John and Judy Williams Challenge Shepherd Community

Fifth generation resident John Williams feels strongly about Shepherd, Michigan, and he is ready to show it. Along with his wife, Judy, Williams has issued a challenge to fellow community members. The couple will match all gifts, dollar for dollar up to $30,000, made to the Shepherd Community Fund or the Shepherd Public Schools Scholarship Fund at the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation.

The Shepherd Community Fund was established in 1998 in honor of Robert H. Bates, an active and beloved resident of Shepherd who passed away in 2008 at age 99. For the last twenty years, an advisory board has worked to raise approximately $200,000 in support of the Shepherd community—holding a Spring Dinner and a Fall Reverse Raffle. Both a former teacher and business owner, John Williams has been part of that group.

The Shepherd Community Fund is endowed, so grants are awarded solely from the interest earned on the invested capital. Grants are made in three cycles each year as part of a competitive process facilitated by Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation staff and Shepherd Community Fund advisory board volunteers. All grants made from the Fund have benefited the Shepherd community. To date, 58 grants have been made, totaling more than $60,000. The Fund has awarded several grants over the years to the Village, Shepherd Public Schools, and the Police Department. They also help with the Shepherd After Prom Party each year and projects such as Wishing for a Washer, the Shepherd Santa House, and the restoration project for the Little Red School House Museum.

The Shepherd Public Schools Scholarship Fund was established in 1995 and was one of the very first endowed scholarship funds started in the county. Shepherd community members, businesses and local organizations have contributed nearly $50,000 to this Fund over the years. Scholarships have been awarded to graduating seniors from Shepherd Public Schools who have been active community volunteers, exhibiting outstanding attitude toward school and community. They must have maintained a 3.0 minimum grade point average as well. This past spring, the 48th, 49th, and 50th scholarships were awarded. The recipients are now using their scholarships to further their education at a college, university, technical or vocational school.

Because of the capital invested in the Shepherd Community Fund and the Shepherd Public Schools Scholarship Fund, there remains a balance in both endowments greater than the sum of money contributed to them.

“I like to see things happen in our little town,” Williams said. “And this challenge is a way to encourage other people in the area to help.”

Community members may contribute to either endowment fund at the Community Foundation through December 31, 2019 in order to take advantage of the Williams’ match offer. Donations may be made at mpacf.org, and checks may be mailed to MPACF, PO Box 1283, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48804.

Nonprofit Center Moving Forward

The mission of the William and Janet Strickler Nonprofit Center is to foster strong collaboration among key social service agencies by developing a shared physical space and cooperative interactions to address the needs of Isabella County residents living in or near poverty. That mission is now several steps closer to reality.

The Care Store, Clothing INC, and Community Compassion Network provide critical services in our community, and have been located under one roof since fall 2017. The Center, located at 1114 W. High Street in Mt. Pleasant, has been operated by the United Way of Gratiot and Isabella Counties since that time under a temporary lease agreement with Victory Christian Church. Fundraising efforts, led by the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation, took place throughout 2018 and proved successful in raising $1.1 million to make the nonprofit center permanent.

Named for William and Janet Strickler, the Nonprofit Center incorporated as a separate legal entity in the State of Michigan in June of this year. A Board of Directors was appointed to manage and sustain the Strickler Center facility in order to support the missions of tenant agencies. The new Board includes community leaders Jill Bourland, Madison Chapman, Mary Olivieri, Rob Powell, Peggy Schuette, Jill Simon, Jennifer Verleger, and Jennifer White.

The new Board has filed the necessary paperwork with the IRS and hopes to receive formal recognition as a 501(c)3 charitable organization by the end of the year. Negotiations are in process to purchase the Strickler Center building and property, and renovation plans are underway. During this time of transition, community members are encouraged to continue connecting directly with tenant organizations:

The Care Store (thecarestore.org)

Clothing INC (clothinginc.org)

Community Compassion Network (ccnfeeds.org)

MichiganWorks! (michiganworks.org)

Ten Sixteen Recovery Network (1016.org)

 For updates on Strickler Center progress, follow the Strickler Center Facebook page.

Community Foundation Welcomes New Program Officer

The Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation welcomes Jaimie Capen-Cascaddan to the role of Program Officer. Mrs. Capen-Cascaddan will be responsible for managing the Foundation’s grantmaking and scholarship activities. She will serve as a resource for local nonprofits, schools, and units of government interested in pursuing funding through the Foundation, as well as assist local students applying for funds to continue their education. In addition, she will provide support for nonprofit capacity building and community leadership initiatives undertaken by the Foundation.

