Community Foundation Grants More than $62,000

MT. PLEASANT, MI - The Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation Board of Trustees recently awarded $62,673.54 in grants to organizations impacting Isabella County.

Art Reach of Mid Michigan received $1,342.18 from the Russ Herron Poetry Fund and $7.82 from the Ruth S. and Gerard R. Felter and Florence F. Battenfeld Family Fund for the Wellsprings Literary Series, a partnership program between CMU's English Department and Art Reach where published poets can share their latest works.

Beal City Public Schools received $1,000 from the Barbara L. and George W. Dunn Family Fund, $1,000 from the Kellogg Youth Fund, and $1,560 from the Morning Sun Community Fund for an online math and English learning system that will provide differentiated instruction for students ranging from seventh grade to graduation.

City of Mt. Pleasant received $20,000 from the W.E. Martin Fund to support the building of an amphitheater in Island Park. Mt. Pleasant High School student, Taylor Idema, hopes the amphitheater will be used for numerous things, including outdoor theatre, outdoor dance-studio performances, band concerts, ceremonies, art displays, holiday events, poetry readings, children’s programs, and nature talks.

Community Compassion Network received $3,330 from the Community Impact Fund and $1,670 from the W. Sidney Smith and Judith French Smith Family Fund for supplemental food assistance. CCN serves approximately 225 families every two weeks.

Eagle Village, Inc. received $3,590 from the Community Impact Fund, and $1,410 from the G. Charles and Janice L. Hubscher Fund for intervention camp scholarships for Isabella County youth who are struggling in their school or community.

Hopewell Ranch received $500 from the Janice Cotter Endowment Fund to support its mission.

Isabella County Child Advocacy Center received $413 from the Community Impact Fund, $1,000 from the Kellogg Youth Fund, and $725 from the Theunissen Family Fund for a soundproofing and invisible audio project which will aide in investigations of childhood sexual abuse.

Isabella County Child Advocacy Center received $800 from the Women's Initiative Fund to provide ten “Safe Sleep Survival Kits” to low-income families who are not able to purchase a crib for their infant. This project is in partnership with Cribs for Kids, a national organization with more than 650 partners which focuses on safe sleep education, bereavement support, and providing safe sleep survival kits to those in need.

Montabella Community Schools received $585.54 from the Montabella Community Schools Education Fund to purchase headphones with microphones for their Spanish classes.

Mount Pleasant Little League received $575.27 from the Bandit Industries Community Fund, $2,197 from the Community Impact Fund, $2,327.73 from the Lon Morey Family Fund, and $900 from the Michael D. and Dianne C. Morey Community Needs Fund for necessary concession stand updates. Concession stand proceeds help to keep Little League costs low for participants.

Mt. Pleasant Community Church received $4,000 from the Community Impact Fund, $355 from the Fabiano Family Fund, $815 from the Elizabeth Z. Miller & Bruce H. LaPointe Community Needs Fund, and $830 from the Jerry M. and Marilyn A. Morey Community Fund to provide personal and household products to families living in poverty through The Care Store.

Ronald McDonald House of Western Michigan received $650 from the Community Impact Fund, $1,250 from the Kellogg Youth Fund, and $600 from the Missy and Doug LaBelle Family Foundation Community Impact Fund to provide “a home away from home” for Isabella County families traveling to Grant Rapids for critical medical and mental health treatment for their children.

Sacred Heart Parish received $1,900 from the McGuirk Family Fund to purchase an Automated External Defibrillator Machine (AED).

Shepherd United Methodist Church received $1,430 from the Shepherd Community Fund in Honor of Robert Bates to support “The Village Messenger,” a free quarterly newsletter that supplies 3,000 Shepherd residents with news, event notices, and local information.

Village of Shepherd, Shepherd Police Department received $910 from the Shepherd Community Fund in Honor of Robert Bates to support an outreach program, which involves four specific programs at Shepherd Public Schools. These programs include: Operation SYRUP, SHINE, Fight like a Young Man, and Cop Talk. All programs focus on planting the seeds of greatness in every student.

Young Life received $5,000 from the Kellogg Youth Fund to support mentoring for sixth grade students at Mt. Pleasant Middle School. A variety of these programs provide opportunities for adult mentors to help students make quality choices and develop sound decision making skills.

Applications for the next competitive grant cycle are due January 24, 2018. For more information on grant eligibility, and ways to support the endowed funds that make these grants possible, visit www.mpacf.org.

2017 Youth Needs Assessment: Local Youth Say Bullying is Number One Concern

National studies suggest that one in four children are bullied. But, is that the case here in Isabella County?  Six hundred and thirty Isabella County students completed an online survey last spring and bullying topped the list of their concerns.

The survey, conducted by the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation’s Youth Advisory Committee (YAC), asked eighth and tenth graders to help identify the greatest issues being faced by youth in our community.  Students from Beal City Public Schools, Mt. Pleasant Public Schools, Sacred Heart Academy, and Shepherd Public Schools participated in the 2017 Youth Needs Assessment.  

