Foundation to Host Grantseeker Information Sessions
Board and staff members representing charitable organizations, schools, and units of government serving Isabella County, MI, are invited to participate, and must register to do so.
Ten #Unselfie Contest Winners Receive Gift Cards from Foundation
In an effort to encourage community members to wear face coverings to reduce the spread of COVID-19, the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation (MPACF) recently hosted a #Unselfie Photo Contest. Community member participants submitted photos of themselves wearing a mask, referred to as an #Unselfie, for the opportunity to win one of ten $100 local gift cards.
#Unselfie Photo Contest winners include Erin Bennett, Amanda Boyle, Shane Patrick Boyle, Allison Chiodini, Linda Colburn, Alysha Fisher, Matt Hewitt, Abidullah Israr, Karmen McNicol, and Makia Robinson, all of Mt. Pleasant.
Contest winners claimed their prizes earlier this month, and shared their thoughts about the contest themes. Excerpt below:
“The Chiodini family would like to thank the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation as well as the local businesses and donors that contributed to the #MaskUpIsabella #Unselfie Photo Contest,” said Allison Chiodini. “We are very honored and thankful to receive the prize of a local gift card, and are also thankful and happy to support local businesses here in our community! In the days, weeks and months ahead, we need to keep doing our part in our community, to protect our community, by continuing our efforts to #MaskUp when we are out in public places. Now, more than ever we can also do our part in our community, to protect those in our community, by shopping local, eating local and giving local this holiday season.”
Double Your Donation for Community Impact this #GivingTuesday
The Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation (MPACF) Board of Trustees is walking the talk this #GivingTuesday, offering to use their personal resources to double donations made to the Community Impact Fund now through midnight on December 1, until a total of $15,000 is reached.
#GivingTuesday is worldwide movement occurring the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. Dedicated to giving back and encouraging people to support the causes they care about most, #GivingTuesday started in 2012 and annually engages millions of participants around the globe.
“We have a day for giving thanks, a day for getting deals on Christmas gifts, a day for shopping local, and even a day for online shopping,” said CEO Amanda Schafer. “It only makes sense to then have a day when we return to acts of generosity that support our local community.”
Those looking to double their local impact this #GivingTuesday may make a donation online at https://www.mpacf.org/donate to the Community Impact Fund, which is the most flexible fund of the Foundation. Created by hundreds of generous individuals and businesses throughout the community over the last thirty years, the Community Impact Fund is unrestricted, meaning that grants can be made for a variety of needs or projects in Isabella County. MPACF is able to make meaningful, impactful grants like those awarded earlier this month to Clothing INC, the Little Downtown Pantry, Isabella Community Soup Kitchen, Mid-Michigan Industries, PACE Central Michigan, and The Care Store. Earnings from the Community Impact Fund benefit our changing community now and for years to come.
“When local charitable organizations had to adapt to continue serving community members during the pandemic, the Community Foundation already had flexible financial resources in the Community Impact Fund to be able to help those organizations,” said Schafer. “That's why it's so important that we continue to grow the fund, and why our Board members have offered to use their own resources to double your gift.”
Charitable giving is further incentivized this year because of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The stimulus bill, which was signed into law on March 27, entitles donors to an above-the-line tax deduction for charitable gifts up to $300 made in 2020.
#Unselfie Photo Contest
Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation Board and staff members encourage community members to wear face coverings in order to reduce the spread of COVID-19. We choose to #MaskUpIsabella because this simple act of kindness and respect conveys our commitment to the community as a whole.
#MaskUpIsabella to keep our schools open. #MaskUpIsabella to keep our local businesses open. #MaskUpIsabella to keep our community open. #MaskUpIsabella because there is transformative power in doing something good for one another.
Community Foundation Makes Twenty-Four Grants
The Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation Board of Trustees recently awarded $125,961 in grants to 24 organizations making an impact in Isabella County.
