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.

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 the Community Foundation's 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, 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 accessible 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.

At the center of all our work at the Community Foundation is collaboration. When nonprofits, local government, businesses, healthcare partners, the Tribe, and the university align their efforts, we have a real opportunity to make meaningful progress on the complex challenges facing our community.

I’m incredibly proud of the work underway 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