Top issues identified varied by grade, gender and school. Overall results showed that the greatest concerns for youth in the community are:

• Bullying - 57%

• Stress/School Pressure - 52%

• Depression/Suicide/Loss - 46%

• Alcohol and Drug Abuse - 46%

• Self-Esteem/Respect for Yourself and Others - 43%

The YAC is comprised of 7th-12th grade students from all schools in Isabella County, and serves as a pivotal agent in the empowerment of youth and in the development of young leaders. The YAC advises the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation’s Board of Trustees on the awarding of grants from the Kellogg Youth Fund, an endowment that supports charitable projects and events that benefit the young people of Isabella County. YAC student leaders spend time positively influencing their community while learning about service and civic engagement. The YAC meets at least once per month to review grant applications, to receive leadership and philanthropy training, and to plan community service projects.

Every 2-3 years, the YAC surveys 8th and 10th graders in Isabella County to help identify what they see as the greatest needs and problems facing youth in the community. The Youth Needs Assessment helps the YAC determine funding priorities as they review grant applications. View  a full summary of the 2017 Youth Needs Assessment results here.

Over the past 25 years, the YAC has awarded more than $560,000 in grants from the Kellogg Youth Fund, and YAC members learn how to raise funds to continue to grow this endowment fund too. Members have planned a social media campaign to raise additional funds for the Kellogg Youth Fund between now and #GivingTuesday on November 28th. The YAC would like to raise $25,000 to add to the Kellogg Youth Fund to celebrate 25 years of youth philanthropy in Isabella County. Donations to the Kellogg Youth Fund may be mailed to the Community Foundation at PO Box 1283, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48804, or may be made online.

Sue Guevara Encourages Local Women to Embrace the Challenge

The Women’s Initiative 2017 Look Who’s Talking luncheon held last week featured keynote speaker Sue Guevara. Born in Saginaw, Michigan, Sue attended Saginaw Valley State University where her coaching career began. She simultaneously worked as the head coach of the softball team, and assistant coach for the women’s basketball team. Sue was named Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Softball Coach of the year in 1984.  She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education, then attended Ohio State University to receive her Master’s degree in Athletic Administration. Before becoming the head coach at Central Michigan University, Sue was an assistant and associate coach at Michigan State for nine seasons, head coach at the University of Michigan for seven seasons, and assistant coach at Auburn for three seasons. Guevara is now beginning her 10th season at CMU. She is the university’s all-time winningest basketball coach.

During last week’s luncheon, Guevara shared her journey and some of her hardships along the way, encouraging those in attendance to do what they love no matter the obstacles. From the basketball court to everyday life, Guevara talked about working her way through tough times to get to where she is today. “It’s all about embracing the change daily,” she said to an audience of more than 400 women. Each participant received a purple bracelet to remind them to “E.T.C.: Embrace the Challenge.” McLaren Central Michigan and Mercantile Bank of Michigan sponsored this year’s speaker.

The Women’s Initiative Fund was established at the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation in 2003 to address the needs of women and girls in Isabella County. More than 200 women have made pledges to the permanent endowment fund, and nearly 2,100 individual gifts have been made to date. Since 2003, forty grants have been awarded to local nonprofits and programs serving women and girls, all while maintaining the value of every gift given.

Five organizations receiving grants from the Women’s Initiative Fund in 2017 were on hand during the luncheon. Christmas Outreach of Isabella County received $3,000 to purchase women’s winter coats and boots. Isabella County Foster Closet received $1,000 to provide 13 girls in foster care a new outfit of their choosing from a local store. Christian Counseling of Mid Michigan received $2,500 to start-up a postpartum mental health group. Mid Michigan Community College received $1,000 to provide busing, lunch and motivational materials to girls participating in the Isabella County 8th Grade Girls Luncheon CHAT (Character, Heart Ambition and Talent).  Women’s Aid Service received $1,500 to restore the front steps of their shelter.

The Women’s Initiative serves as a legacy of women helping women and girls in Isabella County, now and for generations to come. A committee of local women host two fundraising events each year for the Women’s Initiative. The next, Kay’s Day, will be held on May 23, 2018. Tickets for this networking and social event will available in the spring.

Local Youth Celebrate 25 Years of Philanthropy

“YAC gave me the confidence as a young person to feel like my voice and my actions could have a real impact on the community,” said Olivia Rau, Beal City High School graduate and former Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) member. Several alumni expressed similar feelings in a recent video created by MacTV to celebrate 25 years of youth philanthropy in Isabella County.

In the early 90s, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation challenged community foundations throughout the state to create a permanent training ground in the voluntary responsibilities of citizenship for Michigan’s youth and to engage adolescents in the grant-making process.  “The Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation accepted the challenge, and the Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) was formed,” reported Bob Wheeler, Community Foundation Trustee and former YAC advisor, during a recent breakfast event.

Brian Rush was one of the first students asked to serve on the Youth Advisory Committee. In 1992, he was a senior at Sacred Heart Academy. Twenty-five years later, he proudly serves as a Community Foundation Trustee. “The Youth Advisory Committee provides young people with the opportunity to experience philanthropy at an early age,” Rush said. “With some adult support, youth learn about community needs, fundraising, volunteering, grantmaking, and leadership during their time on YAC.”

