise their young. By the 1990s, only one pair of loons was documented in the entire lake. GTRLC preserved the Golden Days Loon Nature Sanctuary (protected in 1998 and expanded in 2020) and the nearby Loon Nursery Natural Area (preserved in 2001), bringing the number of nesting loon pairs to four. Now, an opportunity to purchase a 28-acre parcel will connect the sanctuary to privately protected land, creating a 350-acre habitat. If the $622,020 goal isn’t met, developers will likely scoop up the highdemand shoreline.
SOLUTION: The great news? GTRLC is more than halfway there, with a remaining $252,505 needed. Strong efforts are in the works to get the word out and to reach those who love Lake Bellaire and its loons or understand the importance of protecting water habitats.
HOW YOU CAN SAVE THE DAY: Head over to gtrlc.org and click on the donate button, click support a project and find the Golden Days Loon Nature Sanctuary project.
Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities
THEIR MISSION: Designing sustainable local solutions for environmental, economic and community improvement. Think local food efforts aimed at saving farms and bettering community health, clean-energy transitions and keeping towns walkable.
RECENT SUCCESS STORY: Piloted nearly a decade ago, Groundwork’s 10 Cents a Meal program has expanded to bring locally grown food to school cafeterias statewide. The program is now viewed nationally as a model for Farm to School initiatives.
CURRENT CHALLENGES: With increasing pressures caused by climate change, land development and area sprawl, leaders say there’s a short window to implement renewable energy sources and to protect the local farm economy.
SOLUTION: Continued support through private donations is crucial to initiating Groundwork’s bold, innovative and sometimes controversial programs. “The upshot is that two of the key pillars of Groundwork’s strategy—start things and sustain them with a longgame vision—require private gifts. And it’s true that every single one of our biggest achievements since 1995 would not have happened without the shared belief of private donors that a better, more sustainable world is possible,” says Groundwork Communications Director Jeff Smith.
HOW YOU CAN SAVE THE DAY: Choose your passion—expanding local food initiatives to save farms and improve community health, speeding the transition to a clean-energy economy or keeping local towns walkable and livable—and donate to the one that speaks to you. Or, contribute to Groundwork’s general fund and they’ll steer it to the areas of greatest need. Visit groundworkcenter.org to make an impact.
