From abandoned slope to natural sanctuary: Sugar Loaf opens a vibrant new chapter in Northern Michigan
The former ski resort begins a new life with the unveiling of its brand-new Summit Trail and breathtaking 360-degree autumn views.
Estelle's Latest Articles
Community Land Trusts help residents become homeowners affordably
As the statewide housing crisis continues, communities of all sizes are looking at how to increase affordable housing options for current and future residents. In Kalamazoo County, the Portage Community Land Trust is helping residents become homeowners affordably with their new workforce housing development, Stanwood Crossings.
Adaptive re-use of LaunchCode’s facility opens doors for future technology development workforce
Impactful developments don’t always come from brand-new, ground-up builds. Sometimes significant renovations to an existing building can open the doors for expanded capacity, programming and a further revitalization of the surrounding community. With support from IFF, LaunchCode was able to complete an adaptive re-use of a former state unemployment office for their technology workforce development nonprofit.
Michigan’s first-of-its-kind endowment rewrites the rules of forest conservation
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources partnered with the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation to establish a first-of-its-kind $670,000 stewardship endowment.
Detroit Defies America’s Reading Recession: Inside the Quiet Comeback of DPSCD
DPSCD has been named a national “Success Story” for sustained post-pandemic progress.
Community Development Financial Institutions help rural Northern communities fund affordable housing, education, support small business growth
Rural communities often experience a lack of capital access due to bank mergers, or community banks leaving their areas. CDFIs step in to bridge the gap by providing crucial capital, workshops, and referrals to rural communities — funding affordable housing, high-quality education, and community development with small business growth.
IFF’s energy-efficient work allows nonprofits to reduce energy costs, increase their mission-driven impacts across Indiana communities
IFF is helping Indiana nonprofits reduce utility costs and improve facilities through energy-efficient building upgrades. Programs in Bloomington, South Bend, and Indianapolis are helping organizations reinvest savings back into their community-focused missions.
This toolkit is helping to address gaps in youth sexual health care
New online resource provides evidence-based sexual health guidance for youth, families, and clinicians, aiming to reduce misinformation and barriers.
Senate bill would take back $21B appropriated for broadband deployment
The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, created as part of the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act under the Biden administration, is a $42.4 billion federal grant program aimed at connecting every American to high-speed internet.
Partner Partner Content Conference creates welcoming space where autism community connects with wide range of resources
The Autism Alliance of Michigan hosts the 2025 Navigating Autism Today (NAT) Conference in Grand Rapids on Friday, November 14.