The Youth Advisory Committee is comprised of students, grades 7-12, from schools throughout Isabella County. “The biggest lesson was learning to work with a diverse group of people—different schools, different ages, and with adults—coming together to make decisions as a board,” said Jena Eisenberger, Shepherd High School graduate and former YAC member.

With a financial match of $125,000 from the Kellogg Foundation in 1993, the Community Foundation started a permanent endowment fund focused on youth. The YAC is responsible for raising funds to grow the Youth Fund and for reviewing all grant requests related to youth projects and programming. Over the years, the YAC has advised the Community Foundation Board to award nearly 400 grants totaling more than $555,000.

Erica Davis, Mt. Pleasant High School graduate and current YAC member, put forth a challenge to the community last week during the Community Foundation’s annual breakfast. “Members of the YAC are going to be doing a social media campaign to raise additional funds for the Kellogg Youth Fund between now and #GivingTuesday. Will you help us spread the word?” Davis asked the crowd. “We’d like to raise $25,000 to add to the Kellogg Youth Fund to celebrate 25 years of youth philanthropy.” Donations to the Youth Fund may be mailed to the Community Foundation at PO Box 1283, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48804, or can be made online.

Community Matters E-Newsletter: Live Like Larry (Collins)...

Live Like Larry (Collins), Annual Breakfast, Recent Grants Awarded, Look Who's Talking and More!

Community Foundation Grants $53,103.50

MT. PLEASANT, MI - The Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation Board of Trustees recently awarded more than $53,000 in grants to organizations impacting Isabella County.

Central Michigan University’s Museum of Cultural and Natural History received $5,000 from the John R. and Constance M. Harkins Community Fund to support school field trip busing.

Chippewa Watershed Conservancy received $185 from the Steve and Sue Pung Family Fund to print rack cards for promoting visitor use of 22 preserves complete with names, locations, visitor access information and suggested activities.

Christian Counseling of Mid Michigan received $2,500 from the Community Impact Fund and $2,500 from the Women's Initiative Fund to provide a weekly support group, led by licensed counselors, for local women experiencing issues related to postpartum mental health.

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Boy Scouts of America Venture Crew 7648 received $600 from the Bob and Nancy Wheeler Fund for Scouting to provide bike trailers for a high adventure trip.

Community Mental Health for Central Michigan received $1,500 from the Ruth S. and Gerard R. Felter and Florence F. Battenfeld Family Fund, $500 from the Bovee Family Fund, $1,000 from the Community Impact Fund, $2,000 from the Isabella Bank Director Memorial Fund and $3,000 from the Kellogg Youth Fund to provide Multisystemic Therapy, a treatment model for adolescents experiencing Severe Emotional Disturbance or a Severe and Persistent Mental Illness. This program works to rehabilitate young people within their own community.

The Dictionary Project received $1,600 from the Kiwanis Club of Mt. Pleasant Fund to provide a dictionary for each 3rd grade student in Isabella County.

First United Methodist Church Boy Scouts of America Troop 604 received $100 from the Bob and Nancy Wheeler Fund for Scouting to support summer camp.

Humane Animal Treatment Society received $1,211.71 from the LaBelle Family Fund to support the mission of HATS.

Isabella Citizens for Health received $1,210 from the Bandit Industries Community Fund and $1,210 from the Community Impact Fund to purchase two Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) for both their Family Medicine and Pediatric clinics.

Isabella County Parks and Recreation received $10,000 from the Rise Family Fund to plant trees and preserve natural spaces in Coldwater Lake Park.

McBride Quality Care Services received $1,359.79 from the Community Impact Fund and $1,300 from the Kellogg Youth Fund to replace broken cafeteria tables.

Mid Michigan Community College Foundation received $1,413 from the Kellogg Youth Fund and $1,000 for the Women’s Initiative Fund to support the Isabella County 8th Grade Girls’ CHAT (Character, Heart, Attributes, and Talents) Luncheon. This event, in its second year at the MMCC Isabella County Campus, focuses on introducing students to a college campus, with an emphasis on the options and opportunities that await them in post-secondary education, specifically areas of STEM.

Mt. Pleasant Discovery Museum received $1,000 from the Jane McNamara and Louise Williams Fund, $1,500 from the Kellogg Youth Fund, and $500 from the Ranck Family Fund to support a new museum exhibit focused on engaging with the environment through camping.

Mt. Pleasant Fire Department received $600 from the Isabella County First Responders Fund to support a 40 hour basic fire investigation class for members of Isabella County Fire Departments. This course will equip fire fighters with the skills needed to determine the causes and origination points of fires.        

Mt. Pleasant Public Schools received $880 from the Chris Maniteau Memorial Wrestling Fund to send members of the Mt. Pleasant High School wrestling team to a CMU team camp.

Project Weidman received $4,108 from the Access to Recreation Fund, $659 from the Brewster Family Access to Recreation Fund, $711 from the Mary Ellen Brandell Access to Recreation Fund and $1,191 from the Janet Maar Strickler Access to Recreation Fund to build a new playground structure in the heart of Weidman.