A Central Michigan University alumna and resident of the Great Lakes Bay Region, Mrs. Capen-Cascaddan has previous nonprofit experience working with Leader Dogs for the Blind and the Michigan Humane Society. Prior to moving back to the region, she worked for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

“We’re thrilled that Jaimie moved back to the area,” said Executive Director Amanda Schafer. “Her knowledge of charitable work and passion for our local community make her an excellent fit here at the Community Foundation.”

Mrs. Capen-Cascaddan begins training this month, and takes over for former Program Officer Brittany Sherrill. “Brittany did an outstanding job for the Foundation,” said Schafer. “The Trustees and I are grateful for her dedication over the last three years and wish her well in her new role at CMU.”

Community Foundation Grants Nearly $60,000

The Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation Board of Trustees recently awarded $59,287.14 in grants to organizations making an impact in Isabella County.

Central Michigan University received $3,040 from the Kellogg Youth Fund and Harold and Milli Verleger Family Fund for Connections that Count, a program that supports students with disabilities and their families by providing activities that promote a sense of belonging, build confidence, and improve self-esteem.

Central Michigan University received $650 from the Darlene Bond Memorial Youth Fund to purchase supplies for Family Camp, a program that assists children with behavioral and emotional problems.

Clothing INC received $1,175 from the Staples Family Fund to purchase a safer ladder that will give volunteers access to storage totes on the highest shelves, as well as storage carts that will provide easy access to undergarments and socks for guest shopping.

Community Compassion Network received $3,000 from the Mt. Pleasant Oil Industry Food Pantry Fund to provide supplemental food to residents in Isabella County.

Cultural and Recreational Commission of Isabella County received $15,000 from the Kellogg Youth Fund, Women's Initiative Fund, and Gail E. Gorton Women in Sports Fund to build a permanent locker room for female athletes at the ICE Arena.

Deerfield Township Fire Department received $6,201.30 from the Rise Family Fund to replace expiring firefighting boots with those that are more resistant to carcinogens and have improved traction on ice and snow.

Eagle Village received $5,000 from the Kellogg Youth Fund and Weisenburger Family Fund to assist families in paying for intervention and counseling service at Eagle Village.

Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 907 received $2,000 from the Harold and Milli Verleger Family Fund for their Youth Aviation Project. This program empowers youth to build planes alongside skilled mentors, enabling them to develop skills in metal work, wiring, plumbing, reading blueprints, and the use of machinery.

Isabella County Child Advocacy Center received $879.00 from the Paula Arndt Women's Fund for the Sleep Safe Initiative. The program provides low-income families with a brand new (safety checked) pack-n-play, sleep sack, pacifier, book, video, and educational information on the importance of safe sleep for babies.

Life Choices of Central Michigan received $2,311 from the Fabiano Family Fund to provide new technology and curriculum for the Empower Life Parenting Programs. These programs provide skills and knowledge critical for new parents to give the best care to their babies.

Beal City High School received $1,000 from the Tumbl Trak Fund for Youth Fitness in honor of Doug Davis and Diana Hughes to offset camp and training expenses for their cheer program.

Sacred Heart Academy received $450 from the Tumbl Trak Fund for Youth Fitness in honor of Doug Davis and Diana Hughes to offset camp and training expenses for their cheer program.

BSA Troop 648 received $291 from the Bob and Nancy Wheeler Fund for Scouting to purchase supplies for an Eagle Scout Service Project.

Chippewa Watershed Conservancy received $1,000 from the Optimist Club of Mt. Pleasant Fund for their Wilderness Wanderers and Preschool Preservers programs. These programs promote environmental education among underserved youth, cultivating a love of nature and developing mentor relationships.

MidMichigan Health Foundation received $17,289.84 from the Dick and Mary Ellen Brandell Family Hospice House Fund, Bob and Jeanne Long Hospice House Fund, Lon Morey Family Hospice House Fund, Bill and Dolores Myler Hospice House Fund, Dennis and Sandra Olson Hospice House Fund, Jim and Naomi Stark Hospice House Fund, and Bill and Janet Maar Strickler Hospice House Fund to provide for unreimbursed care at Woodland Hospice House.

Applications for the next competitive grant cycle are due September 25, 2019. For more information on grant eligibility, and ways to support the endowed funds that make these grants possible, visit www.mpacf.org.

Community Foundation Welcomes New Directors

The Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of two new Directors to its Board: Erika Ross and Mark Smith.

Ross is a graduate of Mt. Pleasant High School, Central Michigan University and the Rollie Denison Leadership Institute. She has served the banking industry for the past 18 years, the last 14 of which have been at Isabella Bank where she is currently the Vice President of Operations. Ross is also a graduate of the University of Madison’s Graduate School of Banking and the Dale Carnegie Executive Development Program. She enjoys volunteering her time with Junior Achievement as well as the Mt. Pleasant Public Schools Education Foundation, Women’s Initiative, and the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation’s Scholarship Committee. She lives in Mt. Pleasant with her husband Brian and two sons, Wyatt and Ben.

