2020 Virtual Scholarship Reception
Welcome to the 2020 Virtual Scholarship Reception! This year, the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation (MPACF) awarded 106 scholarships totaling $120,100 to local students wishing to pursue higher education. To learn more about our organization, or to contribute to funds such as these, visit us at https://www.mpacf.org.
Thank you Angie Evans and Joe Walters from 95.3 WCFX for narrating the student awards!
Thank you sponsors for supporting this event!
Pillar Sponsors:
Mt. Pleasant Abstract & Title, Inc.
Gold Sponsors:
Strickler Resources
Krystal and Scott Campbell
James and Evangeline Fabiano
Steve and Cheryl Gaudard
Dyke and Phyllis Heinze
Doug and Missy LaBelle
Elizabeth Miller and Bruce LaPointe
William and Eleanor Martin
Mike and Dianne Morey
Linda Morey
Lon Morey
Janet Maar Strickler
Silver Sponsors:
Fore Energy Partners, Inc.
Mt. Pleasant Agency- Central Insurance
Total Investment Planners Inc.
Weichert Realtors Broadway Realty
Shirley Martin Decker
Marie K. Green
John and Ann Jensen
Linda and Al Kaufmann
Steve and Sue Pung
Carol and Jim Wojcik
Bronze Sponsors:
Isabella Community Credit Union
Muskegon Development Company
Sue and John Bradac
Jill Bourland CPA LLC
Jena Eisenberger (Edward Jones)
Amy Hovey (Edward Jones)
Dave and Sue Keilitz
Terry and Diane Kunst
Mark and Shelly Smith
Bob and Nancy Wheeler
Isabella Drive-Up Mask Giveaway May 28
To help meet the increasing demand for face coverings, the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation and many community partners, are coordinating a no-contact, drive-up distribution of 20,000 non-surgical cloth masks on Thursday, May 28 from 4-6 p.m.
There will be two distribution sites in Isabella County--one at Central Michigan University’s (CMU) McGuirk Arena and one at Shepherd High School. Parking lots in both locations will allow drivers to pop the trunk or roll down the windows to receive masks for their household. Drivers are asked to remain in their vehicle.
This event is made possible with support from Logos Galore, CMU’s Herbert H. & Grace A. Dow College of Health Professions, Mid-Central Area Health Education Center, CMU Police Department, Shepherd Public Schools, Shepherd Police Department, WCFX 95.3, and WNEM-TV5.
To support relief efforts like this in Isabella County, visit mpacf.org/covid19 to make a contribution to the COVID-19 Community Response Fund for Isabella County.
Community Foundation Welcomes Communications Associate
The Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation (MPACF) welcomes Elizabeth “Liz” (Whittemore) Fredendall to the newly-created role of Communications Associate. Fredendall joined the staff in March and is responsible for the communications, marketing, and public relations functions of the Community Foundation.
Fredendall studied at St. Clair County Community College before transferring to Central Michigan University (CMU) in 2014. After receiving her Bachelor of Science in Photojournalism from CMU, Fredendall worked as a freelance photojournalist for publications such as Epicenter Mt. Pleasant and Catalyst Midland.
“We’re thrilled to expand our team with this position,” said MPACF CEO, Amanda Schafer. “We can lift each other up through positive news, and with a Communications Associate, we are able to tell better, more compelling stories about the amazing things happening in our community.”
Join us in welcoming Fredendall to this new role. She can be reached at liz@mpacf.org.
Community Foundation to Award $120,100 in Scholarships to Local Students
In a virtual reception scheduled to occur on June 4, 2020, the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation (MPACF) will award 106 scholarships totaling $120,100 to local students.
The board of trustees and the 95 volunteers that make up the scholarship committee adapted to new ways to continue the scholarship application review process while honoring social distancing guidelines outlined in the stay-at-home executive order. In lieu of in-person meetings, committee members communicated via phone, email, and video calls to continue progress of selecting scholarship recipients.
The scholarships were established by individuals, businesses, and organizations who want to help local students achieve their educational goals. Each scholarship is unique and reflects the values and interests of those who established it. Most of the scholarships support high school students planning to attend an accredited college, university or trade school in the fall.