Sacred Heart Parish received $965 from the Kellogg Youth Fund to purchase an Earthquake Tremor Table, which will allow students to build structures and compete to see whose structure best withstands an earthquake.

Shepherd United Methodist Church Boy Scouts of America Troop 623 received $300 from the Bob and Nancy Wheeler Fund for Scouting to repair the troop’s equipment trailer.

Women's Aid Service, Inc. received $1,500 from the Women's Initiative Fund to support the restoration of the shelter’s front steps, which have been a safety hazard, especially during the winter months.

Applications for the next competitive grant cycle are due September 27, 2017. For more information on grant eligibility, and ways to support the endowed funds that make these grants possible, visit www.mpacf.org.

Sue Guevara to Speak during Women's Initiative Luncheon October 10th

Foundation Awards 91 Scholarships

The Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation (MPACF) awarded 91 scholarships totaling more than $87,000 to local students during a Scholarship Reception on May 23, 2017. 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.

View reception photos

View recipient list

For more information or to support any one of these scholarships, contact Brittany Sherrill, Program Officer, at (989) 773-7322.

Community Foundation Receives National Recognition

The Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation (MPACF) recently received accreditation with the nation’s highest standard for philanthropic excellence. National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations® establish legal, ethical, effective practices for community foundations everywhere.

“Meeting the National Standards benchmarks is a rigorous, comprehensive process,” said Randy Royster, Chair of the Community Foundations National Standards Board. “This accreditation is a significant accomplishment that indicates the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation demonstrates a commitment to transparency, quality, integrity, and accountability as it carries out its mission.”

The National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations® program requires community foundations to document their procedures for donor services, investments, grantmaking, administration, and community leadership. MPACF submitted policy documents and other samples to a rigorous review of 41 National Standards in six key areas of community foundation operations. With over 500 community foundations accredited nationwide, the program is designed to provide quality assurance to donors, as well as to their legal and financial advisors.

“Our accreditation provides assurance that we have sound policies and practices in place,” said Terrie Zitzelsberger, MPACF President. “When people make a charitable bequest or establish an endowment fund, they are putting their trust in us. They are counting on us to manage the investment wisely and honor their charitable wishes. The National Standards accreditation says our house is in order.”

The Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation works to meet critical community needs and support local causes, including human services, education, health, sports and recreation, volunteerism, community and economic development, and others. MPACF offers a range of charitable funds, allowing donors to advance a cause, support an individual organization, provide flexible support for community needs or recommend individual grants. In addition to affirming the organization’s philanthropic services, the accreditation validates MPACF’s grantmaking practices for the nonprofit community.

“National Standards is a promise to our community that we’ll continue to do this good work together,” said Amanda Schafer, Executive Director. National Standards is not mandatory. “We choose to go above and beyond,” Schafer added. “It’s important that our community members know we meet the highest standards for local philanthropy, and that we are able to meet the unique, changing needs of Isabella County.”

Founded in 1990, 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. To learn more about the Community Foundation, visit www.mpacf.org.

Isabella County YAC Welcomes Eleven New Members

The Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation’s Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) recently welcomed eleven new youth members. Started in 1991, the YAC includes students (7-12 grade) from schools throughout Isabella County, and serves as a pivotal agent in the empowerment of youth and in the development of young leaders. YAC members learn about philanthropy, volunteerism, and community leadership.

The YAC advises the Foundation's Board of Trustees on the awarding of grants from the Kellogg Youth Fund, an endowment fund which supports charitable projects that benefit the young people of Isabella County. Since 1992, the Community Foundation has offered youth focused mini-grants up to $300, as well as larger grants. In total, 391 grants have been awarded to date from the Kellogg Youth Fund totaling $546,763.38.

The YAC meets once per month to review grant applications, to receive leadership and philanthropy training, and to plan community service projects. Every three years, the YAC surveys 8th and 10th graders in Isabella County to help identify the greatest needs and problems facing youth in our community. YAC members participate in numerous service activities, like the Lion’s Chicken Barbeque and Christmas Outreach. Finally, YAC members work to grow the Kellogg Youth Fund, participating in many fundraisers throughout the year, like their annual flamingo flocking in August.

2017-2018 Youth Advisory Committee members include:

Beal City Public Schools: Aidan Mindel (9), Jack Schafer (10), Seth Schafer (10), Ty Schafer (10)

Mt. Pleasant Public Schools: Kayden Weekley (7), Alex DeMattei (8), Maggie Brockman (9), Kaitlin Otteman (9), Salma Abdelgawad (10), Wyatt Cook (12)

Renaissance PSA: Elizebeth Tarrant (8)

Sacred Heart Academy: Autumn Malinowski (8), Emma Yonker (8), Matthew Kinney (9), Sammy McDonald (10)

Shepherd Public Schools: Connor Bendele (8), Grace Wolf (8), Andersen Griffin-Strand (9), Maggie Bryant (11)

Adult Members: Bill Chilman, Erica Davis, Sarah Fiorillo, Erin Smith-Gaken (advisor), Nancy Wheeler (staff)

“Our goals for the YAC are twofold: to help the Foundation address the needs of youth through grants to local programs and projects, and to support youth as leaders in our region,” said Erin Smith-Gaken, Foundation Trustee and YAC Advisor. ”Committee members learn a great deal about the needs in our community and have the opportunity to make a positive impact on Isabella County.”

