Opportunities for Donor Impact
Opportunities for DONOR impact
Our Community Priorities grant cycle showcases a wide variety of needs and organizations, with many opportunities to support community work in human services, housing, education, economic development, recreation, urgent needs, arts and culture, and more. Our Grant Advisory Committee met this week and allocated over $136,000 of C3F grantmaking funds towards 14 proposals. Early donors helped us to support two additional requests. We're proud of this work! And, despite our best efforts, very few requests have been fully funded. Which means that many wonderful opportunities remain for you to get involved and support the important and meaningful community work that aligns with your philanthropic goals.
Because there are so many proposals, we've grouped them in a quick screenshot below, so you can see "at a glance" what types of opportunities have remaining needs. Then, you can open up the sections below to find a short summary of each request, to learn more about the work that's being planned.
If you are inspired to contribute to any of these requests, please email Ashley Cousens no later than June 1st. The Fund Advisor Portal isn't used for this co-funding opportunity, (though it may be helpful to check your grantmaking balance!) Our secure webpage will be updated regularly, as support from donors and the committee becomes available.
As a reminder, Donor Advised grants are listed as anonymous when made through the grant cycles (like these). If you would like your grant to be named (not anonymous), please specify that in your email, along with the organization, project, and amount you'd like to grant from your fund.
Reach out to Ashley Cousens any time with questions at 231-536-2440.
- Community Priorities
ARTs & Culture
Beaver Island Performing Arts Alliance Request: $9,000 Remaining Need: $9,000
The summer of 2026 marks the 25th anniversary of the Baroque on Beaver festival! To celebrate this amazing accomplishment and to ensure its continuity, the organization is planning two special events – The Founders Concert celebrates the visionary founders of the festival, who made live, classical music part of the cultural life of Beaver Island; and the Grant Finale will be a celebratory night at the opera. Grant funds will support both concerts.
Charlevoix Historical Society Request: $11,000 Remaining Need: $11,000
The Charlevoix Historical Society currently has 2 part-time staff and one, vacant, full-time Manager position, which the Society is splitting into two parts, per their strategic plan: Development and Engagement Manager and Curator and Collections Manager. Grant funds will support their efforts to strategically staff the organization moving forward.
Crooked Tree Arts Center Request: $5,000 Remaining Need: $5,000
CTAC’s facilities lack adequate, flexible space for meetings, donor engagement, artist collaboration, and small group programming, as well as convenient & appropriate storage space for art collections. Grant funds will support creating secure, archival-quality storage and a multi-purpose space that supports meetings, rentals, and creative collaboration.
Northwoods Music Collaborative Request: $5,108 Remaining Need: $5,108
Northwoods Music Collaborative is teaming up with TUNES Music Makers on Beaver Island to provide four community music workshops and a community concert in August. Workshops will include fiddle, percussive dance, song, flute/whistle, and chord accompaniment. Grant funds will support paying musicians, costs associated with offering four workshops, and travel costs.
community
Beaver Island Community Center Request: $38,800 Remaining Need: $38,800
WVBI, the community radio service of the Beaver Island Community Center, is the island’s central communication lifeline; Islanders rely on it as the only local communication service that provides over-the-air access to the entire community. Grant funds will support facility upgrades to help WVBI expand into additional space within the Community Center.
Beaver Island Historical Society Request: $10,000 Remaining Need: 10,000
Beaver Island faces a challenge shared by many rural communities; how to provide access to reliable local news for residents, despite geographic isolation and limited coverage from regional media outlets. Grant funding will support the creation of a part-time Business Manager and Community Reporter position for the Northern Islander, Beaver Island’s locally produced community newspaper. This role will strengthen the operational stability of the publication while expanding its ability to report on community issues and events.
Boyne Citizen Request: $10,500 Remaining Need: 7,712
Responses to a recent reader survey showed that subscribers most want expanded coverage of local townships and other communities in Charlevoix County beyond Boyne City limits. Grant funding will support hiring a part time journalist to cover the six surrounding townships on a regular basis -- Evangeline, Eveline, Wilson, Melrose, Boyne Valley and Bay.