Art Reach of Mid Michigan received $600 from the Russ Herron Poetry Fund to offer an 8-week poetry workshop for Isabella County youth.
Big Brother Big Sisters of the Great Lakes Bay Region received $2,500 from the Kellogg Youth Fund to support a virtual pivot of their one-to-one mentoring programs for at-risk youth in Isabella County.
Chippewa River District Library received $9,665 from the James Dale Ervin Memorial Fund, Robert and Geraldine Krapohl Literacy Fund, and Mary Ellen Brandell Access to Recreation Fund to install StoryWalk in Rosebush’s Isabella Township Park. StoryWalk is an outdoor reading experience that encourages physical activity while increasing literacy skills.
Chippewa Watershed Conservancy received $1,500 from the Morning Sun Community Fund to purchase a generator and power tools to assist with maintenance and stewardship projects at its nature preserves.
Christian Counseling of Mid Michigan received $3,000 from the Tim and Teresa Coscarelly Family Fund to support the purchase of a new building.
Christmas Outreach of Isabella County received $2,000 from the Women’s Initiative Fund to provide gift bags containing personal and school supplies to teen girls whose families register with the organization.
City of Mt. Pleasant received $556 from the Feight Community Improvement Fund to paint the High Street bridge pump house.
Clothing INC received $600 from the Tim and Mary Ann O’Neil Community Impact Fund to purchase signage that will improve communication with guests picking up orders, and to purchase child-sized and pinch hangers to place more clothing on racks.
Community Cancer Services received $20,000 from the Harkins Community Fund to provide financial assistance to Isabella County cancer patients.
Cooperative Development Fund received $5,000 from the Community Impact Fund to support the expansion of GreenTree Cooperative Grocery in downtown Mt. Pleasant.
Cultural and Recreational Commission of Isabella County received $3,500 from the COVID-19 Community Response Fund for Isabella County to replace current drinking fountains with a bottle filling station.
First United Methodist Church received $4,000 from the Mt. Pleasant Oil Industry Food Pantry Fund and Summit Petroleum Fund to purchase protein foods for the Little Downtown Pantry.
Humane Animal Treatment Society received $1,000 from the Thomas R. and Judith D. Sullivan Fund to support the “Racin’ for Rescues” fundraiser.
Isabella Community Soup Kitchen received $10,000 from the COVID-19 Community Response Fund for Isabella County and Mt. Pleasant Oil Industry Food Pantry Fund to purchase supplies needed to continue providing free, packaged takeout meals.
Isabella County Restoration House received $5,000 from the COVID-19 Community Response Fund for Isabella County to provide additional services, screenings, isolation and supplies needed to shelter homeless individuals this winter.
Mid Central Area Health Education Center received $3,500 from the Kellogg Youth Fund to support the Health Careers Pipeline Program, which empowers high school students to pursue careers in the health professions.
Mid Michigan Industries received $5,000 from the Fisher Companies Community Impact Fund, Jane McNamara and Louise Williams Fund, and Dr. Leonard E. and Louise A. Plachta Unrestricted Fund to purchase technology for people with disabilities in an effort to facilitate social inclusion.
Mt. Pleasant Discovery Museum received $5,000 from the John P. and Ann S. Jensen Community Impact Fund, Schafer Community Impact Fund, and Staples Family Fund for the construction of the “3, 2, 1…Blast Off!” exhibit. The exhibit will be a space-themed, multi-story, interactive climbing structure with STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) components.
Presbyterian Villages of Michigan Foundation (PACE Central Michigan) received $2,400 from the Isabella County Health Improvement Fund, Ronald H. and Donna M. Cooper Family Fund, and Isabella Bank Director Memorial Fund to purchase Walk Wise units for isolated Isabella County seniors. Walk Wise is an attachment that tracks movement through a mobility aid, such as a cane or walker, and will alert PACE Central Michigan staff if there is unusual movement (too little or too much) that may suggest illness or a fall.