For more information, or to support any one of these scholarships, contact Amanda Schafer, CEO, at (989) 773-7322 or visit www.mpacf.org.
The 2020 Community Foundation scholarship recipients are:
Salma Abdelgawad James R. Hodgins Scholarship - Foreign Language
Olivia Adgate Isabella Bank Scholarship
Lesley Armah Martin Family Scholarship
Dylan Arnett Nolan D. Stilgenbauer Agricultural Scholarship
Connor Auker Maness Family Scholarship
Madisyn Auker Mt. Pleasant High School Class of 1965 Scholarship
Maya Beeg Dr. Thomas M. and Jayne Keating Scholarship
Brooklyn Bigard Keisha Y. Brown Angel Wings Scholarship
James Bigard Shepherd Public Schools Scholarship
Briana Bixby Robert F. Murray & Co. CPA Scholarship
Rachel Bloomfield Denison Family Scholarship
Kaitlyn Bootz Nancy Carey Memorial Scholarship
Kolbey Boyd Isabella County Retired School Personnel Scholarship
Brigid Boyle Norval Morey Leadership Scholarship
Kimberly Burch Brenda Echelbarger Memorial Scholarship
Quinnlan Burger Arnold and Margaret Sowmick Memorial Scholarship
Ann Burkhart Herbert H. Lueth Scholarship
Joshua Camp Mercantile Bank of Michigan Scholarship
Nickolas Cataldo Rotary Scholarship
Logan Chilman Isabella Community Credit Union Members' Scholarship
Autry Clark Keisha Y. Brown Angel Wings Scholarship
Avery Claybaugh Isabella Bank Scholarship
Zoe Collins Garland-Schilling Scholarship
Steven Davidson Stokes Elementary Education Scholarship
Lea Dean Donna J. and W. Larry Collins/GFWC Scholarship
Alexander DeMattei Christopher John Andera Memorial Scholarship
Sarah Dickman Isabella Bank Scholarship
Carra Eagen Herbert H. Lueth Scholarship
Taylor Ellison Gary Moe Memorial Scholarship
Raegen Epple Harold and Marie Krapohl Scholarship
Jo Ettinger Lemmer Family Scholarship
Maddie Fenby Richard C. Dubay Memorial Scholarship
Morgan Filhart James D. and Karen A. McConnell Family Scholarship
Lyndsey Fillenworth Keisha Y. Brown Angel Wings Scholarship
Robert Finnerty Aaron Jacob Latham Memorial Scholarship
Zoe Fleming C. Jane (Dubay) and Dwight D. Dodge Memorial Scholarship
Kyle Frost Isabella Bank Scholarship
Shelby Galan Shepherd Public Schools Scholarship
Cory Gaskill Art Scholarship
Emma George-Griffin J. Paul Janes Memorial Scholarship
Shelby Godwin Feight Family Business Scholarship
Kyleigh Golightly Emerson W. Green Memorial Scholarship
Noah Graham Mt. Pleasant High School Class of 1959 Legacy Scholarship
Demetri Griffin Mt. Pleasant High School Class of 1959 Legacy Scholarship
Haley Heldt Kenneth and Hilda Schmeck Memorial Nursing Scholarship
Jordyn Henning Earl G. Hartman, Sr. and Caroline Millar Hartman Scholarship
Joseph Higbie Michael and Dianne Morey Manufacturing Skilled Trades
Ryleigh Hines Isabella Bank Scholarship
Ryleigh Hines Scottie Miller Memorial Special Education Scholarship
Sydney Hohlbein Susan K. and Douglas E. Dodge Scholarship
Alexis Horak Goenner Family Scholarship
Grace House J. Gavin Bradley Culinary/Hospitality Scholarship
Beth House Jason Parrott Scholarship
Christopher House supercarguy Scholarship
Madelon Humphreys James R. Hodgins Scholarship - English
Abidullah Israr Rotary Scholarship
Jenessa Johnson Leonard E. and Louise A. Plachta Scholarship
Aiden Judge Mercantile Bank of Michigan Scholarship
Patrick Judge Shirley Lemorie Memorial Scholarship
Clarrissa Klein George and Frances P. Rouman Mental Health Education Scholarship
Lilly Kowalczyk Ganiard History Project Scholarship
Austin Lobsinger Rotary Scholarship
Joshua Lynch Myler Family Scholarship
Jay Lyon Governor John Engler Scholarship
Stuart MacDonald Eckersley Scholarship
Tyler Martin Robert A. and Catherine A. Janson Scholarship
Jaycee Maxon McGuirk/Ganiard West Side School Scholarship
Maddison McBride Mercantile Bank of Michigan Scholarship