In addition to welcoming the new members, six graduating seniors were honored by the YAC during their annual meeting: Nate Horsley (BCHS), Haley McMullen (BCHS), Grace Rau (BCHS), Erica Davis (MPHS), Gabby Driessnack (MPHS), and Cristina Guytingco (SHA).

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 grant making, and providing leadership on key community issues. To learn more about the Community Foundation and the Youth Advisory Committee, visit www.mpacf.org.

Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation Awards 2017 Scholarships

The Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation (MPACF) will award 91 scholarships totaling more than $87,000 to local students during a Scholarship Reception on May 23, 2017. 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 Brittany Sherrill, Program Officer, at (989) 773-7322 or visit www.mpacf.org.

The 2017 Community Foundation Scholarship Recipients are:

Community Foundation Grants More Than $91,000

The Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation Board of Trustees recently awarded $91,232.52 in grants to organizations impacting Isabella County.

• Art Reach of Mid Michigan received $848.45 from the W. Sidney and Judith French Smith Community Fund to support Art Walk Central 2017, an annual art competition and an art infusion that will take place August 3 - August 31, 2017.
• Art Reach of Mid Michigan received $7,215 from the Jane McNamara and Louise Williams Fund to purchase a multi-function copier/printer.
• Beal City Public Schools received $2,535.47 from the Beal City Education Fund to provide scholarships and enrichment grants.
• Beal City Junior High Football received $1,564.16 from the Rocket Football Operating Fund to support low-income participants.
• Beal City Public Schools received $3,500 from the Community Impact Fund and $700 from the Kellogg Youth Fund to replace six aging classroom data projectors with more efficient models.
• Chippewa River District Library received $4,000 from the Access to Recreation Fund to purchase two barrier free picnic tables for the north courtyard at Veterans Memorial Library.
• Chippewa River District Library received $741 from the Eckersley Library Endowment Fund to update DEG, ASVAB, SAT, and ACT test preparation materials available to patrons.
• Christian Counseling of Mid Michigan received $2,500 from the Fabiano Family Fund and $2,500 from the Kellogg Youth Fund to provide counseling at a reduced rate to Isabella County families. This grant will target families with children and teens who could not otherwise afford counseling services. Many of these children and teens are from broken or merged family units. This grant will address mental health issues proactively by offering solutions through on-going counseling at reduced rates.
• Christmas Outreach of Isabella County received $2,000 from the Hersee Family Fund, $1,000 from the John Neyer Family Fund, and $3,000 from the Women's Initiative Fund to purchase boots and coats during the sale season.
• City of Mt. Pleasant received $1,526 from the Access to Recreation Fund to replace vandalized glass panels on the Mary Ellen Brandell Bridge on the Access to Adventure Trail.
• Clothing, Inc. received $560 from the Staples Family Fund and $1,764 from the Weisenburger Family Fund to purchase storage containers and a computer.
• Community Compassion Network received $969.22 from the David B. and Susan K. Keilitz Family Fund and $4,030.78 from the Mt. Pleasant Oil Industry Food Pantry Fund to provide 250 families with supplemental food assistance through the Mobile Food Pantry.
• Community Compassion Network received $600 from the Kimber and Judy DeWitt Family Fund, $900 from the John P. and Ann S. Jensen Community Impact Fund, and $1,500 from the Kellogg Youth Fund to provide summer weekday lunches to elementary students who receive supplemental food through the Nutrition Club.
• Community Compassion Network received $1,452.87 from the William Ellis Brockman Infant Assistance Fund to purchase diapers at wholesale prices to be distributed by the William Ellis Brockman Infant Pantry.
• Foster Closet of Michigan received $1,000 from the Kellogg Youth Fund and $1,000 from the Women's Initiative Fund to provide more than 25 teen girls with new clothing.
• Isabella County Parks and Recreation received $6,000 from the Access to Recreation Fund to provide ADA accessible beach equipment for Herrick and Coldwater Parks.
• Isabella County Restoration House received $3,066.38 from the Denison Unrestricted Fund and $2,933.62 from the Kay Smith Family Fund to provide guest transportation for two seasons. This grant will pay for buses to transport guests to participating churches from the intake center each evening and from the churches to the Isabella Community Soup Kitchen the following morning, as well as to shower facilities several times each week. In 2016, 90 individuals were served through the ICRH.
• McLaren Central Michigan Hospital received $10,000 from the John R. and Constance M. Harkins Community Fund to support emergency room renovations.
• Mt. Pleasant Public Schools received $300 from the Kellogg Youth Fund mini-grant program to purchase a cup stacking kit that will be incorporated into the physical education curriculum.
• Mt. Pleasant Youth Football received $3,188.48 from the Rocket Football Operating Fund to support low-income participants.
• Sacred Heart Academy received $700 from the Kellogg Youth Fund to bring in Janie Lynn Panagopoulos, a nationally known author of children’s historical fiction books, to speak to students about the importance of reading, writing, and history.
• Shepherd Public Schools received $1,000 from the Shepherd Community Fund in Honor of Robert Bates to provide a safe and fun alternative for students after the 2017 prom.
• Shepherd Public Schools received $1,309 from the Kellogg Youth Fund and $1,250 from the Shepherd Community Fund in Honor of Robert Bates to purchase a washer and dryer for the elementary school nurse’s office. This will benefit students who have bathroom accidents, become ill, or are otherwise in need of clean clothes or outerwear.
• Shepherd Youth Football received $1,263.36 from the Rocket Football Operating Fund to support low income participants.
• Special Olympics Michigan received $1,538.47 from the Special Olympics Michigan Fund to support the 2017 Summer Games.
• St. Joseph the Worker received $2,900 from the Community Impact Fund, $6,800 from the Kellogg Youth Fund, and $3,000 from the Lon Morey Family Fund to purchase twenty laptops and a laptop charging cart for 90 students.
• United Way of Gratiot and Isabella Counties received $3,549.15 from the United Way of Isabella County Fund and $3,155.06 from the Volunteer Center of Isabella County Fund to purchase software to support database conversion necessary with the merger of operations for the two counties.

