It’s safe to say that 2020 has been an interesting year. The changes in how we work and the unforeseen expenses brought on by the pandemic have negatively impacted many businesses in our state. While we work together to navigate all of the recent shifts in the world, we wanted to find a way to support local establishments. So, we launched the Great Lakes Giveback, a crowdfunding campaign through Patronicity1, to support small businesses and Michigan communities.
From June 22 thru July 31, 48 businesses joined the Great Lakes Giveback and established campaign pages on our crowdfunding site. We committed to matching the first $1,000 in crowdfunded donations for each business. By the end of the campaign, 1,192 patrons donated over $97,000. Combined with the $75,000 that we matched and distributed to the participating organizations, more than $172,000 was given back to small businesses in Michigan!
We heard from many business owners that the donations from the Great Lakes Giveback provided much-needed relief during a time of struggle. Check out how your donations made an impact on a few of the organizations that participated in our crowdfunding campaign.
Purchasing Health And Safety Supplies
“We are so thankful to have been able to participate in the Great Lakes Giveback by Lake Trust Credit Union. Since our campaign, Grit & Lavender has been able to purchase PPE and critical health & safety supplies for our members; purchased a sanitizing sprayer to sanitize our rental spaces in between uses, so our members can feel safe when using our office or conference rooms; and provided some much-needed working capital for our business to adjust to all the changes brought on by COVID-19. It has been wonderful to have the support of such an amazing institution where you know they are focused on helping their local community and small businesses get back on their feet. Their partnership has truly made all the difference in overcoming these challenging times. Thank you, Lake Trust, for all you do for our community.” –Natalie M., Owner of Grit & Lavender, LLC
The Power Of Community
“Lake Trust has been more than just a credit union to me. Some of the team members at various branches across Michigan have become some of the greatest sources of encouragement, support and patronage of my business, Joy! Cakes. It was actually two team members from the Detroit Woodward location who each reached out to me about the Great Lakes Giveback program and both strongly suggested I apply for the grant. I am beyond grateful for Lake Trust Credit Union selecting Joy! Cakes as one of the small businesses to support through the Great Lakes Giveback match-grant crowdfunding program. As a food entrepreneur, I’ve definitely felt the financial impact of COVID-19 so this was a timely blessing! Lake Trust is more than just a credit union to me. It’s a team of fellow community members committed to my success.” –Delilah R., Owner of Joy! Cakes and Lake Trust business member