Elissa McDonald Ganiard History Project Scholarship
Samantha McDonald Martin Family Scholarship
Grace McIntosh Maness Family Scholarship
Riley McKenna Isabella Bank Scholarship
Zach Mogg Mercantile Bank of Michigan Scholarship
Lauren Munley Carolynn Cosan Memorial Scholarship
Olivia Nelson Matthew S. Sharrar Memorial Scholarship
Drew Neyer Paul Moeggenberg Family Youth Agricultural Scholarship
Hunter O'Brien John P. and Ann S. Jensen Scholarship
Olivia Parks McGuirk/Ganiard West Side School Scholarship
Luke Pramuka Charlie and Jane Kiel Scholarship
Luke Pramuka Earl G. Hartman, Sr. and Caroline Millar Hartman Scholarship
Hillary Prout Blystone & Bailey CPAs Scholarship
Mackenzie Purtill Mt. Pleasant High School Class of 1959 Legacy Scholarship
Michele Reinke Konwinski Construction Scholarship
Makia Robinson Watson Family Scholarship
Lauren Rookard Isabella Bank Scholarship
Hayden Salter Jeff Reedy Memorial Scholarship
Melissa Santure Shepherd Public Schools Scholarship
Seth Schafer Thomas W. Lavoie Memorial Scholarship
Landon Schumacker Heydenburg Family Scholarship
Ashley Shellenbarger Isabella Community Credit Union Members' Scholarship
Amanda Sinclair Jim Hartman Study Abroad Scholarship
Mason Slusher Isabella Bank Scholarship
Camaran Stout Herbert H. Lueth Scholarship
Rosa Sullivan Isabella Bank Scholarship
Matthew Szymczak Harry E. Tope Memorial Aviation Scholarship
Allison Tewari Ganiard History Project Scholarship
Sawyer Travis Shepherd Football Scholarship
Erin Wallace Herbert H. Lueth Scholarship
Mason Weber Jeff and Roy Spencer Scholarship
Sadie Wheaton Isabella Bank Scholarship
Aleisha Wilson Jeffrey Vernon Memorial Scholarship
Chassadee Winters Herbert H. Lueth Scholarship
Andrew Wittbrodt Matthew J. Boles Memorial Scholarship - Arts Scholarship
Molly Yonker Carol Huber Konwinski and Jerel Konwinski Scholarship
Alexa Zarr Phyllis A. Heinze Mathematics Education Scholarship
Alexis Zimmerman Matthew J. Boles Memorial Scholarship – MSU Scholarship
$100,000 Pledged by Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation for COVID-19 Response
To meet the needs of the community as issues surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic continue to grow, the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation (MPACF) has established the COVID-19 Community Response Fund for Isabella County.
The temporary emergency relief fund will provide resources to local organizations that are working to address immediate needs within communities affected by COVID-19.
The MPACF Board has pledged an initial $100,000 to the United Way of Gratiot & Isabella Counties (UWGIC) from the Fund. Together, the partners will invest the grant resources into organizations that are working to provide emergency relief to families and individuals in need.
“The Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation is working alongside the United Way to maximize impact across Isabella County,” said Amanda Schafer, MPACF CEO. “We believe that by working together with United Way, the grantmaking process will be more efficient and we can more rapidly deploy resources to those in need.”
Grants will provide nonprofits with critical operating resources to respond to community needs, as well as provide support for programs that address things such as utility assistance, food vulnerability, housing assistance, healthcare and other needs as identified. Application information is available at uwgic.org/covid19-apply. Grant prioritization will be to agencies providing services to assist vulnerable populations most impacted by the pandemic--seniors, children and low-income families. MPACF will work collaboratively with UWGIC to evaluate grant requests.