R.I.S.E. Advocacy received $3,750 from the Women's Initiative Fund to update their playground area to benefit the children of survivors who have had to utilize shelter services to escape domestic violence.
Renaissance Public School Academy received $7,890 from the Kellogg Youth Fund to purchase percussion and band instruments for the PreK-8 music education program.
Ronald McDonald House of Western Michigan received $3,000 from the Kellogg Youth Fund to help families living in Isabella County who must travel to Grand Rapids for critical medical and mental health treatment for their children.
The Care Store received $8,000 from the Ruth S. and Gerard R. Felter and Florence F. Battenfeld Family Fund, Fabiano Family Fund, Jerry M. and Marilyn A. Morey Community Fund, Michael D. and Dianne C. Morey Community Needs Fund, and Community Impact Fund to purchase flooring and shelving supplies for their renovated space, making it more user-friendly for those with physical limitations.
Village of Shepherd received $18,500 from the Shepherd Area Community Fund in Honor of Robert H. Bates and Access to Recreation Fund to support the construction of a splash park.
For more information on grant eligibility, and ways to support the endowed funds that make these grants possible, visit www.mpacf.org.
YAC Receives Award
The Mt. Pleasant Community Foundation’s Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) recently received a 2020 YAC of the Year Award from the Michigan Community Foundations Youth Project (MCFYP) Committee for creating a video thanking essential workers for their hard work during the COVID-19 pandemic.
MPACF’s YAC received the Russell G. Mawby Media Usage of the Year Award, which is given to a YAC that has utilized social media in their work in a unique, creative, or impactful way.
“This video was a unique way for Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation YAC to show support to the community during such an unprecedented time,” said MPACF’s YAC advisor, Emma Powell. “The video demonstrated empathy, care, time, and energy to ensure the unsung heroes during this time were showcased and that their efforts did not go unnoticed by the youth of our Isabella County community.”
To see the YAC’s video thanking essential workers, visit youtube.com/watch?v=iRslA-XQSXo.
Keep Our Community Open
Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation Board and staff members encourage community members to wear face coverings in order to reduce the spread of COVID-19. We choose to #MaskUpIsabella because this simple act of kindness and respect conveys our commitment to the community as a whole. Though we must maintain our physical distance from one another, we are steadfast in our desire to improve the quality of life for all citizens of Isabella County—no matter race, color, gender, age, marital status, religion, national origin, ability, politics or sexual orientation. We have promised to lead by example, and this applies even during a global health crisis. Will you join us? #MaskUpIsabella to keep our schools open. #MaskUpIsabella to keep our local businesses open. #MaskUpIsabella to keep our community open. #MaskUpIsabella because there is transformative power in doing something good for one another.
Youth Explore Racism
The Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation’s Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) presents “Explore Racism in Modern Day America” a two-part program to discuss racial bias and discrimination in our country.
YAC is comprised of dedicated students from schools throughout Isabella County who learn about leadership and civic engagement, while focusing on fundraising, volunteering, and grantmaking. The YAC advises MPACF's Board on the awarding of grants from the Kellogg Youth Fund, which supports charitable projects that benefit the young people of Isabella County.
“The oppression that the African American community has felt is unjust and unacceptable,” said YAC President and Mt. Pleasant High School senior, Kaitlin Otteman. “YAC understands that this issue impacts all of us. As student leaders, we wanted to show that there are many ways to learn and discuss this topic. It isn’t only policy makers that can create conversation. As the next generation, we must do better and we must be better.”
The two-part program starts by encouraging participants to read “The Hate U Give,” a young adult novel by Angie Thomas that confronts racial bias and discrimination. The reading of the book will be followed by a virtual panel discussion.
To request a free copy of “The Hate U Give,” Isabella County youth grades 6-12 may call the Veterans Memorial Library at (989) 773-3242. Books may be picked up curbside at the library Monday through Friday from 10 am to 5 pm and on Saturdays from 10 am to 2 pm.