Jordan Valley EMS Authority Request: $18,000 Remaining Need: $18,000
Charlevoix County responders often must make fast decisions in rural, remote, weather-affected, water-adjacent, or difficult-to-access environments with limited information. Grant funds will help the organization to purchase and implement a public safety drone system that will be incorporated into emergency response operations and the developing NMSORT capability.
Patrons of the Arts in Rural Communities Request: $5,000 Remaining Need: $5,000
The Beaver Island Music Festival and events held on the Festival grounds are among the few large-scale opportunities for community gathering on the island. However, the site includes gravel paths, open fields, and distances between parking, seating, and facilities that can be difficult to navigate without assistance. Grant funds will address this gap by supporting the purchase of a golf cart and transport wheelchairs.
Peaine Township Request: $10,000 Remaining Need: $10,000
Lake Geneserath, on Beaver Island, is a high-use park visited by residents and seasonal tourists, yet existing restrooms are limited, off-grid, and non-compliant. Likewise, the Bill Wagner Campground is a rustic site without running water, sewer, or electricity, with no ADA-accessible restrooms. To address these needs and ensure that all visitors can safely enjoy recreational opportunities, grant funds will help to construct ADA-accessible restrooms at both sites.
economic development
Northern Lakes Economic Alliance Request: $15,000 Remaining Need: $5,000
Since 2000, there are an estimated 1,500 to 2,000 fewer working-age residents in Charlevoix County, even as the county's total population held relatively flat. Meanwhile, 63% of regional business leaders report that staffing is a top barrier to growth, and 81% point to the lack of attainable housing as a compounding constraint. This is not an abstract workforce problem. It is a community vitality problem. When families can't find housing or childcare, they leave. When they leave, businesses, schools, civic institutions, and the community at large are impacted. Grant funding will support NLEA's work to introduce, expedite, and scale strategic projects to reduce talent barriers, like housing and childcare, in Charlevoix County.
Northwest Michigan Works! Request: $10,000 Remaining Need: $5,000
Finding workers is difficult, but keeping them is often harder because employees face significant transportation, housing, childcare, financial, and personal barriers that directly impact their job stability. While company leadership desires to support their workforce, traditional methods often fall short. To address these needs and provide employee retention support, Northwest Michigan Works! provides the Business Resource Network (BRN); embedding a Success Coach directly at employer worksites to work alongside HR teams to provide the individualized case management necessary to stabilize employees, ensuring they remain productive, engaged, and employed. Grant funds will support the BRN program in Charlevoix County.
Venture North Funding and Development Request: $5,000 Remaining Need: $5,000
The mission of Venture North Funding and Development is to unlock opportunities for people and places that are systematically under-financed and excluded. They do this by providing small businesses with services to meet their needs to grow that include low-cost capital financing and no-cost technical assistance. A strong small business community contributes greatly to creating a vibrant community where everyone can thrive. Grant funds will support Venture North in increasing resources and capacity to serve Charlevoix County businesses and communities.
education
Beaver Island District Library Request: $3,500 Remaining Need: $3,500
The BI District Library is planning a "Senior Digital Social Club;" a recurring, small-group program designed to reduce social isolation and technology-related anxiety by helping older adults build confidence using computers, smartphones, and the internet in a welcoming, social setting. Grant funds will support the library in offering the program, to help seniors stay engaged, informed, and connected to family and services.
Char-Em ISD Request: $10,000 Remaining Need: $5,000
Families are often forced to choose between providing their child a preschool experience or meeting basic living needs. Paying for vital things like housing, transportation & food takes precedence over preschool tuition. Two government programs provide free preschool to children based on financial need & eligibility factors, but these programs fill quickly, leaving 40+ children without access to preschool in Charlevoix County each year. Grant funds will support Charlevoix County children in quality preschool programs this year.
health
Beaver Island Rural Health Center Request: $7,802 Remaining Need: $7,802
As one of the primary health concerns at the Beaver Island Rural Health Center, hypertension is documented in an estimated 33% of all patient visits. Since hypertension serves as a critical risk factor for life-threatening conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure, clinicians make addressing high blood pressure a top priority during patient consultations, particularly with older individuals, in an effort to mitigate the risk of severe health setbacks. Grant funds will support the acquisition of a specialized, accessible chair to improve patient care and outcomes.
housing
Housing North Request: $6,500 Remaining Need: $1,500
Housing North commissioned a Housing Needs Assessment (HNA) in 2023, and it has been a critical resource to understand housing needs in Charlevoix County. However, it needs to be updated in order to provide information and current data on demographics, economics, housing inventory, and housing gaps, plus other relevant data as identified by local stakeholders, governments, & organizations. Grant funds will allow Housing North to engage a contractor to update the HNA and to include the additional data that regional partners identified as valuable.