Contributions to the COVID-19 Community Response Fund for Isabella County can be made online at mpacf.org/donate or via check mailed to MPACF, PO Box 1283, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48804-1283.
Resources have already been committed from many existing MPACF endowment funds, including the Bandit Industries Community Fund, the Ralph and Sonja Baumgarth Family Fund, the Bovee Family Fund, the Kimber and Judy DeWitt Family Fund, the Barbara L. and George W. Dunn Family Fund, the Joanne Golden Family Community Impact Fund, the Harkins Family Fund, the G. Charles and Janice L. Hubscher Fund, the Mt. Pleasant Jaycees Fund, the David B. and Susan K. Keilitz Family Fund, the Kiwanis Club of Mt. Pleasant Fund, the Missy and Doug LaBelle Family Foundation Community Impact Fund, the McGuirk Family Fund, the Jane McNamara and Louise Williams Fund, the Elizabeth Z. Miller & Bruce H. LaPointe Community Needs Fund, the Gladys and Donald Mitchell Family Fund, the Myler Family Community Impact Fund, the John Neyer Family Fund, the Olson Family Fund, the Optimist Club of Mt. Pleasant Fund, the Steve and Sue Pung Family Fund, the Rapaport Family Fund, the Sherwood Family Fund, the Kay Smith Family Fund, the W. Sidney Smith and Judith French Smith Family Fund, the Sullivan Family Fund, the Theunissen Family Fund, and the Andy Wheeler Community Needs Fund.
Click here to view an updated list of grants awarded through this joint grantmaking effort. Note that dollars contributed by MPACF were used only to support organizations serving Isabella County.
COVID-19 Community Response
The Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation (MPACF) is continuing to actively monitor the status of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and collaborate with partners around anticipated local needs. We’re also gathering insight on how we can continue to support communities through the various phases of this situation, especially for vulnerable populations. We are fortunate to be part of a caring, generous, and resilient community. The health and safety of our partners, staff, and neighbors is always our top priority.
Donations: Administered by the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation, the COVID-19 Community Response Fund for Isabella County will provide flexible resources to organizations in our area working with communities who are disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 and the economic impact of this outbreak.
Information and Support: We encourage all of our friends to closely monitor updates and review valuable health and safety resources from the State of Michigan, Central Michigan District Health Department, and Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Michigan's Department of Health and Human Services has developed a hotline to answer health-related questions about COVID-19. For non-health related support, we encourage community members to dial 211.
Our Office: Based on recommendations from public health officials related to social distancing, the Hersee House is now closed to the public. We encourage the use of phone and email communications over in-person visits at this time, to help protect our community and stop the spread of the virus. Scholarship application and donation processing will continue.
Investment Strategy: This global health pandemic has led to increased financial market volatility over the past month. COVID-19 uncertainty will continue to affect the financial market outlook. We have been in touch with IPEX and Isabella Bank/FCI, our investment managers, and our Finance Committee. We are monitoring the situation but remain invested for long-term growth and currently plan to maintain our passively managed approach.
Thank you for your support, strength, generosity, and resiliency in these unprecedented times. Stay informed, healthy, and safe.
-Amanda Schafer, CEO
Four Local Nonprofit Leaders Chosen for Leadership Learning Lab
For the third year, several local nonprofit leaders have been selected by the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation 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 the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation, the Leadership Learning Lab aligns with the Foundation’s strategic efforts to support capacity building among local nonprofits.
The 2020 emerging leaders are Kim Friedrich, Mike LeValley, Lisa Phelps and Meg Schubert.
Kim Friedrich is attending on behalf of Habitat for Humanity of Isabella County, where she has served as Executive Director for two years. She is eager to fine tune her skills as a leader and expand her knowledge of non-profits. She looks forward to strengthening Habitat for Humanity’s relationships within the community by learning to become a more adaptive leader.
Mike LeValley is attending on behalf of the Chippewa Watershed Conservancy, where he has served as Executive Director for the past seven months. He believes the Leadership Learning Lab will directly address the challenges he faces as a new executive director. He is excited for the opportunity to interact and collaborate with other nonprofit leaders so that they might compare experiences and learn from each other.
