What is The Folded Leaf Foundation?
Mission
To cultivate community resilience, creativity, literacy, and belonging through shared knowledge, hands-on learning, and accessible community spaces.
Vision
A warm, welcoming third space where people of all ages can gather to read, learn, create, rest, and connect without pressure to purchase or perform.
A connected pathway for young people
First, they are mentored. Then, they become mentors. Finally, they tell stories of their own.
The Next Chapter Mentor Network
High school students are paired with trusted adult mentors for five weeks of guided conversation and learning focused on identity, empathy, communication, boundaries, leadership, and what it means to build a healthy mentoring relationship.
The Literacy Promise Project
After preparation and reflection, high school participants become mentors to elementary or middle school readers. Each pair reads a banned, challenged, classic, or otherwise meaningful book together and creates a community improvement project inspired by its themes.
The program is designed especially to support young people facing barriers, while remaining open to grade-school students throughout Northwest Lower Michigan. Participating families may also receive groceries, household necessities, or personal-care items selected around their needs.
The Open Book Project
After learning through mentorship and reading, participants can develop stories of their own. The Open Book Project will support young writers as they explore their voices, create original work, and pursue publication if they choose.
Make an
impact today
When you choose to give to and volunteer with The Folded Leaf Foundation, you become part of something bigger—something powerful. Here at TFLF we believe in cultivating community resilience and creativity in Northern Michigan through shared knowledge, hands-on learning, and the quiet power of a good book.
It needs people who listen. Places where young people feel safe. Mentors who show up. Food and household necessities that relieve pressure at home. Stories that help readers understand themselves and one another.
That is why our work brings literacy, mentorship, practical care, creative expression, and community connection together.
Literacy needs more than books
Our Community Partners
Up North Pride
Higher Grounds Coffee Trading
Traverse Bay Children’s Advocacy Center
Join the Community That Cares
Do you or your company want to connect about being a partner for our Literacy Promise Projects? We would love to chat!
Send Rachel an email at Rachel@thefoldedleafnomi.com
today!
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes! Donors can deduct contributions they make to TFLF under IRC Section 170 and transfers or gifts under Section 2055, 2106, or 2522. If you monetarily donate through Zeffy, you will automatically get a deduction receipt.
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Your donation goes directly to community outreach programs like The Literacy Promise Project.
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Yes! We are always looking for volunteers to sort books, lead life-literacy classes, and mentor kids in our youth programs
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We accept book donations. Please check with Rachel regarding which books are being accepted right now.
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Yes, you can absolutely donate in honor of someone.