Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation

306 South University Avenue Mount Pleasant, MI, 48858 United States

(989) 773-7322

Our 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 grant making and providing leadership on key community issues.

Fund Spotlight: A Corner Built on Love

April 24, 2026  /  Liz Conway

In a quiet corner of the Veterans Memorial Library in Mt. Pleasant, small hands reach for colorful books and little voices sound out letters for the very first time. Hand-crafted, Amish-built bookshelves line the walls alongside original artwork, and a framed photograph of a four-year-old girl hangs gently low, right at eye level with the children she never got to grow up beside. This is Kara's Korner, and its story begins not with a ribbon-cutting, but with a mother's love that refused to be silenced by loss.

Kathy Preston is a mother and former special education teacher who believes that reading is the greatest gift you could give a child. When her youngest daughter Kara was killed in an accident at home in 1981 at just four years old, a friend offered a quiet suggestion: do something to keep her memory alive. So in 1985, Kathy channeled her grief into action, using donations from Kara's funeral and the community to gather books, bookshelves, artwork, and even an aquarium, transforming a library corner into a magical sanctuary for young readers. Those original Amish-built bookcases and pieces of that first art contest still stand today, along with Kara's photo, hung purposely low so she can be eye level with every child who comes to read.

"Reading is the most important subject. Having a place for preschoolers to start reading and learn to enjoy it is so important…and Kara has brought that to us." - Kathy Preston

In 2014, Kathy discovered the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation and found a way to give Kara's Korner the one thing it had always needed: a future. By establishing the Kara's Korner Preschool Library Fund, she ensured the space - and Kara's memory - would live on forever. Today, Kathy still stops in from time to time, and what she finds there never fails to move her: young families reading together, children pointing at pictures, a community of learners gathered in a space built entirely out of love. "It's heartwarming to know her little corner will never die because of the funds at the Foundation," she says. To visit, go to the Veterans Memorial Library or donate to the Kara's Korner Preschool Library Fund at Kara's Korner Preschool Library Fund — Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation. Interested in starting a fund of your own? Reach out to us today.

Key Focus Areas in early 2026

March 20, 2026  /  Liz Conway

Daybreak Mt. Pleasant on March 19, 2026. Photo courtesy of Cassandra Chippeway, Mt. Pleasant Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Yesterday, I had the privilege of joining seven fellow community leaders at the Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce’s Daybreak Mt. Pleasant breakfast to share the work shaping our community’s future. I wanted to take a moment to share a snapshot of that conversation with you.

Over the past year, the Community Foundation partnered with Lumen Impact Group to develop our next strategic plan, focused on continued growth and impact. As we begin implementing that work, we’re already seeing exciting momentum across several key areas.

Education and Scholarships

We know that individuals who pursue education beyond high school, whether through a degree, certification, or skilled trade, experience stronger long-term outcomes. While scholarships have always been central to our mission, we are evolving our approach to provide more meaningful and multi-year support. Our goal is to help students not only start their journey but complete it.

Growing Permanent Community Resources

Building endowments remains at the core of what we do. These funds ensure that resources are available not just today, but for generations to come. One of the most visible ways this comes to life is through Give Local Isabella on May 5. This year, we’re offering more matching funds and prizes than ever before. If you’ve never participated, it’s a powerful and easy way to support the causes you care about most.

Investing in Youth

Since the 1990s, our Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) has helped elevate the voices of young people in our community. This year, the YAC is conducting our Youth Needs Assessment, a critical tool that helps us better understand the challenges and opportunities facing local youth. The results directly inform our grantmaking and guide where we invest for the greatest impact.

Strengthening Childcare

We are also launching a new initiative: the Childcare Innovation and Capacity Building RFP, which opens on April 1. This effort will support projects that expand childcare capacity and encourage innovative solutions to strengthen the system across Isabella County.

Collaboration and connection are at the center of our work at the Community Foundation. When nonprofits, local government, businesses, healthcare partners, the Tribe, and educational institutions align efforts, we can make meaningful progress on complex community challenges.

I’m proud of our work and even more excited about what lies ahead for both the Community Foundation and Isabella County. The future is something we’re building together.