Applications for the next competitive grant cycle are due May 24, 2017. For more information on grant eligibility, and ways to support the endowed funds that make these grants possible, visit www.mpacf.org.

Feight Family Endows Community Improvement Fund

The Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation’s Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the establishment of the Feight Family Community Improvement Fund, a permanent endowment that will prioritize grantmaking for community beautification projects.

In 2011, a small committee of community members led by Keith and Kurt Feight sought the assistance of the Community Foundation to raise funds to paint the High Street Bridge - a gateway into the Mt. Pleasant community. The charitable purpose of this effort was to make more visually appealing an arrival and departure point to create a greater sense of community and a welcoming environment for those visiting. From 2012-2014, more than $60,000 was contributed to this special project fund at the Community Foundation. In total, 153 gifts of various sizes were made.

Only a few companies in the state of Michigan are qualified and licensed to perform this type of work, and the Bridge Committee was able to coordinate with MDOT and the Great Lakes Central Railroad Company to get the project done on time and under budget. A partnership with the City of Mt. Pleasant was established to contract for the removal and environmental containment of the old lead-based paint covering the bridge, and the project was completed in August, 2013 with graffiti-resistant paint and high-quality vinyl lettering.

 “The difference is remarkable,” said Kurt Feight. “The bridge has become a point of pride for our community.” The City, the Chamber of Commerce, and multiple local businesses have used images of the bridge to promote Mt. Pleasant.

After paying the expenses associated with the High Street Bridge, there remained a small balance. Inspired by the success of the project, the Feight Family decided they wanted a way to continue their involvement with projects like this one. The Feight Community Improvement Fund will prioritize grantmaking to maintain the High Street Bridge and support similar community beautification projects in the future. Gifts to the newly established endowment fund can be made at www.mpacf.org.

MPACF Awarded Grant from Consumers Energy Foundation in Support of Shepherd to Mt. Pleasant Pathway

The Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation today accepted a $25,000 grant from Consumers Energy Foundation to support the next phase of the Mid-Michigan Community Pathway (MMCP).

The 6.8 mile paved, non-motorized trail will connect the communities of Shepherd and Mt. Pleasant as part of a larger project to ultimately run north/south from Clare to Ithaca. The Village of Shepherd will bid the project this spring and construction will take place over the summer months. Starting at the intersection of Deerfield and South Mission in Mt. Pleasant, the trail will head south along Mission until Blanchard Road. Then the trail will travel east on Blanchard Road until connecting to an existing trail in Shepherd. This section of the pathway is scheduled to be complete by October.

The Mid-Michigan Community Pathways (MMCP) Group is comprised of community members from Clare, Isabella, and Gratiot counties. “The first section of the trail opened this past fall in Gratiot County,” said President Steve Davidson. “So many have come together to make this project happen.” Large grants from the Michigan Department of Transportation, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe, Saginaw WIN, Charter Township of Union, and Village of Shepherd make up most of the $2.2 million needed for this phase of construction. The Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation has worked with the MMCP Group to raise much of the rest, with grants from the Shepherd Community Fund and Community Impact Fund, as well as the Gerstacker Foundation and today’s gift from the Consumers Energy Foundation.  “Several individual donors from our community also contributed to this project through the Community Foundation,” said Executive Director Amanda Schafer. “There is a great deal of excitement about breaking ground on this portion of the pathway.”

A new group has formed, calling themselves the Isabella County Friends of the Mid-Michigan Community Pathway. They will focus on trail maintenance and repairs, promotion, and overall care. “We can’t wait to hold events on the pathway,” said President Wendy Oswald. “Local cross country kids can practice on the trail, families can ride their bikes; there are endless possibilities.”