 “Our Community Foundation has a solid reputation of bringing individuals and groups together to have an impact on our community today as well as into the future,” Ross said. “I look forward to serving on the Board where I can work with other community members to identify present and future needs and solutions that will create a lasting impact on our community.”

Raised in Isabella County, Mark Smith had excellent examples of community involvement and philanthropy in his parents, Brian and Kay (Krapohl) Smith. Mark is General Manager/Partner of Krapohl Ford & Lincoln. He has served on the boards of the Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce Board and the Pardee Cancer Treatment Fund; he currently serves on the board of the Renaissance Public School Academy. Mark has represented his parents and grandparents through funds of the Community Foundation, and he and his wife Shelly were the youngest members of the Denison Legacy Society at the time they joined. They have three children (Alec, Samuel, and Hayden) who keep them very busy.

"Mom was very active in so many areas of this community but one of my earliest memories was her passion for the Equal Rights Amendment, which led to her holding organizational meetings in our living room for the creation of the Mt. Pleasant Area League of Women Voters. Dad faced an entirely different type of challenge when he helped create the first recreational Soccer League in Mt. Pleasant and eventually the boys and girls varsity soccer teams at Mt. Pleasant High School," said Mark. "I also watched Shelly work for years, through countless struggles, to help create the Mt. Pleasant Discovery Museum. So I am excited to work with the Community Foundation in their efforts to help people find and fund the causes they love."

Ross and Smith join twenty-one other directors leading the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation, a tax-exempt public charity. Its mission is to enhance the quality of life for all citizens of Isabella County, now and for generations to come, by attracting and holding permanent endowed funds from a wide range of donors, addressing needs through grantmaking and providing leadership on key community issues.

Census 2020: Michigan Nonprofits Count Campaign Grants Available

Background: The Michigan Nonprofits Count Campaign is a collaborative, coordinated, statewide effort to encourage participation in the 2020 census in communities that are at significant risk of being undercounted. Led by the Michigan Nonprofit Association, the campaign will mobilize nonprofits to encourage participation in the 2020 census by:

• Providing trainings and tools for nonprofits on effective outreach tactics;

• Assisting nonprofits in identifying historically undercounted communities;

• Award grants to local nonprofits; and

• Working with government officials to avoid duplication of efforts and enhance government’s communication and outreach efforts to support a fair and accurate census count.

What’s at Stake: As required by the U.S. Constitution, the federal government conducts the decennial census once every ten years to count the population of the United States. In addition to providing critical demographic data that guides the work of nonprofits, the census:

• Influences the allocation of more than $14.5 billion dollars annually in federal government resources to communities across the state;

• Helps state and local officials, community leaders, and nonprofit organizations identify current and future needs for health care, education, housing, food and income security, rural access to broadband, and other services;

• Determines how many seats Michigan will have in the U.S. House of Representatives and how many electoral votes we will have; and

• Guides private-sector investment decisions on where to invest in job creation, new facilities and marketing.

The census has historically missed certain communities—communities of color, urban and rural low-income households, immigrants, and young children—at disproportionately high rates. Being undercounted deprives these communities of equal political representation and private and public resources. The 2020 census is especially alarming since there will likely be less follow-up with non-responding households due to the Census Bureau’s change in its model for collecting responses, funding challenges and reduced number of Census Bureau employees at the local level.

Learn more about grants available to local nonprofits to help ensure an accurate count in Isabella County here.

Community Foundation Awards 103 Scholarships

The Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation (MPACF) will award 103 scholarships totaling $118,700 to local students during a reception on June 5, 2019. Established by individuals, businesses, and organizations wanting to help local students achieve their educational goals, most scholarships support high school students planning to attend an accredited college, university or trade school in the fall. Each scholarship is unique and reflects the values and interests of those who established it.

For more information, or to support any one of these scholarships, contact Amanda Schafer, Executive Director, at (989) 773-7322 or visit www.mpacf.org.

The 2019 Community Foundation Scholarship Recipients are:

The Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation seeks to enhance the quality of life for all citizens of Isabella County, now and for generations to come, by attracting and holding permanent endowed funds from a wide range of donors, addressing needs through grant making and providing leadership on key community issues.

Five Local Nonprofit Leaders Chosen for Leadership Learning Lab

MT. PLEASANT, MI – For the second year, five local nonprofit leaders have been selected by the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation (MPACF) to attend an eight month Leadership Learning Lab. Facilitated by NorthSky Nonprofit Network, the Leadership Learning Lab seeks to connect and empower nonprofit leaders and give them the skills to strengthen the organizations and communities they serve. Funded by the Frey Foundation and MPACF, the Leadership Learning Lab aligns with the Foundation’s strategic efforts to support capacity building among local nonprofits.

