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CROWDFUNDED

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PATRONS

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PROJECTS

$75,000

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MATCHED

Great Lakes Giveback Logo
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The COVID-19 pandemic brought a big shift in our economy, and small businesses are hurting. But together we can make a difference and help our favorite local establishments overcome this challenge and thrive once again.

Any amount that you can donate will make a huge impact on the business that you support. To make an even bigger impact, Lake Trust Credit Union is matching the total amount crowdfunded for each business up to $1,000 through July 31. That means an extra $75,000 will be distributed throughout our communities!.

The Great Lakes Giveback Campaign is sponsored by Lake Trust Credit Union. As a Michigan- based financial institution that only serves our state, we understand the important of supporting local organizations. After all, we live, work, and play in the same cities and towns as you. We recognize that small businesses provide jobs, play an important role in reinvesting in the community, and create a unique experience that can’t be found anywhere else.

Let's make waves for small businesses across Michigan - View Projects Below

INFORMATION AND DETAILS

Thank you for your interest in the Great Lakes Giveback. We’ve reached our campaign limit of 75 small businesses and applications are now closed.
Read more to see details about the program.

To join the Great Lakes Giveback campaign, businesses must be in Michigan and meet additional eligibility requirements. A total of 75 Michigan small businesses will be selected to participate. Lake Trust Credit Union will provide selected businesses with a 1:1 match of their amount crowdfunded up to $1,000. Applications will be accepted beginning June 1.

To Participate

  • Apply for the program by clicking ‘Apply Now.’ Setup a username, password, profile, and complete the application form. Applications will be reviewed as they are submitted.
  • Lake Trust Credit Union will reach out to selected business within three business days of receiving the application.
  • Approved businesses can start building their crowdfunding page once they receive an email containing their unique link. The crowdfunding page will go live once it is reviewed and approved.
  • The Great Lakes Giveback campaign officially launches on June 15, although crowdfunding pages may be launched prior to the official start date.
  • Crowdfunding match campaign ends on July 31 and matching funds will be distributed after that. However, the business page can stay up and continue to raise funds until August 30.

Timing

  • Application process begins June 1.
  • Crowdfunding match campaign will run from June 15 – July 31.
  • Matching funds will be distributed after crowdfunding match campaign closes on July 31.
  • Business pages can stay up to raise funds through August 30, though any funds raised after July 31 will not be matched.

Rules

  • Applications will be accepted, reviewed, and selected on a rolling basis. Selected businesses will receive a response about three to four business days after applying.
  • Applications close once 75 businesses are selected.
  • Lake Trust Credit Union will match donations 1:1 up to $1,000.
  • Priority will be given to small businesses that have 25 employees or less.
  • The matching grant funds will be distributed once a business reaches $1,000 in crowdfunds raised, or after the July 31 matching fund period ends, whichever comes sooner. Lake Trust members will have the funds deposited directly into their account. For businesses that are not currently Lake Trust members, a check will be mailed, so please allow time for processing and delivery, approximately 1-2 weeks.

1 Third party website. Lake Trust Credit Union is not responsible for the content, availability, security or compliance of any linked third party websites. In addition, the site’s privacy policies may differ from those of Lake Trust.

Selection of eligible businesses, distribution of matched funds, and bonus distribution to eligible businesses of any unused $75,000 match funds (if applicable) is within the sole discretion of Lake Trust Credit Union.

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