Grand Traverse Band to Distribute $814K Among Michigan Bodies

The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians, one of Michigan’s largest tribal operators, unveiled its second allocation for 2024. Under its agreement with the state, the tribe distributes money to governmental organizations two times a year.

According to the announcement, the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians agreed to distribute $814,480.71 among a total of 39 bodies.

Towns and Councils Set to Secure Grants

As per its prisoner housing contracts with Benzie County, Charlevoix County, and Leelanau County, the tribe will provide $19,162, $12,775, and $44,712, respectively.

In the meantime, the tribal operator will give out $30,000 to Acme Township for roof repairs, and $20,000 to the Benzie County Board of Commissioners for a new food delivery vehicle. The same board is set to also receive $34,900 in funding for a maternity program vehicle, and $10,000 to support an organization that cares about neglected horses.

Benzonia Township, meanwhile, will receive $24,755 to equip its fire department with a new medical device for cardiac emergencies. The Charter Township of Garfield has secured $7,000 for renovation works at the Angel Care Childcare Center.

The city of Charlevoix, on the other hand, will grab $15,000 in financial support for a transitional home for recovering women. The city of Frankfort is set to receive $10,795 for its fire department, allowing it to purchase a CPR device. East Bay Charter Township, will likewise purchase a new medical device thanks to the $21,193 it is set to receive. The township will also get $14,900 in funding to refurbish Grace McDonald Park, and $40,000 to support the Elders Advisory Organization.

Traverse City, meanwhile, will get $50,000 for its homelessness relief efforts. Empire Township, on the other hand, will use its $5,133 from the tribe to purchase a new mower for its airport, ensuring flight safety.

The Tribe’s Gaming Money Will Support Education

Elk Rapids Public Schools are set to get $5,000 in funding to support Project Graduation 2025. Forest Area Community Schools will receive funding that will be crucial to the joint development of the Ecological Knowledge joint program with SEEDS EcoSchool.

Additionally, Greenspire High School will get the $7,500 needed to build a more sustainable food pantry. Kingsley Area Public Schools, meanwhile, will get $8,500 to support Project Graduation 2025. Traverse City Public Schools, on the other hand, are set to get $25,000 to help students experiencing homelessness.

The Grand Traverse Board of Commissioners to Receive Crucial Funding

The Grand Traverse Board of Commissioners will receive multiple grants. Its Office of Emergency Management, for example, will get $7,636 to buy a new weather station. Another $10,000 will fuel Reining Liberty Ranch’s equine therapy programs.

The Board of Commissioners will leverage another $25,000 to turn the Camp Greilick property into a county park. Another $11,954 will allow the Sheriff’s Department to secure a Grab and Go Portable Surveillance System and wireless cameras.

In addition to that, the board will channel $4,500 toward TC Crime Stoppers. Finally, the board will provide some $65,020 in funding to the Women’s Resource Center’s emergency shelter and advocacy programs.

Other Organizations Set to Receive Grants

Other organizations set to receive grants include the Lake Charlevoix EMS Authority, which will get $3,119 to purchase 20 body-worn cameras and fund self-defense training.

Elsewhere, the Leelanau County Board of Commissioners will get $59,545 to enhance its emergency services inventory. The same board will likewise get $12,343 to repair an old Post building, and $57,800 to support Leelanau Christian Neighbors food pantry.

Northwest Education Services, on the other hand, will get $21,000 and $18,204 for bereavement services and the Big Brother and Big Sisters of Northwestern Michigan organization, respectively.

Peninsula Township will scoop up $2,513 for new fire department helmets.

In addition, Suttons Bay-Bingham District Library will get $14,000 to provide literacy materials to local children. Suttons Bay-Bingham Fire & Rescue Authority, on the other hand, will buy a LifePack 35 system with the $66,404 it is set to receive.

Torch Lake Fire Department will use the $17,632 to purchase portable radios that ensure well-coordinated operations.

Finally, the Village of Beulah and the Village of Ellsworth will receive $4,280 and $3,200 respectively. The former will channel the money toward children’s education while the latter will purchase a cow for a non-profit café that provides affordable home-cooked meals.