The 2019 emerging leaders are Sarah Adkins, Holly Hansen-Watson, Kim McBryde, Jodi Stuber, and Wes Wickes.

Sarah Adkins is attending on behalf of the Isabella Community Soup Kitchen, where she has served as Executive Director since last year. She is looking forward to taking advantage of this opportunity to further her knowledge of effective leadership, therefore making a positive impact on her organization and our community.

Holly Hansen-Watson is attending on behalf of the Isabella County Foster Closet, where she has served as the Founder/Director since September 2014. She hopes that the professional development opportunity will allow her to improve the Foster Closet and better serve her community.

Kim McBryde is attending on behalf of The Care Store, where she has served for the past 16 months. The Care Store was formally recognized as a separate charitable organization recently, and Kim is its founding Executive Director. She hopes the Leadership Learning Lab will strengthen her skills as she continues to lead change and growth at The Care Store.

Jodi Stuber is attending on behalf of HopeWell Ranch, where she has served as Executive Director/Co-Founder since 2004. She hopes the program will help her grow as an individual and help HopeWell Ranch to be a stronger asset within the community.

Wes Wickes is attending on behalf of Central Michigan Youth for Christ, where he has served as the Executive Director since 2008. He hopes the Leadership Learning Lab will give him the opportunity to expand his tool kit, challenge his skills, and encourage his call as a leader.

To learn more about the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation and their efforts to support local nonprofits, visit www.mpacf.org.

MPACF Grants More Than $38,660

MT. PLEASANT, MI - The Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation Board of Trustees recently awarded $38,660.04 in grants to organizations making an impact in Isabella County.

Art Reach of Mid-Michigan received $826.05 from the W. Sidney and Judith F. Smith Community Fund for the 2019 Art Walk. This annual art competition takes place in downtown Mt. Pleasant.

City of Mt. Pleasant received $1,500 from the Kellogg Youth Fund and $1,500 from the Morning Sun Community Fund for the Youth Police Academy, a three-week program in which youth are exposed to multiple police related topics by local law enforcement. 

Girls on the Run received $1,000.00 from the Kellogg Youth Fund, $1,000 from the Jerry M. and Marilyn A. Morey Community Fund and $1,000 from the Women's Initiative Fund to help with registration fees, for participants with financial need.

Girl Scouts Heart of MI received $2,000 from the Women's Initiative Fund for a CPR manikin set, AED, and trainer certification. This funding will ensure that adult volunteers are able to ensure the safety and well-being of girls enrolled in Girl Scouts.

Isabella Child Development Center received $387 from the Fisher Companies Community Impact Fund and $200 from the Women's Initiative Fund to purchase three tricycles.

Isabella Citizens for Health received $2,050 from the Kellogg Youth Fund for a pediatric exam table. Currently, only adult sized exam tables are available.

Isabella County Restoration House received $2,000 from the William and Janet Maar Strickler Community Impact Fund and $2,000 from the Women's Initiative Fund for transportation from the day shelter/intake center each evening to host churches, and then to the Isabella Community Soup Kitchen the following morning. Buses will be contracted to carry guests to and from shower facilities several times each week as well.

Listening Ear received $2,332.06 from the Barbara A. Bissot Fund to purchase CPR and AED training manikins and other required materials to train employees servicing Listening Ear programs.

McLaren Central Michigan received $5,000 from the Harkins Community Fund to purchase a 3D digital mammography machine. This machine provides improved screenings to detect cancerous growths in patients.

Mt. Pleasant Community Church received $3,900 from the Women's Initiative Fund to purchase feminine products for The Care Store. This will pay for up to six months of supplies.

R.I.S.E Advocacy received $1,000 from the Ranck Family Fund and $1,000 from the Women's Initiative Fund for CMU's Mobile Health Lab to provide basic medical evaluation for both in-shelter and outreach clients every other month beginning in March 2019.

Shepherd Public Schools received $1,000 from the Shepherd Community Fund in Honor of Robert Bates to support the Shepherd High School After Prom, a safe alternative available to prom-goers between 11:15PM and 2:30AM on prom night.

The Strickler Center received $6,965.29 from the Coyne Family Fund to support the purchase of the

William and Janet Strickler Nonprofit Center, a facility that fosters a strong collaboration among key social service agencies in a shared physical space to reduce poverty levels in Isabella County over time.

Village of Shepherd received $2,000 from the Shepherd Community Fund in Honor of Robert Bates to purchase two sets of posts to display business information at each off ramp of US127 coming into the Village of Shepherd.