Lisa Phelps is attending on behalf of the Mt. Pleasant Discovery Museum, where she has served as Executive Director for the past seven months. She is interested in the Leadership Learning Lab helping to find ways to sharpen her leadership skills and gain new insights and ideas about leadership.
Meg Schubert is attending on behalf of the Isabella County Child Advocacy Center, where she has served as Executive Director for the past five months. She hopes the Leadership Learning Lab will advance her strategic decision-making, critical analytical thinking and knowledge of organizational behavior. The resource of the lab will allow the ICCAC to continue to advance its mission, protecting and advocating for the children of our community.
Community Foundation Welcomes New Directors
The Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation is pleased to announce the addition of six new directors to its Board: Paul Alexander, Joe Fleming, Eileen Jennings, John Jensen, Nancy Ridley and Matthew Showalter.
Paul Alexander is a Central Michigan University graduate residing in Mt. Pleasant with his wife Maryanke. Alexander started Mt. Pleasant Abstract and Title in 1981 and is currently President of 19 offices throughout Central and Northeast Michigan. He helped to found the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation in 1990 and has served as its treasurer. Alexander’s community board experience also includes Art Reach of Central Michigan, the Central Michigan Association of Realtors, and the Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce. Alexander said, “It is overwhelming to see the exponentially significant progress the Foundation has made since it was first started in 1990. I’m excited to be back and working with such a passionate and dedicated group of people.”
Joe Fleming was born and raised here in Isabella County. He is President and Co-Owner of Konwinski Construction in Mt. Pleasant. With a construction management degree from Michigan State University, Fleming has more than 25 years of experience in the construction industry. He serves on the City of Mt. Pleasant’s Construction Board of Appeals, and has been active on the Foundation’s Facilities Committee since the renovation of the Hersee House in 2010. “There is always a lot going on at the Hersee House,” said Fleming. “It’s been great to be part of making it the permanent home of the Foundation, and I look forward to learning more about all the ways the organization has impact in our community.”
Eileen Jennings has been an active member of the community since moving to Mt. Pleasant in 1980. A retired attorney, she has served on the boards of United Way, Central Michigan Community Hospital, Pardee Cancer Fund, and Friends of Isabella Seniors. She is currently Vice President of Christmas Outreach, and is a long-time member of the Rotary and Zonta Clubs. Jennings has served the Foundation’s Women’s Initiative Committee as Chair of its Fund Advisory Board for many years, as well as the Scholarship Committee. Jennings said, “I admire the way the Foundation has become a leader in coordinating new ventures to improve our community.”
After graduating from Cranbrook Academy of Art with a master’s degree in Architecture, John Jensen spent eight years as an architect in Detroit before moving to Mt. Pleasant. Here, he joined Wakely Associates as a partner, until retiring in 2001. Jensen has been involved with many organizations through his career, including serving as a founding member of the Michigan Architectural Foundation. He now serves on both the Scholarship and Development Committees of the Community Foundation. “My wife Ann and I have a strong conviction that we must pay it forward. As an endowment fund founder and Legacy Society member, I’m thrilled to serve on the Foundation Board as further demonstration of our commitment to the community.”
Nancy Ridley is a Central Michigan University alumna who began her professional career in finance at CMU as well. After several years, she accepted a new position and spent 17 years as the City of Mt. Pleasant’s Finance Director. In 2014, Ridley was appointed by the City Commission to her current role as City Manager. Ridley enjoys volunteering and has previously worked with the Mt. Pleasant Sport Boosters, McLaren Central Michigan and the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation. Ridley said, “My position with the City of Mt. Pleasant has allowed me to see on a daily basis what an impact the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation has on not only the city residents, but for the residents of Isabella County as a whole.” She is excited to take over the role of Chair for the Foundation’s Grant Review Committee this year.