The Isabella County Friends of the MMCP will hold their first ever fundraiser this spring in anticipation of the new trail. Ales for Trails will take place April 28-29th in downtown Shepherd. The beer tent will be open from 5:30-11:30 pm each night and local favorite Jedi Mind Trip will provide entertainment Saturday. Learn more about the event as it takes shape by visiting Mid-Michigan Community Pathways page on Facebook.

Additional information about the pathways project can be found at midmichpathways.org or by visiting the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation website at mpacf.org.

Community Foundation Welcomes Two New Trustees

The Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation welcomes Rick McGuirk and Linda Morey to its Board of Trustees.

Born in Isabella County, Linda Morey has spent most of her life here. She raised four daughters (Terra, Krista, Gina and Laura) and returned to Central Michigan University in pursuit of classes for enrichment. In 2004, Linda obtained a Bachelor of Applied Arts degree with a major in photography, and a minor in art history. She has served on the Art Reach Board of Directors and is currently a member of the Board of Trustees, the Gallery Committee, and the Let’s Do Lunch Committee. Linda began volunteering at the Community Foundation in 2011 as a Reception Ambassador. In addition to spending lots of time with her five grandchildren, she serves as a member of the Women’s Initiative Committee, the Women’s Initiative Fund Advisory Board, and the Scholarship Committee. She will chair the Grant Review Committee this year.

“Serving on the Grant Review Committee since 2012 has given me more insight, and made me more aware of the special needs and issues that exist in our community,” Linda said. “I am grateful for the opportunity to serve on the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation Board of Trustees, and look forward to being a good steward and advocate for the community, sharing my time and talents to make a positive impact in our community!”

A graduate of Mt. Pleasant High School and Central Michigan University, Rick McGuirk is the Operations Manager for United Apartments. He serves on the Development Board at CMU, the City of Mt. Pleasant’s TIFA/DDA Board, and Union Township’s Planning Commission. Rick has been a member of the Community Foundation’s Grant Review Committee since 2002, and his wife Julie serves on the Women’s Initiative Committee. Together, they have four children (Tom, Trevor, Tyler and Taryn) who keep them very busy.

“I’m so impressed with the work of the Community Foundation and how many parts of community life are touched by it,” said Rick. “I look forward to working with the other board members and staff to continue to grow the organization and improve our local community.”

Morey and McGuirk join twenty-two other community members who serve as Trustees representing a wide range of professional expertise and organizational experience. 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 holding and attracting permanent endowed funds from a wide range of donors, addressing needs through grant making and providing leadership on key community issues. To learn more about the Community Foundation, visit www.mpacf.org.

More than 100 Scholarships Available

The Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation is now accepting applications for more than one hundred scholarships. Most are available to local students who will be completing their senior year of high school or GED this spring. There are also 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 under the Scholarship Tab. The application deadline is Friday, March 3, 2017.

Since 1990, the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation 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 93 scholarships totally more than $94,000 to students in and around Isabella County. 

Isabella County Youth Learn How to be Victimproof

“When you give bullies the worst of yourself, they usually end up getting the best of you too. Don’t do it. It’s not worth it.” This message is the driving force behind youth motivational speaker, Tom Thelen, whose anti-bullying message is told from a fresh perspective.  The Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) of the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation invited Tom to Isabella County earlier this month to spread his message to more than 2,700 students from Beal City Jr. and Sr. High Schools, West Intermediate, Mt. Pleasant High School, Sacred Heart Academy, and Shepherd Jr. and Sr. High Schools.

Students who attended the Victimproof program learned how to recognize bullying, when to stand up, when to walk away and talk to a trusted adult, practical steps for building self-esteem and developing resiliency, how to prevent bullying through peer leadership, and how to “be the change” within their own school. This message is even more important today because of the prevalence of bullying during after school hours in the form of cyber-bullying. Tom’s Victimproof program was created as a way to give students the tools to overcome bullying and change their school culture.

The Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) includes 7th-12th grade students from all schools in Isabella County, and serves as a pivotal agent in the empowerment of youth and in the development of young leaders. The YAC advises the Community Foundation's Board of Trustees on the awarding of grants from the Kellogg Youth Fund, which supports charitable projects that benefit the young people of Isabella County. In addition to their grant making, the YAC surveys Isabella County 8th and 10th graders every three years to help identify what they see as the greatest needs and problems facing youth in our community.

YAC Vice President, Erica Davis, said of bringing Tom to Isabella County, “The YAC aims to help youth in our community, and knowing that bullying is one of the biggest issues kids face, Tom’s message was exactly what we needed. He focused on how to be victimproof, instead of the usual ‘don’t be a bully’ message, which hopefully gave students a new perspective.”

Tom wrote Victimproof – The Student’s Guide to End Bullying after he was bullied and did not know how to break out of the cycle, until one teacher stepped in and made a difference in his life. He hopes to inspire students, teachers, community members, and parents to be that one person who can step in and make a difference for someone.

