The Community Foundation was founded over 30 years ago when a group of community champions came together around a vision to give back to our region then, now, and forever.
This vision lives on within our organization today as we work toward a region where every person feels connected, supported, and empowered and where our communities have resources and opportunities for everyone.
in gifts received from donor partners and supporters
in grants & scholarships supporting local students and organizations
in flexible, responsive grants from our Community Funds
in impact investment loans supporting local businesses
Our Programs & Initiatives
As the convener of the Northwest Michigan Community Development Coalition, we provide leadership to more than 40 cross-sector partners working together to advance transformational change across economic, societal, and environmental issues.
Through Central Lake Early Opportunities (CLEO), the Community Foundation and local partners are working together to ensure young children and families have access to high-quality early childhood resources and support.
We awarded $344,090 in Community Funds grants to 21 organizations across the five-county region, focusing on housing, youth, and mental health initiatives.
When Kalkaska's Railroad Square project faced a major funding obstacle, community partners stepped in to help. Discover how a small grant from our Community Funds helped transform a vacant lumberyard into a thriving downtown gathering space.