Charitable Giving Programs

Founding Purposes

Our Charitable Giving Programs advance three of our bar association's founding purposes:

(1) To acquire, hold, and dispose of real, personal, or intangible property of any kind or character whatsoever in furtherance of [the Bar Association's] purposes... (e.g. "create an endowment fund"); 

(2) To take such actions to...promote...or cooperate with such other charitable or civil organizations as are or will be engaged in activities associated with, or complementary to, the functioning of the judicial system... (e.g. the "Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation"); and

(3) To encourage the delivery of legal services free of charge or at low cost to those members of the general public who cannot afford access to justice ("by awarding grants").

How is the bar association fulfilling its purposes ?

1. By asking companies and individuals to consider contributions.

On line.  Click this link: https://www.gtrcf.org/give/our-funds.html/69/

By Check.  Mail your check to the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation, 223 Lake Ave. Suite B, Traverse City, MI 49684,  and write "GTLA Bar Association Endowment" in the memo line.  Questions? Call 231.935.4066.

Estate Planning.  Consider asking your estate planning attorney to include the GTLA Bar Association Endowment as part of your plan for charitable giving.

2. To be held by cooperating charitable or civil organization.

The Bar Association's endowment is administered by the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation. 

3. For the purpose of promoting other charitable or civil organizations to encourage the delivery of legal services free of charge or at low cost to those members of the general public who cannot afford to pay the normal fee.

Recent Grant Awards:

  • June 2022:  $1,322 to Child & Family Services of Northwest Michigan, Inc. dba Third Level Crisis Intervention Center, a Michigan Nonprofit Corporation of 3785 Veterans Drive, Traverse City, MI 49685 (principal officer Gina Aranki). 
  • March 2021:  $3,000 to to Child & Family Services of Northwest Michigan, Inc. dba Third Level Crisis Intervention Center, a Michigan Nonprofit Corporation of 3785 Veterans Drive, Traverse City, MI 49685 (principal officer Gina Aranki). 
Who can request a grant? 

Any person can submit a request for a grant for their organization.  Grant funds must advance the bar's purpose to encourage the delivery of legal services free of charge or at low cost to those members of the general public who cannot afford access to justice.

What is the process? 

Tell us in writing how your organization will advance the bar's purpose to encourage the delivery of legal services free of charge or at low cost to those members of the general public who cannot afford access to justice.   

Requests for grants should be e-mailed to the GTLABA Charitable Giving Committee c/o GTLA Administrator at admin@gtlaba.org