August 8, 2025: Marihuana Funds Applications to Open in September

Grand Traverse County to distribute half a million dollars in marihuana revenue funds to eligible recipients

Grand Travere County will begin distributing marihuana revenues in amounts between $25,000 and $100,000 to area service organizations, with a total amount of $500,000 to be distributed in 2025.  

“Grand Traverse County has received more than $900,000 in marihuana funds for 2024, and we hope to see additional amounts in future years” says County Administrator Nate Alger. “These funds are unrestricted and can be used by the County for any purpose we choose. The GTC Board of Commissioners have chosen to test an initiative where the marihuana funds are split, and roughly half of those dollars will be used to advance the County’s strategic plan through partnerships with area non-profits, churches, educational institutions, economic development organizations and similar organizations.”

The funding comes from the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act, which imposes certain taxes and fees on adult-use marihuana facilities. The Michigan Department of Treasury distributes fifteen percent of the revenue to counties in which marihuana microbusinesses or marihuana retail establishments are located. After these funds have been distributed to the County, they will be available for distribution as decided annually by the Grand Traverse County Board of Commissioners through a comprehensive Marihuana Revenue Funds Spending Plan. 

Priority will be given to applications that clearly demonstrate how they advance the County’s strategic goals, such as planning for sustainable growth and focusing on the needs of the community. Applications will be scored according to their level of adherence to the strategic plan and the level of projected impact on the community.  Funding will be available in the form of one-time grants, with the possibility of multi-year funding for continuation projects with proper justification.  Applications open in September for 2025 and will be available on the County’s website along with more detailed information on the Marihuana Funds Spending Plan and the application requirements.

“This plan not only creates a structured process for using marihuana revenue,” said Commissioner Ashlea Walter, “but it reinforces our commitment to transparency, innovation, and meaningful investment in both County services and community partnerships.”