A virtual panel will discuss critical themes as well as answer questions and comments about “The Hate U Give,” Black Lives Matter, police brutality, diversity, inclusion and others. This panel discussion will be recorded and the video will be posted to the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation Facebook page for community viewing, on September 17. Please consider submitting a topic or question for our panelists to discuss. Questions can be submitted between September 12 to September 15 to info@mpacf.org.
The panelists include Monica Dijetror, Dr. Vincent Mumford, Australyah Coleman, Alivia Clark and Jalen Kisner. This and many more updates can be found on the MPACF Facebook page and website - follow MPACF for more information.
Download the event flyer here.
Community Foundation Awards Nearly $59,000 in Competitive Grants
MT. PLEASANT, MI - The Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation Board of Trustees recently awarded $58,457 in competitive grants to organizations making an impact in Isabella County.
Art Reach of Mid Michigan received $4,550 from the Kellogg Youth Fund, Barbara A. Bissot Fund, and Ranck Family Fund to offer an increased number of free make-and-take crafts, as well as scholarships for adults and youth taking tuition based classes.
The Care Store received $8,500 from the COVID-19 Community Response Fund for Isabella County to purchase full-size household cleaning supplies that will be necessary to return to normal operations.
Chippewa Watershed Conservancy, Inc. received $5,000 from the Denison Unrestricted Fund and Dr. Leonard E. and Louise A. Plachta Unrestricted Fund to upgrade their office technology.
Christian Counseling of Mid Michigan received $4,105 from the Women’s Initiative Fund for the Telehealth Services Program. This program provides outpatient mental health services to clients through telephone calls or video conferencing meetings.
Clothing INC received $1,882 from the Staples Family Fund to better utilize their expanded office space inside the William and Janet Strickler Nonprofit Center.
Eagle Village received $5,000 from the Kellogg Youth Fund to assist families with the costs associated with intervention and counseling services.
HopeWell Ranch received $2,120 from the Kellogg Youth Fund for the HopeWell Ranch Rabbit Hole. Funds will be used to improve and expand an area used to educate visitors about caring for rabbits. The modern rabbitry will house different breeds for the purpose of therapy.
Humane Animal Treatment Society received $5,000 from the Fabiano Family Fund and Summit Petroleum Fund to purchase animal safe disinfectant, cleaning products, and personal protection equipment (PPE) to provide a safe environment for both the animals in shelter and the public that visits.
Isabella County Child Advocacy Center received $15,000 from the Darlene Bond Memorial Youth Fund, Shepherd Community Fund Honoring Robert H. Bates, Isabella Bank Director Memorial Fund, Hersee Family Fund, and Weisenburger Family Fund for the Protect Yourself 2.0 program. The program is a series of educational lessons for third-grade students in Isabella County on how to recognize and respond to the potential dangers of internet and social media usage.
Michigan Arts Access received $1,800 from the Kellogg Youth Fund for the Artists-in-Residence program. This program promotes learning through the arts for students receiving special education services in Isabella County through the Gratiot-Isabella RESD.
PACE Central Michigan received $5,500 from the Isabella County Health Improvement Fund to purchase two ultraviolet lights that will be used to disinfect buses, the shower room, and the clinic room, keeping the senior participants safe.
Applications for the next competitive grant cycle are due September 23, 2020. For more information on grant eligibility or ways to support the endowed funds that make these grants possible, visit mpacf.org.