InvestMitt Cooperative Request: $25,000 Remaining Need: $20,000
The shortage of housing affordable by our community’s workforce severely limits the opportunities for economic growth and improvements in the quality of life of all residents. To complement private investment, efforts to address the housing crisis in our community are currently funded through philanthropy and public funding and tax incentives. InvestMitt aims to add a new source of financing to this mix: a fund that provides a way for community members to combine modest financial returns with an opportunity to make a tangible, positive difference in their own community and move some of their savings and investments “from Wall Street to Main Street”. This Fund provides a tool for residents to pool resources, make shared decisions to influence community development, & attract additional investments in local priorities. Grant funds will support the organization's work in Charlevoix County.
Northern Homes Community Development Corporation Request: $15,000 Remaining Need: $5,000
Northern Homes CDC is working with Charlevoix County and the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) to build one single-family home on the vacant lot at 820 E Main Street in Boyne City. The home will be a small modular home on a full, finished basement and will include 3 bedrooms, two bathrooms, and accessibility features like larger door openings and "zero step" entry to accommodate wheelchairs or walkers. Affordability beyond the first home buyer will be protected. Grant funds will support construction expenses.
Northwest Michigan Habitat for Humanity Request: $78,000 Remaining Need: $28,000
The housing crisis across Charlevoix and Emmet counties is well-documented and severe. To address this crisis, Northwest Michigan Habitat for Humanity is working on a new affordable homeownership development—a shovel-ready project anticipated to deliver 47 or more high-quality, for-purchase single-family homes on a beautiful 48-acre site within 15 minutes of downtown Charlevoix, Boyne City, and Petoskey. For dozens of local families, this is the path to permanent, affordable homeownership in the communities where they live and work. Grant funds will support pre-development activities such as site surveys & evaluations, engineering & site design, easements, zoning, and various approvals to make the site ready for construction.
human services
Boyne Eta Nu Charities Request: $5,000 Remaining Need: $4,000
Many families in the Boyne City area often struggle to provide essential needs for their families. Boyne Eta Nu Charities' "Dress For Chill" (DFC) program provides outerwear for pre-school and elementary school children in Boyne area schools. Grant funds grant will assist with purchasing winter jackets, snow pants, hats and mittens to meet this ever-growing need.
Challenge Mountain of Walloon Hills, Inc Request: $20,000 Remaining Need: $10,000
Socializing and spending time with friends is the #1 need identified by Challenge Mountain (CM) program participants. To address this need, CM purchased a building in Boyne City which will serve as their new Adaptive Recreation Center, making indoor activities available for youth and adults with disabilities. Grant funds will support kitchen renovations in the new space.
Kiersten's Ride Request: $15,000 Remaining Need: $8,879
In the last two years, local responders report nearly 2,000 calls, including at least 745 suicide attempts and 56 suicides across the Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Emmet County region, indicating a significant and ongoing mental health crisis in Northern Michigan. Local school personnel, healthcare providers, and mental health professionals consistently report a critical need for practical tools, training, and resources to better respond to individuals experiencing mental health crises. To address this need, grant funds will support Kiersten's Ride's Suicide Prevention Conference, providing training for professionals across our community.
Third Day Fellowship & Outreach DBA Joppa House Ministries Request: $28,000 Remaining Need: $18,136
In Northern Michigan, resources for women in recovery are extremely limited. Joppa House is the only women’s recovery residence located in Charlevoix County and the only one north of Grand Rapids that accepts children. This gap in services leaves single mothers with few options for safe, supportive housing after completing treatment. Without stable housing, women are at significantly higher risk of relapse, family separation, and continued financial instability. Grant funds will support assisting single mothers graduating the Joppa House program with first and last month's rent to help them transition from the recovery facility into independent living.
