The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians has announced the distribution of $725,043 in gaming revenue allocation to local units of government, part of the tribe's two-percent allocation distributed twice each year. The Band received 77 applications for funding and approved 30.

Among the programs/initiatives funded were Indian Education programs at Elk Rapids, Northport, Suttons Bay and Traverse City public schools ($282,000); Grand Traverse County Civic Center improvements including a camera system upgrade and restoration of the Native American Trail Marker Tree ($14,324); reinstatement of the Yellow School Bus System in Leelanau County ($54,243); an ambulance refurbishment for the Suttons Bay Bingham Fire and Rescue ($33,714); the Yuba Historical Society renovation project in Acme Township ($20,070); the Fife Lake South Natural Shoreline boat access project ($20,000); an ADA-compliant play structure for Grace Macdonald Park in East Bay Township ($10,000); equipment for the Grand Traverse Metro Fire Department ($9,278); and the creation of the Leelanau Community Garden at Leelanau Montessori Public School Academy ($6,000), among others.

Since the two-percent allocation began in 1994, the Band has distributed over $33 million to local organizations.