Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation

For good. For ever.

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.

Amanda Schafer to Wrap Up 13+ Years as Community Foundation CEO/COO

November 11, 2022  /  Guest User

Search for new leader to begin in December 

After leading the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation for more than 13 years, Chief Executive and Operating Officer Amanda Schafer has announced she is stepping down.

Amanda Schafer

“I am grateful to have played a role in helping so many giving, caring Isabella County residents, families and businesses create a legacy through their commitment to support our communities forever,” Schafer said. “We live in a wonderful community where people are so generous.”

“The Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation — one of just 57 such entities in the state — plays an invaluable role in identifying needs and bringing people and organizations together to address them,” she said. “I have deeply enjoyed my time with the foundation and value the leadership and dedication of the incredible donors, staff and Board of Directors. Stepping down is bittersweet, yet it’s time for me to take a deep breath and explore what I want to do next.”

The foundation’s 2021 annual report celebrated the milestones of reaching more than $30 million in assets and awarding more than $10 million in grants since MPACF was established in 1990. So far in 2022, the Foundation has distributed more than $1.1 million in grants and scholarships, thanks to the foresight and generosity of individuals who have contributed funds and created endowments that will support the community in perpetuity.

“We are extremely grateful to Amanda for her hard work and efforts on behalf of the community foundation,” Board President Cheryl Gaudard said. “She has helped the foundation to grow tremendously and to ensure donors’ significant impact in Isabella County will continue forever. We wish Amanda immeasurable success in her future endeavors.”

A search for a new CEO/COO will begin in December. The position will be posted on the Foundation’s website soon. 

“The board of trustees is looking for the next dynamic leader to continue the exciting work of the foundation in serving the citizens of the Mt. Pleasant area,” Board President-Elect Marcie Otteman said. “We’re looking for someone with vision, leadership and collaborative, relationship-building skills who will help us forge an even greater future for Isabella County.”