With a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Central Michigan University, Matthew Showalter has been a commercial real property appraiser for more than 25 years and started The Showalter Group, LLC in 2014. He has served on the Shepherd Public Schools Board of Education since 2007 and is currently serving as Vice President. Showalter was elected in 2014 as President of the Michigan Association of School Boards. He was also elected in 2015 to the Gratiot-Isabella Regional Educational Service District Board of Education. Showalter will continue to serve on the Foundation’s Scholarship Committee and the Shepherd Community Fund in Honor of Robert Bates Advisory Board. “I’m proud of the connections made with our schools and Shepherd community, and I hope to help make them even stronger on the Foundation Board,” said Showalter.
The six new directors join eighteen other community members who represent a wide range of professional expertise and organizational experience: Cheryl Gaudard (Vice President), Dyke Heinze, Al Kaufmann (Secretary), Dave Keilitz, Rick McGuirk, Linda Morey, Lon Morey, Mary Ann O'Neil (President), Marcie Otteman, Emma Powell, Steve Pung, Erika Ross, Brian Rush (Treasurer), Mark Smith, 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 grant making and providing leadership on key community issues.
Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational Seeking Nonprofit Partners for #TeamUp Charitable Giveaway
The Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational (Dow GLBI) will continue a successful charitable effort launched during last year’s inaugural LPGA tournament. The unique charity event, called #TeamUp for the Great Lakes Bay Region, pairs 33 nonprofits from around the region with professional golfers competing in the tournament.
Applications are now being accepted for the program, which is open to any 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located in the Great Lakes Bay Region. Organizations must also show how their work impacts one of four focus areas outlined by the Dow GLBI: STEM, sustainability, inclusion, and innovation.
“Last year, just over $200,000 went back to local charities through this program,” said Chris Chandler, Dow GLBI executive director. “That’s in addition to some $300,000 in other charitable programs through the tournament. Thanks to the support of our sponsors and partners, these numbers are growing for 2020.”
This year, selected nonprofits will each receive a portion of a $233,500 pool of funds. While they are guaranteed a $4,500 donation, they have potential to earn more than $50,000 through other incentives, including how well their LPGA team does in the tournament.
The Dow GLBI is a team-based LPGA event with 66 two-player teams, thus each of the 33 nonprofits will be paired with two LPGA teams. Competitors who finish in the top ten can earn as much as $20,000 in additional donations for their nonprofit. Other awards include a $3,000 “closest to the pin” contest, a $5,000 “most engaged nonprofit” contest, and $3,000 to the team in first place at the end of each round of the tournament, of which there are four.
“The feedback from LPGA professionals during last year’s tournament was excellent,” said Chandler. “The best golfers in the world get the opportunity to learn more about the Great Lakes Bay Region and the issues affecting our communities. Their nonprofit teammates become instant fans, cheering them on throughout the event. There’s really no other charity program like this in professional golf.”
The Dow GLBI is working with the Midland Area Community Foundation, Bay Area Community Foundation, Saginaw Community Foundation, and Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation to manage the program. Each foundation will house and distribute the funds as well as help with the selection process. Qualified nonprofits can apply online at www.dowglbi.com/community-impact until the March 18th deadline.
Foundation Announces 2020 Opportunities
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 online. The application deadline is Wednesday, March 4, 2020.
The Community Foundation is also accepting grant applications for its spring competitive cycle. Applications are due May 20, 2020. Charitable organizations, schools, and units of government may apply. Though all program types are encouraged, the Community Foundation’s Board of Trustees is most interested in ideas that address one of the greatest concerns expressed in Isabella County’s most recent Community Needs Assessment: 1) Lack of jobs that pay enough to live on; and 2) Crime, violence, or bullying. Potential grantees are encouraged to attend a Grantseeker Information Session on Wednesday, January 8, 2020. Contact Program Officer Jaimie Capen-Cascaddan at (989) 773-7322 to register for the 10:00 am or the 3:00 pm session. Both will last approximately 2 hours. For more information on grant eligibility, and ways to support the endowed funds that make these grants possible, explore our website.
Finally, the Community Foundation is pleased to be partner with the Frey Foundation and NorthSky Nonprofit Network to present the 2020 Leadership Learning Lab. Emerging leaders heading Isabella County charitable organizations are eligible to apply for the 9-month opportunity designed to connect and empower nonprofit leaders and give them the skills to strengthen the organizations and communities they serve. Board approval and a $100 participation fee are required if selected. Contact Program Officer Jaimie Capen-Cascaddan for an application. Applications are due Friday, January 31, 2020.