Applications for the next competitive grant cycle are due May 22, 2019. For more information on grant eligibility, and ways to support the endowed funds that make these grants possible, visit www.mpacf.org.

Community Leaders Focus on Isabella County Needs and Collaboration

The Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation (MPACF) joined forces with the United Way of Gratiot and Isabella Counties on Tuesday, February 26, 2019 to present a Community Leaders Mini-Conference. Modeling the collaborative behavior both organizations seek to encourage in others, the event focused on the results of an Isabella County Community Needs Assessment and explored potential solutions to address the greatest needs going forward.

In early 2018, MPACF contracted with the Center for Applied Research and Rural Studies (CARRS) at Central Michigan University (CMU) to conduct a random sample needs assessment survey of Isabella County households. CARRS worked with the Community Foundation to develop survey questions with input from many local leaders. Upon completion, 531 households had either participated in an interview over the phone or returned a mailed questionnaire. During the Mini-Conference, Mary Senter, CARRS Director, presented key findings from the assessment. Community members are encouraged to view the full report, as well as an executive summary online.

After hearing the assessment results, Mini-Conference participants split up for deeper conversations about the top two local needs identified. A discussion on “Access to Affordable Health Care” was led by Marita Hattem-Schiffman of MidMichigan Health, Jennifer McNally of Community Mental Health for Central Michigan, Tara Soules of McLaren Central Michigan, and Jennifer White of Isabella Citizens for Health. A discussion on “Jobs that Pay a Living Wage” was led by Craig Clark of Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works, Christine Hammond of Mid Michigan College, Jim McBryde of Middle Michigan Development Corporation, and Erin Strang of CMU Research Corporation.

To wrap up the half-day event, participants reconvened to hear from an ongoing, successful community collaboration among leaders from Barry County, Michigan focused on education and workforce development. Travis Alden of Barry County Chamber of Commerce & Economic Development Alliance, Lani Forbes of Barry County United Way & Volunteer Center, Bonnie Gettys of Barry Community Foundation, Nancy Goodin of Highpoint Community Bank, and Fred Jacobs of J-Ad Graphics encouraged Isabella County leaders to set goals and make decisions based on facts in order to treat real problems—not just the symptoms of those problems. Panelists talked about keeping the end goals in mind when collaborating, and communicating openly with one another. When asked about how they avoid stepping on one another’s toes, Forbes responded, “We don’t have toes.”

“It doesn’t matter who gets the credit,” Gettys added. “We’re all committed to improving this place we love.”

Amanda Schafer of MPACF and Annie Sanders of UWGIC ended the event by challenging participants to determine next steps for our community and to consider the role each was willing to play to affect change.

MPACF seeks to shape the future of Isabella County by cultivating bold solutions for strong, vibrant, and inclusive communities. UWGIC envisions a strong community where everyone achieves their potential through quality education, financial stability and healthy lifestyles.

Community Foundation Welcomes New Directors

The Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of two new Directors to its Board, Emma Powell and Steve Pung.

Powell is a resident of Mt. Pleasant and works as a faculty member at Central Michigan University in the Political Science & Public Administration Department. She is also the Campus Director for the Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) credential. Powell has served on the Community Relations and Scholarship Committees of the Community Foundation, and has recently taken on the role of Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) Advisor. When asked about her increasing involvement with the Community Foundation, Powell said, “I am looking forward to engaging with the YAC and to learning more about the needs of youth in Isabella County. The Foundation supports a multitude of initiatives and organizations, and I am thankful to have been asked to serve the community through MPACF.”

Following his graduation from Central Michigan University, Steve Pung made Mt. Pleasant his home. After 37 years of working for Isabella Bank, he retired as President in 2015. Pung has a long history of volunteerism in Mt. Pleasant, including service to the United Way and McLaren Central Michigan. He has previously served on the Foundation’s Scholarship, Community Relations, and Development Committees. He currently serves as a Trustee for Art Reach of Mid-Michigan, Isabella Bank Foundation, and is President of the Chippewa Watershed Conservancy. “I was very pleased to be asked to serve again on the Foundation’s Board of Directors,” Pung said. “I have always been impressed with the Foundation’s impact on our community through numerous grants and scholarships while providing leadership on key community issues. I look forward to learning more about important community issues and needs, and striving to make a positive impact in our community.”

Powell and Pung join twenty-two other community members who serve as Directors representing a wide range of professional expertise and organizational experience: Jay Anders, Jill Bourland, Bill Chilman, Shirley Martin Decker, Cheryl Gaudard, Dyke Heinze, Chuck Hubscher, Al Kaufmann, Dave Keilitz, Bob Long, Rick McGuirk, Linda Morey, Lon Morey, Mary Ann O'Neil, Marcie Otteman, Laura Richards, Brian Rush, Michelle Sponseller, Jan Strickler, Bob Wheeler, and Bryan Wieferich. The Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation is a tax-exempt public charity that seeks to enhance the quality of life for all citizens of Isabella County, now and for generations to come, by attracting and holding permanent endowed funds from a wide range of donors, addressing needs through grantmaking and providing leadership on key community issues.