Community Foundation Grants Exceed $560,000 in 2016

MT. PLEASANT, MI - The Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation Board of Trustees recently awarded more than $105,000 in grants to organizations impacting Isabella County, making the total awarded in 2016 more than $560,000.

Art Reach of Mid Michigan received $1,356.00 from the Russ Herron Poetry Fund for the Wellspring Literary Series.

Central Michigan District Health Department received $5,303.51 from the Breast and Cervical Cancer Fund to support a computer upgrade for electronic medical records.

Character Programs received $6,500.00 from the Kellogg Youth Fund for Anti-Bullying Speaker Tom Thelan, who will present to Isabella County 7-12 grade students about how to respond to bullying.

Christmas Outreach received $900.00 from the Kellogg Youth Fund, $2,256.34 from the Women's Initiative Fund, $2,700.00 from the Hersee Family Fund, $1,600.00 from the David B. and Susan K. Keilitz Family Fund, and $543.66 from the Sullivan Family Fund to purchase children’s books and winter coats.  

City of Mt. Pleasant received $10,000.00 from the Community Impact Fund, $8,500.00 from the Jane McNamara and Louise Williams Fund, $1,000.00 from the Optimist Club of Mt. Pleasant Fund, and $5,500.00 from the Kay Smith Family Fund, to support Timber Town 2.0, replacing the playscape in Island Park.

Community Compassion Network received $1,113.00 from the Kellogg Youth Fund, $1,287.00 from the Elizabeth Z. Miller & Bruce H. LaPointe Community Needs Fund, $1,600.00 from the Michael D. and Dianne C. Morey Community Needs Fund, and $1,000.00 from the Dr. Leonard E. and Louise A. Plachta Unrestricted Fund to provide supplemental food assistance.

Community Compassion Network received $3,000.00 from the Women's Initiative Fund to purchase diapers for the William Ellis Brockman Infant Pantry.

EightCAP received $1,500.00 from the Continuum Homelessness Grant Fund to cover costs of emergency shelter when other homeless resources are not an option.

Friends of the Broadway received $6,480.00 from the Community Impact Fund for capacity building in the areas of strategic planning and fund development.

Friends of the Library received $2,238.19 from the Friends of the Library Fund for upgrades so that guests can download movies, TV shows, music and audiobooks to computers, smart phones, and tablets.

Gratiot-Isabella RESD received $1,950.00 from the Kellogg Youth Fund, $850.00 from the Staples Family Fund, and $1,100.00 from the Theunissen Family Fund to enroll 150 children in the Dolly Parton Imagination Library Program.

Great Lakes Bay Foundation received $6,400.00 from the Denison Unrestricted Fund, $2,400.00 from the G. Charles and Janice L. Hubscher Fund, $3,000.00 from the Morey Foundation Donor Advised Fund, and $3,200.00 from the W. Sidney Smith and Judith French Smith Family Fund to provide Isabella County Middle School math students with STEM curriculum tailored for each classroom.

Habitat for Humanity received $1,500.00 from the Lon Morey Family Fund, $500.00 from the John Neyer Family Fund, and $3,000.00 from the Weisenburger Family Fund for an exterior home preservation program that helps low-income homeowners.

Isabella Citizens for Health received $693.00 from the Isabella Bank Director Memorial Fund for a sharps disposal education program.

Lincoln Township of Isabella County received $1,500.00 from the Brewster Family Access to Recreation Fund and $1,000.00 from the Janet Maar Strickler Access to Recreation Fund to provide a handicap accessible sidewalk from the picnic pavilion to the Lincoln Township Hall.

Listening Ear Crisis Center received $2,000.00 from the Listening Ear Consumer Needs and Dreams Fund for medical needs of consumers as well as a consumer led micro-enterprise business.

Montabella Community Schools received $493.00 from the Montabella Community Schools Education Fund for startup art supplies for a new elective class at the elementary school.

Mt. Pleasant Discovery Museum received $1,300.00 from the Kellogg Youth Fund and $3,200.00 from the Community Impact Fund to install a new Light Room Exploration exhibit.

Mt. Pleasant Public Schools received $300.00 from the Kellogg Youth Fund for support of the Junie B. Jones Play Production that toured Isabella County elementary schools.

Mt. Pleasant Public Schools received $300.00 from the Kellogg Youth Fund for “Students of Promise,” a project that provides homeless youth with tokens to launder their clothes at a local laundry mat.

Mt. Pleasant Public Schools Education Foundation received $2,500.00 from the John R. and Constance M. Harkins Community Fund to further grow their endowment for the future.

Shepherd Public Schools received $1,000.00 from the Kellogg Youth Fund to provide food assistance for students in need during extended school breaks.

Shepherd Railroad Museum Association received $546.00 from the Shepherd Community Fund in Honor of Robert Bates to replace the windows in the Shepherd Caboose.

Village of Shepherd received $2,162.00 from the Shepherd Community Fund in Honor of Robert Bates to decorate Downtown Shepherd with garland this holiday season.

Applications for the next competitive grant cycle are due January 25, 2017. For more information on grant eligibility, and ways to support the endowed funds that make these grants possible, visit www.mpacf.org.