Holiday Season 2019 Community Matters E-Newsletter
Fall 2019 Community Matters E-Newsletter
MPACF Grants Over $48,000
MT. PLEASANT, MI - The Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation Board of Trustees recently awarded $48,188.51 in grants to organizations making an impact in Isabella County.
Art Reach of Mid Michigan will receive $1,350 from the Russ Herron Poetry Fund for the Wellspring Literacy Series, a program which provides the community with the opportunity to enjoy contemporary poets and authors.
Ash Encompassment – Foster Closet of Isabella County will receive $3,802 from the Kellogg Youth Fund and Eunice A. Sutherland Burgess Fund for Youth for Foster Closet Bed Packages. This program addresses the need for children and teens in foster care to have their own bed.
Ash Encompassment – Foster Closet of Isabella County will receive $300 from the Kellogg Youth Fund to purchase undergarments for teens in foster care.
Central Michigan University will receive $3,000 from the Jane McNamara and Louise Williams Fund and Dr. Leonard E. and Louise A. Plachta Unrestricted Fund for the Central Michigan International Film Festival. Thanks to this grant, the festival will be able to provide 5 free film screenings to community members.
Christmas Outreach will receive $5,000 from the Denison Unrestricted Fund, John P. and Ann S. Jensen Community Impact Fund, and Michael D. and Diane C. Morey Community Needs Fund to purchase boots and coats which will be distributed at Christmas Outreach 2019.
Boy Scout Troop 648 will receive $400 from the Bob and Nancy Wheeler Fund for Scouting to purchase supplies for an Eagle Scout project to build a chimney swift tower.
Isabella County will receive $4,768.53 from the Community Impact Fund to fund the Census 2020 partnership between the Isabella County VA and the Isabella County Commission on Aging.
Isabella County Parks and Recreation will receive $2,100 from the Brewster Family Access to Recreation Fund for ADA compliant benches and recycling bins which will increase accessibility at Coldwater Lake Campsite.
Junior Achievement of North Central Michigan will receive $2,500 from the Kellogg Youth Fund for K-12 programming in Isabella County, this project will include topics such as workforce readiness, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy.
McLaren Central Michigan will receive $600 from the Amy Otteman Nursing Education Fund, which will allow two nurses to take a course in fundamental critical care support through the CMU College of Medicine.
Michigan State University Extension – Isabella County will receive $300 from the Kellogg Youth Fund for Teen “Chopped,” a program which allows teens the opportunity to display their culinary skills while learning about cooking nutritious foods.
Mt. Pleasant Discovery Museum will receive $1,259.98 from the Kellogg Youth Fund to install two new globes for their Luminary Lab.
Mt. Pleasant Public Schools will receive $7,800 from the MPPS Esther Kraus Peacemaking Fund to provide a certified Mindfulness instructor for McGuire and Fancher Elementary Schools.
Mt. Pleasant Public Schools will receive $3,528 from the Olson Family Fund to provide school bus safety cameras. This funding will increase safety of students by identifying unsafe drivers.
Sacred Heart Parish will receive $10,000 from the Kellogg Youth Fund, Connor J. Puhlman Memorial Fund for Youth, and Hersee Family Fund for Swing for the Fences, a project which will replace the fencing at Lincoln Hill baseball complex.
Village of Shepherd will receive $1,480 from the Shepherd Community Fund in Honor of Robert H. Bates for Preliminary Breath Test Tool Replacement/Secondary Calibration tool, a tool which will be utilized by the Shepherd Police Department for drunk driving enforcement.
For more information on grant eligibility, and ways to support the endowed funds that make these grants possible, visit www.mpacf.org.
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: Rob Powell, Jill Bourland, Zachary Stewart, Jacob Kain, Jill Simons, Jennifer Verleger, Peggy Schuette, Mary Olivieri, and Madison Chapman.
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.
Author Kris Landry to Speak During Women's Initiative Luncheon October 17th
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 CEO 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.