More Than One Hundred Scholarships Available

The Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation (MPACF) is now accepting applications for more than one hundred (100) scholarships. Most are available to local students who will be completing their senior year of high school or GED this spring. There are also more than a dozen scholarship opportunities for students already enrolled in, or planning to return to, some form of higher education.  Frequently asked questions and a link to the online application system can be found at: www.mpacf.org.  The application deadline is Friday, March 8, 2019.

“Our goal is to receive qualified scholarship applications matching the specific criteria for all 103 scholarships available. If we meet that goal, $118,500 will be awarded to assist local students with their educational goals, thanks to the vision of the scholarship founders.” Cheryl Gaudard, Scholarship Committee Chair

Since 1990, the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation (MPACF) has transformed the unique charitable dreams of individuals, families, and businesses into the reality of permanently endowed charitable funds that support a wide range of worthy causes in the community. One-third of the permanently endowed funds held by MPACF provide scholarships, making the Community Foundation a leader in awarding scholarships to deserving students in the local area. Last year, MPACF awarded 91 scholarships totally more than $87,000 to students in and around Isabella County.

Isabella County Needs Assessment Survey: Report of Findings to the Community

In early 2018, the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation (MPACF) contracted with the Center for Applied Research and Rural Studies (CARRS) at Central Michigan University (CMU) to conduct a random sample needs assessment survey of Isabella County households. CARRS worked with the Community Foundation to develop survey questions with input from many local leaders. Upon completion, 531 households had either participated in an interview over the phone or returned a mailed questionnaire. The Community Foundation has received a report on the survey results, and community members are encouraged to view the executive summary online.

MPACF seeks to shape the future of Isabella County by cultivating bold solutions for strong, vibrant, and inclusive communities. In collaboration with the United Way of Gratiot and Isabella Counties, the Community Foundation will convene local community leaders in early 2019 to present the assessment results and explore potential solutions to address the greatest needs going forward. More details on this event will be available soon.

Seven Local Nonprofit Leaders Complete Leadership Learning Lab

Seven local nonprofit leaders, selected by the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation (MPACF), recently celebrated the completion of an eight-month program focused on leadership development. Facilitated by NorthSky Nonprofit Network, the Leadership Learning Lab connects and empowers nonprofit leaders and gives them the skills to strengthen the organizations and communities they serve. Funded by the Frey Foundation and MPACF, the Leadership Learning Lab aligns with the Foundation’s strategic efforts to support capacity building among local nonprofits.

Jon Breithaupt (Chippewa Watershed Conservancy), Kate Connors (Life Choices of Central Michigan), Ryan Griffus (Isabella County Restoration House), Samantha Jones (Girls on the Run of Central Michigan/Mid-Michigan Children’s Museum), Kaye Peasley (Clothing INC), Amy Powell (Art Reach of Mid Michigan), and Kim Seidel (Isabella County Child Advocacy Center) made up the first Isabella County cohort. Monthly sessions covered topics such as adaptive leadership, nonprofit board development, fund development, mission driven storytelling, grant writing and more.

One participant described the experience as “…incredibly valuable in giving me the tools and confidence I need to become an emerging leader in my organization.” During a celebration ceremony on Thursday, December 13, participants were asked to describe their experience in one word. Responses included: equipped, empowered, and enriched.

MPACF will offer the Leadership Learning Lab experience again in 2019 for five local nonprofit leaders. The second cohort will meet April through December. More information will be available in January. To learn more about the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation and their efforts to support local nonprofits, visit www.mpacf.org.

MPACF Grants More Than $127,000

MT. PLEASANT, MI - The Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation Board of Trustees recently awarded $127,251.58 in grants to organizations impacting Isabella County.

Art Reach of Mid Michigan received $1,300 from the Russ Herron Poetry Fund for the Wellspring Literary Series, a partnership program between CMU’s English Department and Art Reach. Published Poets and CMU students are invited to Art Reach to read their latest works, while CMU music students perform musical interludes.

Beal City Public Schools received $681.76 from the Kellogg Youth Fund to provide two standing desks for Ms. Doyle’s classroom, which will accommodate two students at each.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Midland County Inc received a $2,500 grant from the Kimber and Judy DeWitt Family Fund, the Kellogg Youth Fund, and the Myler Family Community Impact Fund to provide support for one-on-one mentoring programs through new curriculum and mentor training. These new programs will yield a larger impact on mentors and mentees.

