We are thrilled to share that Paddle Antrim was selected as a finalist in the 2025 Impact100 Traverse City Grant in the Environment, Preservation & Recreation category. Being named a finalist is an incredible honor and a recognition of the transformative work, sustainability, and financial viability of our project. It’s a testament to the dedication of our staff, volunteers, and supporters, and a clear signal that our work is making an impact in the community.

The grant process is both rigorous and inspiring. It begins with a financial review and a site visit, ensuring that each project is ready to create meaningful, lasting change. From there, the top five finalists attend a session with Impact100 members, where their project is introduced and they are able to connect with members and  answer questions personally. The final step is the Impact100 TC Annual Meeting, where each finalist has 10 minutes to present their project from the heart—without slides or audiovisual aids—just sharing the vision and impact directly with the members.

This year, we were honored to be among the five finalists, alongside other incredible organizations:

  • Arts & Culture: Bay Community Theater – The Bay Theatre
  • Education: Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities – Groundwork Center
  • Family: Women’s Resource Center for the Grand Traverse Area – Women’s Resource Center
  • Health & Wellness: Goodwill Northern Michigan Food Rescue – Food Rescue of Northwest Michigan

Although Paddle Antrim ultimately was not one of the three grant recipients, we are proud to have been recognized alongside these amazing organizations. We celebrate this year’s winners—Food Rescue of Northwest Michigan, Women’s Resource Center, and Groundwork Center—whose work is truly transformative in our region.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who supported us along the way and cheered us on. This journey reinforced that our work matters, that we are part of a vibrant community of changemakers, and that there are many ways to make a lasting impact on our waterways and communities.

The grant may go to other deserving projects this year, but Paddle Antrim remains committed to expanding access to our waterways, engaging new paddlers, and stewarding the natural beauty of Northern Michigan. The journey continues, and we are more inspired than ever!

For more about the finalists and their amazing projects, check out the Impact100 TC site: Meet the 2025 Grant Finalists