DEI Still at Work

May 30, 2026

There’s been a lot of shade thrown at diversity, equity, and inclusion work lately, but that hasn’t stopped the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation. Their DEI grants have awarded over $250,000 to local organizations in northern Michigan. “With these grants, we’ve supported 80 unique organizations, funding a variety of areas of work such as substance use recovery, inclusive theater performances, disability inclusion education, and Anishinaabe community programs, among others,” says Kristina Pepelko, GTRCF’s director of strategic communications. So far, 2026 grantees include groups like the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan, Suttons Bay Public Schools, and Up North Pride. The foundation is kicking off a fundraising campaign for an endowment for the DEI grants this month, which will allow the fund to provide support for many years to come. Learn more at gtrcf.org/grants/diversity-equity-inclusion-grants.html.

Pictured: Grand Traverse Industries, one of the foundation’s DEI grantees.