Elk Rapids DDA Awarded 2025 Elk Rapids Area Community Endowment Grant
ELK RAPIDS, MI — The Elk Rapids Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is thrilled to announce the receipt of an Elk Rapids Area Community Endowment grant from the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation (GTRCF) to support a landscaping project to enhance Elk Rapids’ new gateway signs. The hope is that the project will encourages visitors to discover the “hidden gem” of our Village and support conscientious community growth. The grant, totaling $5,000 will help strengthen the sense of place for residents and visitors and have lasting ecological benefits by supporting pollinators and wildlife.
The Elk Rapids Area Community Endowment was established in 1996 by an anonymous Elk Rapids woman who enjoyed the quality of life in the area. The Endowment supports projects that enhance the beauty of the Elk Rapids community," said Torey Caviston, Youth and Community Impact Coordinator for the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation. "We're excited to support the Elk Rapids Downtown Development Authority in advancing the goals of this endowment through its wayfinding project, which will enhance both the beauty and character of Elk Rapids."
The landscaping design will have a consistent design aesthetic that includes native plants, colorful flowers, ornamental grasses, and hardscape elements, reinforcing Elk Rapids’ unique character. A coordinated design palette at entry points and around signs will create a sense of arrival and pride and a positive first impression. This visual message of a caring community signals a welcoming destination.
“By combining thoughtful design with environmental stewardship, this project will reinforce the Village’s identity and help draw attention to the village, business districts, and surrounding natural areas,” said Janet Rentsch, Elk Rapids DDA Grant Administrator. “This funding will allow the DDA to create a visual aesthetic that helps the signs stand out from the surrounding scenery, creates continuity between the two areas of the business district, and makes entrances more visible for drivers and pedestrians.”
The project was partially supported by a Community Funds grant from the GTRCF, designed to be flexible and responsive to a variety of community needs and causes. The DDA will match the grant funding for the project, which is slated to start in Spring 2026.
“Gateway improvements like this send a clear message about who we are and where we’re headed,” added John Mach, Elk Rapids DDA Executive Director. “This project strengthens our identity, enhances the visitor experience, and reflects the pride our community has in Elk Rapids. We’re grateful for the Foundation’s support as we continue building a vibrant, welcoming Village for all.”
About the Elk Rapids DDA
The mission of the Elk Rapids DDA is to promote the overall health of the business community, while supporting commerce and strengthening the brand of Elk Rapids.
For more information about the Elk Rapids DDA and its ongoing projects, visit www.elkrapids.org/downtowndevelopment-authority.
About the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation
The Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation stewards community assets for lasting impact by investing in the people and places of Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau Counties as well as the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, a federally recognized tribe. Established in 1992, the Community Foundation works to support healthy, resilient, thriving communities for all across the region by serving donor partners, awarding meaningful grants and scholarships, and participating in collaborative leadership efforts on important community issues. For more information, please visit GTRCF.org.