Liz Conway, CEO/COO

Youth Advisory Committee Launches 2026 Youth Needs Assessment Survey

March 04, 2026  /  Liz Conway

The Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) of the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation is preparing to launch its 2026 Youth Needs Assessment Survey, an important initiative designed to better understand the experiences, challenges, and interests of youth in Isabella County.

Youth Needs Assessment

YAC is a student-led committee that focuses on supporting youth throughout the county. Members award grants to organizations that provide meaningful, safe, and engaging opportunities for young people. In addition to grantmaking, YAC members actively participate in community service projects such as Christmas Outreach, the Lions Chicken BBQ, and other local initiatives.

Every few years, the committee conducts a Youth Needs Assessment Survey to gather direct feedback from students about their perspectives and needs. The survey is administered to 8th and 10th grade students and provides valuable insight that helps guide youth-focused programming, funding decisions, and community initiatives.

The 2026 survey will be conducted online and includes questions focused on students’ perspectives about community issues, opportunities, and their overall experiences as young people in Isabella County. This year’s survey has been streamlined to improve clarity and reduce completion time for students.

Once responses are collected and analyzed, results will be shared with participating schools. Each school will receive a report based on responses from its students, along with a countywide summary highlighting broader trends and insights across Isabella County. This information helps schools, nonprofits, and community leaders better understand youth perspectives and identify areas where additional support or opportunities may be needed.

In past years, Beal City Public Schools, Mt. Pleasant Public Schools, Sacred Heart Academy, and Shepherd Public Schools have participated in the survey, and the Foundation hopes to gather responses from all 8th and 10th grade students across Isabella County this year.

The survey will be open March 9 through March 23, 2026, closing at 11:59 p.m. Schools are encouraged to administer the survey during the school day to make participation easy for students.

The survey is completely confidential. Students will not provide their names, and all responses will be reported only in aggregate form.

Community leaders and educators recognize that one of the most effective ways to support young people is to listen to their voices. The Youth Needs Assessment Survey helps ensure that decisions made by schools, nonprofits, and community partners reflect the real needs and priorities of Isabella County’s youth.


Take the Survey

Tera Albrecht to be Donor Services Officer

January 20, 2026  /  Liz Conway

The Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation has named Tera Albrecht as its new Donor Services Officer. In this role, Albrecht will work with donors and prospective donors, support fundraising and stewardship, and help build relationships that support the Foundation’s mission.

With experience in higher education, donor relations, and customer service, Albrecht brings strong organizational skills, a collaborative spirit, and a passion for people. She previously supported Foundation operations and donor records, and now focuses on serving the Foundation’s donors and fundholders.

“Tera is a natural relationship-builder,” said Liz Conway, CEO/COO of the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation. “She is thoughtful, dependable, and deeply committed to this community. Her ability to connect with people and manage details with care makes her an excellent fit for this role, and we’re excited to see her grow our donor services work.”

Originally from Sandusky, Michigan, Albrecht has established deep roots in Isabella County. After earning her undergraduate degree from Central Michigan University, she built a career at CMU dedicated to supporting student-athletes and advancing academic success, including serving as Associate Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Services.

Albrecht’s commitment to philanthropy is also personal. Her family established the David W. and Judith A. Albrecht Family Scholarship Fund at the Sanilac County Community Foundation, supporting youth and education in honor of her parents. Locally, she serves as Youth and Family Ministry Coordinator at Faith Lutheran Church in Mt. Pleasant, where she works closely with Compass Point youth programming.

Thank you Linda Morey and Bob Long

January 19, 2026  /  Liz Conway

The Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation is deeply grateful to Linda Morey and Bob Long for their service and leadership on our Board of Trustees.

Linda Morey joined the Board in 2017 and has been a thoughtful, passionate advocate for the Foundation ever since. During her tenure, she served as Grant Review Committee Chair, was an active member of the Scholarship Committee, and contributed her leadership through the Women’s Initiative Advisory Board and Women’s Initiative Committee. In addition to serving on the Board, Linda has also supported the Foundation as a sponsor and fund advisor.

Linda Morey Quote

Bob Long first joined the Board in 2009, served through 2019, and returned in 2021, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to the Community Foundation and our mission. He served as Board President in 2014, chairing “just about everything,” and contributing across numerous committees, including Governance, Scholarship, Facilities, Finance, and HR. Like Linda, Bob has also supported the Foundation as a sponsor and fund advisor.