Women's Resource Center of Northern Michigan Request: $24,000 Remaining Need: $19,000
Domestic violence remains a persistent and often hidden issue in Charlevoix County. Survivors face complex barriers to safety, including financial dependence, housing instability, limited childcare, and lack of confidential services in rural communities where privacy and barriers to accessing support can be significant challenges. The Women’s Resource Center provides critical intervention through emergency shelter, advocacy, and counseling, with Charlevoix County residents making up about 25% of their clientele. Grant funds will support domestic violence services for Charlevoix County residents.
recreation
Charlevoix Area Community Pool Request: $20,000 Remaining Need: $20,000
The Charlevoix Area Community Pool (CACP) will replace epoxy flooring in the pool locker rooms, family changing areas and hallways. The existing flooring has significantly deteriorated; it has cracked in places and does not drain properly, trapping water and causing sanitation concerns. Grant funds will help to address drainage issues and replace flooring.
Hayes Township Request: $20,000 Remaining Need: $20,000
In Hayes Township's most recent community survey, (from the 2025-2030 Hayes Township Park and Recreation Master Plan) a playground was the number one desired addition to the Hayes Township Park, also known as Camp Sea Gull. Grant funds will support purchasing a playground for the park.
Hungry Ducks Adventure Farm Request: $5,000 Remaining Need: $5,000
Hungry Ducks Adventure Farm strives to create a positive and memorable experience for visitors, while also fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the welfare and well-being of animals. Their current pasture watering system is in urgent need of replacement due to persistent operational failures, inefficiencies, and safety concerns. Grant funds will support the purchase and installation of new automatic waterers for animal paddocks.
Lake Side Elite Request: $6,490 Remaining Need: $6,490
Families in our community face increasing financial hardship and unexpected financial burdens. Combined with the rising cost of living, many parents struggle to cover basic household expenses, making extracurricular activities and youth programs unaffordable for many children, despite the fact that these kinds of activities have a meaningful impact on a child’s emotional well-being, academic success, and overall development. To address this need, grant funds will support scholarships for children in financial need to participate in the cheer program.
Raven Hill Discovery Center Request: $15,486 Remaining Need: $15,486
Currently, Raven Hill’s Workshop Building is most fully functional during the summer months. Without sufficient insulation, heating, and protected outdoor workspace, programs are increasingly difficult to offer during the spring and fall, when schools are in session and community demand is high. Grant funds will support the installation of insulation, an energy‑efficient furnace, and a protective lean‑to roof, transforming the workshop into a a climate‑controlled, year‑round learning facility.
Top of Michigan Mountain Bike Association Request: $20,000 Remaining Need: $20,000
Demand for high-quality, accessible trail systems has grown significantly in recent years. This increased use has placed strain on volunteer-based maintenance efforts and limited equipment resources. Grant funds will support the purchase of a mini excavator, which will significantly improve the organization's ability to construct new trails, while also increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of maintaining existing routes.
- Urgent Needs
URGENT NEEDS
First Congregational Church - UCC Request: $7,650 Remaining Need: $6,000
After the 2025 ice storm forced residents to go without power for many days, the Church began discussing how their spacious, centrally located building could be put to use supporting the community. In 2025, they became an American Red Cross (ARC) certified emergency shelter. While they have acquired a generator for power and other basic needs, there are still items needed to make the shelter more functional. Grant funds will support purchase of a mini-fridge (for medications & food items), First Aid Kits, an AED, running and storage covers for the generator, and a ramp for hauling the generator out for use.
Health Department of Northwest Michigan Request: $7,000 Remaining Need: $2,000
The Senior Smiles program is dedicated to enhancing oral health among seniors at congregated meal sites throughout Northern Michigan. This initiative aims to provide essential education, resources, and health screenings to improve overall health awareness in our aging population. Grant funds will help sustain the Charlevoix County Senior Smiles initiative at four key locations: East Jordan, Boyne City, Charlevoix, and Beaver Island.
Safe Haven Ministries CHX Request: $3,500 Remaining Need: $3,000
The Games & Grub program is available for Charlevoix free/reduced lunch students, and provides consistent access to food when school is out. Gatherings provide an opportunity for people to be in community with each other, as well as a hot meal and a bag of non-perishable groceries each week. They conclude with a free school supply drive. Grant funds will support the eight week Games & Grub summer program and the one day free school supply drive.