Central Michigan University received $10,000 from an anonymous fund to support first year student success in the College of Liberal Arts and Social Services Interdisciplinary Program.

Chippewa Watershed Conservancy received a $3,600 grant from the Bandit Industries Community Fund, the John P. and Ann S. Jensen Community Impact Fund, and the Missy and Doug LaBelle Family Foundation Community Impact Fund to provide Nature Preserve Signage and Marketing in order to promote awareness of and generate traffic of the public nature preserves maintained by the Chippewa Watershed Conservancy.

Christmas Outreach of Isabella County received $3,000 from the Women's Initiative Fund to provide coats for women and girls in Isabella County, specifically size 2X to 5X, the least donated size. On average, Christmas Outreach spends $20 per coat – this grant will provide funding for 150 coats.

Community Compassion Network received a $4,153 grant from the Sherwood Family Fund, the W. Sidney Smith and Judith French Smith Family Fund, and the William and Janet Maar Strickler Community Impact Fund, to provide an electric pallet jack and a warehouse trolley cart which will make moving large kitchen equipment and pallets of food easier.

Community Compassion Network received $1,488.92 from the William Ellis Brockman Infant Assistance Fund to purchase diapers, pull-ups, baby formula, and baby food for distribution at the William Ellis Brockman Infant Pantry.

Hopewell Ranch received a $4,112.40 grant from the Hersee Family Fund, the Summit Petroleum Fund, and the Theunissen Family Fund to support capital improvements to their existing indoor arena, specifically a new room to safely store horse feed.

Isabella County Transportation Commission received $5,000 from the Rise Family Fund to support riders traveling to or from work, specifically riders from outside the limits of the City of Mt. Pleasant.

The John H. Goodrow Fund received $4,800 grant from the Elizabeth Z. Miller & Bruce H. LaPointe Community Needs Fund, the Jerry M. and Marilyn A. Morey Community Fund, the Dr. Leonard E. and Louise A. Plachta Unrestricted Fund, and the Sullivan Family Fund to provide ten-trip bus passes to guests in need. Guests may request these passes up to two times during 2019.

McLaren Central Michigan received $61,000 from the Central Michigan Community Hospital Fund to purchase a 3D Digital Mammography Machine.

MSU Extension - Isabella County 4-H Program Council received $2,148 from the Kellogg Youth Fund to introduce youth to issues that are impacting the honeybee population, learn hands-on beekeeping techniques, and experience entrepreneurial opportunities through the sale of honey and hive products.

Mount Pleasant Discovery Museum received $1,500 from the Kellogg Youth Fund to provide funding for repairs and upkeep of current exhibits, including; the Train Table, Farmers Market, and Beemazium Exhibits.

Mount Pleasant Discovery Museum received $500 from the Janice Cotter Endowment Fund to support the mission of the Museum which hosts over 40,000 visitors annually.

Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation – Nonprofit Service Center Fund received a $2,800 grant from the Gladys and Donald Mitchell Family Fund and the Rise Family Fund to help purchase the William and Janet Strickler Nonprofit Service Center. 

Mt. Pleasant Public Schools received $7,450 from the Esther Kraus Peacemaking Fund to send a counselor to the ‘Facing Race’ Conference in Detroit, MI. This grant will also utilize Persona Dolls which will be incorporated into Mindfulness Lessons.

The Ronald McDonald House of Western Michigan received $2,700 grant from the Ruth S. and Gerard R. Felter and Florence F. Battenfeld Family Fund, the Bovee Family Fund, and the Morning Sun Community Fund to provide a “home away from home” for families living in Isabella County who must travel to Grand Rapids for critical medical and mental health treatment for their children.

VSA Michigan received $1,800 from the Kellogg Youth Fund to provide 16 hours of learning through the arts for 224 receiving special education services through the Gratiot-Isabella RESD. This program will conclude with an exhibition of visual artwork created by the students, and demonstrations of the music that the students have created.

Women’s Aid Service, Inc. (R.I.S.E.) received $3,000 from the Women’s Aid Service Fund which will support rebranding. This rebrand will place a renewed emphasis on effective marketing and outreach with a new logo and website.

Women’s Aid Service, Inc. (R.I.S.E.) received $3,717.50 from the Olson Family Fund for support to update and renovate the main client restroom.

Applications for the next competitive grant cycle are due January 23, 2019. For more information on grant eligibility, and ways to support the endowed funds that make these grants possible, visit www.mpacf.org.

Fifteen Years of Women Helping Women and Girls in Isabella County

The Women's Initiative was founded in 2003 by a group of local women who wanted to provide for the needs of women and girls in Isabella County. "We learned that far too many women and girls in Isabella County were in need of serious help,” said Co-Founder Kay Smith at the time.