Bob Long Quote

We thank Bob and Linda for their years of service and belief in the power of local philanthropy. Their impact will continue to be felt throughout the Community Foundation and the Isabella County.

Community Foundation seeking Administrative Officer

December 08, 2025  /  Liz Conway

The Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation (MPACF) is seeking a highly organized and service-minded Administrative Officer to support the daily operations of the Foundation. This role provides administrative, bookkeeping/accounting, and clerical support while serving as a welcoming point of contact for community members, donors, grantees, and visitors. The Administrative Officer plays a key role in helping the Foundation advance its mission and strategic priorities, including the growth of endowed funds, effective grantmaking, leadership in community issues, and donor engagement.

Primary Responsibilities

1. Administrative

  • Prepare and distribute Board and Committee meeting materials; take accurate meeting minutes.

  • Coordinate event logistics (RSVPs, materials, set-up, clean-up).

  • Manage Hersee House meeting room scheduling for external organizations.

  • Assist the Donor Services Officer with donor/fund representative correspondence and bulk mailings.

  • Support the Program Officer with grantmaking and scholarship processes (record keeping, applicant status updates, agreement forms).

  • Train and schedule volunteer reception ambassadors; guide student interns.

2. Bookkeeping/Accounting

  • Maintain donor and gift records in the database (e.g., CommunitySuite).

  • Prepare and make bank deposits; manage payment of invoices with CEO/COO approval.

  • Enter financial information, monitor bank accounts, and generate financial reports.

  • Coordinate with an external accountant to close monthly and annual records; prepare materials for annual audit.

3. Clerical

  • Greet office visitors and callers courteously, direct inquiries appropriately.

  • Handle incoming/outgoing mail; maintain filing systems in accordance with Foundation policies.

  • Monitor office supply levels and maintain office equipment.

  • Maintain a professional, organized workspace.

Required Qualifications

• Education & Technical Skills

  • High school diploma or equivalent required; post-secondary education or relevant certification preferred.

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and basic accounting/bookkeeping software (e.g., QuickBooks or similar).

• Administrative & Organizational Skills

  • Demonstrated ability to multi-task, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.

  • Excellent attention to detail and accuracy in record keeping.

• Communication & Interpersonal Skills

  • Strong written and verbal communication; ability to interact with a diverse range of constituents.

  • Collaborative mindset; capable of working effectively as part of a small team.

• Professionalism & Confidentiality

  • Commitment to maintaining confidentiality when handling donor, financial, and grant-related information.

  • Positive attitude, flexibility, and a willingness to learn.

Wage range: $20-$23 an hour, commensurate with experience. Benefits include paid time off, health care, group life insurance, and retirement options. 

 

The Foundation: Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation (MPACF) serves as a focal point for philanthropy in Isabella County, Michigan. The mission of MPACF 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. 

How to Apply: Please email Liz Conway, CEO/COO at lconway@mpacf.org with “Administrative Officer” in the subject line. Include 1) a resume, 2) a cover letter addressing relevant experience and why you are interested in this position, and 3) a list of three references. No hard copy submissions, please. For best consideration please apply before January 9, 2026.

The position will remain open until filled. The Foundation reserves the right to close the recruitment process once a sufficient applicant pool has been identified.

MPACF is an equal-opportunity employer.

categories / Events

2025 Annual Breakfast Recap

November 21, 2025  /  Liz Conway

On November 6, nearly 200 community members, nonprofit partners, donors, and local leaders came together to celebrate 35 years of philanthropy at Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation’s Annual Breakfast.

Board Vice President Dr. Emma Powell opened the morning with gratitude for our generous sponsors and a look at the year’s accomplishments. The Foundation granted more than $1 million to local nonprofits, awarded nearly $200,000 in scholarships to 120 students, and saw record participation in Give Local Isabella.

Liz Conway, CEO/COO, spoke about the evolving role of philanthropy and her first year in this work. She shared the Foundation’s new three-year strategic plan and highlighted ongoing challenges in Isabella County, including childcare shortages, poverty and ALICE rates, and access to healthcare. Liz encouraged the community to work together and lean into solutions that create long-term impact.

