Community Investment Fund

Our Mission

Our mission is to serve as the trusted community partner for delivering innovative, affordable, reliable, and environmentally sustainable energy and telecom solutions. The Community Investment Fund (CIF) advances projects that foster environmental stewardship, innovation, and community well-being in ways that directly benefit TCLP customers and align with TCLP’s Strategic Priorities.

About the Community Investment Fund

At Traverse City Light & Power (TCLP), we power more than electricity; we power progress. The Community Investment Fund (CIF) supports non-profit projects that promote clean energy, innovation, and environmental stewardship, directly benefiting TCLP customers and aligning with our Strategic Priorities.

Our Annual Goal

Each year, TCLP allocates up to $100,000 to community projects through the CIF. These funds help advance clean energy, innovative technologies, and environmental programs that build a stronger, more sustainable future for our community.

Funding Focus Areas

The CIF supports non-profit projects that align with one or more of the below focus areas:

Initiatives that encourage renewable energy use, efficiency, or education.

Mini/micro grids, research and development, energy storage, demand-side management, and electrification (e.g., EV charging, heat pumps).

Education, restoration, and preservation of local natural resources in alignment with TCLP’s Environmental Sustainability Strategic Priority.

Timeline & Process

CIF accepts applications twice per year:

Application Windows

Spring Cycle: May 1 – July 31
Fall Cycle: November 1 – January 31

Award Decision

Decisions are made within three board meetings after the window closes (July 31 or January 31).

Review and Reporting Process

All eligible applications are reviewed by the CIF Ad Hoc Committee, which evaluates alignment with priorities, community benefit, project feasibility, and financial leveraging. Recommendations are forwarded to the TCLP Board of Directors for final approval.

Awardees must submit a short post-project report within 90 days of completion detailing how funds were used and the measurable community benefits achieved.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted either by mail or email (subject line: “Community Investment Fund”) to TCLP’s administrative offices:

Traverse City Light & Power
Community Investment Fund
1131 Hastings Street
Traverse City, MI 49686

or Via Email to website@tclp.org

*Telephone requests will not be acted upon until a written request is received.

Application

Are you a nonprofit organization located within TCLP service territory or a contiguous township? Do you have a program or project that supports clean energy, innovative technology, or environmental sustainability that benefits the Traverse City community?

If so, we invite you to apply for TCLP’s Community Investment Fund below.

Community Investment Fund Application

Funding Guidelines

Eligible applicants must be a non-profit (exempt from federal income tax) located within the TCLP service territory or contiguous townships and must operate for public purposes.

Preference is given to projects that:
- Are one-time in nature
- Directly benefit TCLP customers
- Leverage other funding sources
- Increase program capacity (training, tech, systems)
- Are from new applicants
- Demonstrate collaboration or partnerships
Not Eligible:
- Individuals or scholarships
- Political or religious activities
- Student travel
- Projects outside the service area

Grant Awardees

Past awardees