“We believed that it was time for women to be given the opportunity to become philanthropists on their own--not as spouses or daughters, but as independent donors,” said Co-Founder Judy Smith. And that's what happened. While the initial goal in 2003 was to raise $50,000, the group raised more than $80,000 in just the first four weeks. “When the women of Isabella County learned that other women needed their help, they came through in a big way, and they continue to do so today!" Judy added.

As an endowed fund of the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation, contributions raised by the Women’s Initiative are pooled and invested. Since 2003, hundreds of women have made pledges to the Women’s Initiative Fund, and more than 2,100 individual gifts have been made. Women have given cash, appreciated stock and other assets, and often pay tribute to a friend or loved one by donating in their honor or memory. The Fund now holds nearly $400,000. Only the interest earned in the Fund is granted each year; this will allow grantmaking to community organizations benefiting women and girls, forever.

Over the last fifteen years, more than 40 grants have been awarded to organizations like Big Brothers/Big Sisters of the Great Lakes Bay Region, Christian Counseling of Mid Michigan, Christmas Outreach, Community Compassion Network, Foster Closet of Michigan-Isabella County, Girls on the Run of Central Michigan, Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan, Isabella County Child Advocacy Center, Listening Ear Crisis Center, Mid Michigan College STEM Program for 8th Grade Girls, Mt. Pleasant Department of Public Safety, and Women’s Aid Service.

On Tuesday, October 16, 2018, the Women’s Initiative will highlight the most recent grants awarded from the Fund during their “Look Who’s Talking” luncheon. The event is one of two annual fundraisers hosted by the Women’s Initiative. Half the ticket price of $50 will be added to the permanent endowment fund. The luncheon will feature Mt. Pleasant native and CNN political correspondent Sara Murray. After graduating from the University of Maryland in 2007, Murray joined the Wall Street Journal where she covered politics and economics. In 2015, Murray accepted a job with CNN in Washington D.C., where she has worked as a White House Correspondent and covered the Russia investigation. Sara will share her journey from Mt. Pleasant to our nation’s capital with an audience of 400-500 event participants.

McLaren Central Michigan and Mercantile Bank of Michigan are sponsoring this year’s speaker. The luncheon will take place at the Soaring Eagle Conference Center from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm. Complimentary valet parking is available at the hotel entrance. Tickets must be purchased in advance for the seated event from a member of the Women’s Initiative or directly from the Community Foundation. Tables of 8-10 may be purchased for reserved seating by visiting or calling the Community Foundation. Cash and check are accepted as payment.

Nonprofit Center Closer to Goal

Two weeks ago, Jae Evans, CEO of Isabella Bank Corporation, stood up during Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation’s annual breakfast event and announced that Isabella Bank would match dollar for dollar the next $60,000 raised in the campaign for the Strickler Nonprofit Center. Since that announcement, $27,125 has been matched, bringing the total raised to $835,844.

 A group of nonprofit organizations focused on addressing poverty in Isabella County announced back in April that they planned to raise at least $1 million to make permanent a nonprofit center located at 1114 W. High Street in Mt. Pleasant. During the September 11th breakfast, Executive Director Amanda Schafer, and United Way’s CEO Annie Sanders, told the story of leasing the building from Victory Christian Church and transitioning it into space for at least four local charitable organizations serving those living in or near poverty.

Community Compassion Network, Isabella County Restoration House, Clothing INC, and The Care Store provide critical services - food, shelter, clothing, and personal care items - and have been located under one roof since last fall. Long term, these partners and others are also committed to reducing overall poverty levels in Isabella County. Charlie Burke, a volunteer with the Center from the start, also shared his vision. “The Center will coordinate the development and implementation of services to train individuals with the necessary potential abilities to find, perform and keep employment,” Charlie said.

Jan Strickler agreed back in April to make a lead gift to name the Center in memory of her husband, Bill. During the recent breakfast, Schafer shared that the fundraising team had decided to name the facility after both of them. Tearfully, Strickler joined Schafer on stage and encouraged those in attendance to reach out to an agency within the Center in order to volunteer. She then proudly declared the total raised to date was $781,594. “Several of you in the room have made gifts, and for that we thank you,” Strickler said. “We’d like to challenge you and the greater Isabella County community to help us raise $220,000 more between now and #GivingTuesday, a national day of charitable giving planned for November 27th.” Evans was the first to respond, pledging on behalf of the bank to match dollar for dollar the next $60,000 raised for the campaign.

Community members may support the Strickler Center by contributing to a fund established for this purpose at the Community Foundation. Donations to the Center may be made at mpacf.org, and checks may be mailed to MPACF, PO Box 1283, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48804. Follow “William and Janet Strickler Nonprofit Center” on Facebook for regular updates.