A special moment came with the announcement of a matching gift to grow our Community Impact Funds. Paul Alexander and Mt. Pleasant Abstract and Title are generously matching gifts from now through Giving Tuesday.

Our keynote speaker, Kyle Caldwell, President and CEO of the Council of Michigan Foundations, shared insight on trends and challenges in philanthropy. He discussed the growth of the nonprofit sector, the importance of trust-based giving, and the pressures nonprofits face in today’s climate. Kyle also spoke about the leadership role community foundations play in bringing people together and supporting long-term community needs.

The morning was filled with gratitude, energy, and a strong sense of community. Thank you to everyone who joined us and continues to support this important work.

We can. We must. And together, we will.

You're Invited! Join us for our Annual Breakfast on November 6th

September 29, 2025  /  Liz Conway

Rise and shine! The Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation invites you to join us from 7:30 to 9 a.m. Thursday, November 6, for our Annual Breakfast at the Courtyard Marriott in Mt. Pleasant.

Breakfast invite for Nov. 6th Annual Breakfast

This free event is your chance to:

  • Hear Kyle Caldwell, President and CEO of the Council of Michigan Foundations, share insights on the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in philanthropy.

  • Hear the latest updates from the Community Foundation.

  • Learn how local organizations are using grant funding from the Community Foundation.

  • Network with other local leaders making a difference in Isabella County.

  • Enjoy fresh coffee and a breakfast catered by the Courtyard Marriott.

Space is limited to 250 guests. Please RSVP by Oct. 27 to secure your spot.

We're excited to share the morning with you!

"I love attending the annual breakfast. It provides an overview of the Foundation's activities over the past year, especially the grants awarded and new funds established. And, of course, it's a chance to have breakfast with many community leaders whom I don't get to see often enough."

-- Eileen Jennings, Community Foundation Trustee

Join us for "Look Who's Talking" Speaker Series on October 3!

September 04, 2025  /  Guest User

The Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation’s Women’s Initiative will welcome Vernique N. Jackson, Associate Director of the Leadership Institute at Central Michigan University, as keynote speaker for its annual “Look Who’s Talking” Speaker Series on Friday, Oct. 3.

An educator, mentor, and leadership coach, Jackson designs inclusive programs that help emerging leaders grow with confidence and purpose. Her keynote, “Lead In Your Lane: Owning Your Style, Uplifting Your Community,” will explore how authentic leadership—rooted in personal strengths—can spark meaningful change.

A first‑generation college graduate and current doctoral student in Educational Leadership, Jackson’s research centers on building systemic supports for marginalized women in higher education. She is also the founder of VeeJayNicole Consulting Group LLC, a professional development firm focused on career advancement, business growth, and nonprofit leadership—especially for women navigating transition and change.

The Look Who’s Talking series is a signature friend‑raising and fundraising event of the Women’s Initiative Committee. Proceeds benefit the Women’s Initiative Fund, which provides grants for programs and services that support women and girls in Isabella County.

“Vernique’s message is one of purpose, possibility, and the power of showing up for one another,” said event Co‑Chair Leah Rau, partner with Blystone & Bailey Certified Public Accountants. “Her work aligns beautifully with our mission to uplift and invest in the potential of women and girls.”

Save the date and join us in celebrating leadership that lifts our whole community.

The event will take place at the Comfort Inn on October 3rd.

Tickets are $50 each. Table sponsorships and other sponsorships are also available. Place your order for tickets today!

One Man’s Mission: Doug Pickel Honors POW/MIA Heroes Through Food, Fundraising, and Tribute

July 28, 2025  /  Guest User

In late 2024, the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation announced an inspiring new effort to honor Michigan’s prisoners of war and those missing in action. A permanent memorial, planned for construction in Mt. Pleasant’s Island Park, will pay tribute to the courage, sacrifice, and enduring legacy of these brave service members and their families.

At the heart of this project is Doug Pickel, a dedicated memorial fund trustee whose father was a Navy veteran of World War II and whose personal connection to military service fuels his mission. “This is a gift to Michigan POW/MIA families from the people of Michigan,” Pickel shared. “Veterans and their families have made unimaginable sacrifices that deserve to be recognized and remembered.”

In his ongoing commitment to this cause, Pickel has created a fun, meaningful way to raise funds and awareness: the inaugural Food Truck Challenge, taking place September 19 and 20 in Island Park. Nearly 20 food trucks from across the state will gather to compete for a custom-built trophy and statewide bragging rights, all while supporting the Michigan POW/MIA Memorial Statewide Fund held at the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation.

The timing of the event is especially significant, as September 19 marks National POW/MIA Recognition Day - a day set aside to honor the service and sacrifice of these American heroes.

Food trucks can enter the competition for a $25 registration fee and a donation of 10% of net profits to the fund. The truck with the highest sales will be crowned the winner and receive a one-of-a-kind trophy handcrafted by Pickel himself - a stunning piece of craftsmanship that took over two months to build, measuring 31 inches wide, 29 inches tall, and weighing 43 pounds.

Beyond great food, the weekend will feature solemn and moving tributes to POW/MIA veterans and families of the Korean and Vietnam wars. A Harley-Davidson motorcycle procession will ride from Wholeshot Harley-Davidson to Island Park, where families of the honored veterans will receive customized plaques - each one hand-made by Pickel with deep personal care.

For over 20 years, Pickel has poured his heart into recognizing and honoring veterans. His work, whether through intimate gestures like custom memorials or large-scale events like this new challenge, is guided by a deep sense of gratitude and duty.

“I didn’t serve in the military like these heroes did,” he reflected. “But it’s become my life’s mission to serve them. This event is a way to celebrate their courage, give back to their families, and build something lasting in their honor.”

Pickel has even bigger plans for the future. In 2026, he hopes to expand the Food Truck Challenge to five Michigan cities, culminating in a statewide championship back in Mt. Pleasant. The top 10 food trucks from the regional events will return to Island Park for the final showdown and a powerful close to the season’s memorial fundraising efforts.

The community is warmly invited to attend the Food Truck Challenge on September 19–20. Come hungry, bring your gratitude, and be part of a movement that’s turning delicious food into a powerful force for remembrance and healing.

Follow the POW/MIA Memorial Facebook group and Plaques of Honor - Murphy’s Legacy for more details.

MPACF helps H.A.T.S. find hope and homes for furry friends

July 18, 2025  /  Guest User

The Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation is proud to announce a significant boost to the Humane Animal Treatment Society’s (HATS) foster program, made possible by a generous grant from several Family Community Needs and Impact Funds. There has never been a better time to open your home to a furry friend!

Did you know that you can foster a pet through HATS at virtually no cost to you?

Thanks to the support of grants from the Michael D. and Dianne C. Morey Community Needs Fund, the Staples Family Fund, the Joanne Golden Family Community Impact Fund, the Ronald H. and Donna M. Cooper Family Fund, and the Sullivan Family Fund, HATS is able to provide all the essentials needed for fostering.

This grant covers items such as crates, leashes, and training gear, as well as specialty supplies like pee pads, baby gates, and high-quality treats to support comfort and adjustment.

HATS Executive Director Sera Henry reimagined the foster program to meet the growing need in our community.

“I saw full shelters throughout the state and knew we could do more. We had to do more. To increase foster capacity, we hired a full-time foster coordinator, provided foster orientation and education, and sought support—like the grant from the Community Foundation—to supply everything needed to welcome these beloved pets,” said Henry.

Sera also launched a foster-to-adopt program, offering pets a four to six week trial period in a potential forever home. This approach provides a short-term solution for animals while allowing families a stress-free way to determine if the pet is the right fit long-term.

Because of her vision, the foster program has grown from 12 dogs to 76 in just one year.

Supporting pet foster programs significantly increases the chances of placement for animals arriving at already full shelters.

Right now is an especially great time to adopt. The BISSELL Pet Foundation’s annual “Empty the Shelters” campaign is underway through July 19. For HATS, this means adoption fees are just $50 for dogs and $25 for cats. With shelters at capacity, these reduced adoption costs provide a wonderful opportunity to welcome a new companion into your life.

You can also ensure your furry friends are forever cared for by donating to the HATS Fund at MPACF.

categories / Events, Grant