MPACF, Other Local Organizations Partner with Catchafire to Bring Virtual Support to 200+ Nonprofits
Nine funders from the Great Lakes Bay Region (Midland Area Community Foundation, United Way of Midland County, Saginaw Community Foundation, United Way of Saginaw County, Bay Area Community Foundation, United Way of Bay County, Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation, United Way of Gratiot & Isabella Counties, and Greenleaf Trust), are thrilled to partner with Catchafire to bring time-sensitive, virtual support to more than 200 nonprofit organizations in the Great Lakes Bay region. Through this partnership, invited nonprofits will have access to skills-based volunteers on Catchafire’s virtual platform, where they can complete any number of operational or capacity-building projects together. This support will empower our nonprofit community to pivot within today’s workplace and environment to assure they are meeting the expectations and needs of the communities they serve. The Great Lakes Bay Region in particular has experienced multiple stressors in recent months, and Catchafire comes with tangible resources to help nonprofits respond and recover in the short term, and build resilience in the long term.
“To continue our support for capacity building among Isabella County nonprofit organizations, the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation is pleased to join with funders throughout the Great Lakes Bay Region in the launch of Catchafire,” said CEO Amanda Schafer. “More than thirty organizations serving Isabella County residents will now have access to this incredible virtual platform at no cost,” she added. “That means stronger, more efficient organizations serving our neighbors, allowing them to be that much more effective in meeting community needs.”
With this partnership, thirteen funders have now joined the One Michigan collaborative—a statewide program aimed at giving nonprofits in Michigan access to Catchafire’s on-demand support. Other grantmakers in the collaborative include founding member Michigan Health Endowment Fund (The Health Fund), Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, the Skillman Foundation, and Washtenaw Coordinated Funders, inclusive of the Office of Community & Economic Development, United Way of Washtenaw County, and St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor.
As part of One Michigan, nonprofits get access to Catchafire’s innovative virtual platform and programming to leverage a network of more than 100,000 skilled volunteers who will help pro bono with needs such as website development, online marketing, strategic planning, professional development, and other areas of critical work in fundraising, program delivery, human resources, marketing & communications, finance, and technology & operations.
Nonprofits post their immediate needs by choosing from over 140 projects, already outlined with steps and deliverables. Talented professionals apply to complete these tasks, and the organizations select a volunteer to do the work. Through these engagements, nonprofits get critical needs filled, and volunteers become deeply connected to the nonprofits’ missions. Over time, these connections can establish long-term relationships where pro bono professionals become repeat volunteers, social media advocates, donors, and potential board members.
Now more than ever, nonprofits leverage virtual support services like Catchafire to help with emergency response, recovery, and resiliency efforts. In Michigan alone, nonprofits with access to Catchafire completed 347 virtual pro bono projects on the platform since March 1, 2020. These projects have focused on fulfilling time-sensitive needs like transitioning to remote work; developing HR policies to keep staff safe and healthy; planning and organizing virtual fundraisers; better understanding the needs of beneficiaries; transitioning programs to a virtual environment; and receiving support from the CARES Act, among other programmatic, fundraising and operational needs. In the process, they’ve leveraged nearly 5,700 hours of volunteers’ time, saving more than $1,224,000.
While our Great Lakes Bay community may be struggling since the onset of COVID-19 and the recent flooding, Catchafire is now a resource that will help strengthen nonprofits in the region so we are prepared for the long road of recovery ahead.
To learn more about One Michigan or to learn how to participate as a grantmaker, please reach out to Ash Didwania, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at Catchafire at ash@catchafire.org
About Catchafire
Catchafire is a full service, on-demand solution designed to address the wide-ranging and complex needs of nonprofits by connecting them with talented pro bono professionals. Through Catchafire’s innovative web-based platform and network of more than 10 million professionals, nonprofits have access to people with expert skills who can help them with operational needs such as developing a website, building a strategic plan, designing a brochure, professional development, and other areas of critical work. Catchafire’s scalable and cost-effective model makes it possible for grantmakers to provide a full suite of capacity building services to any nonprofit that the foundation seeks to serve. Catchafire and its foundation partners are not only helping nonprofits improve their capacity, sustainability, and effectiveness, but also leveling the playing field by making capacity building available to any nonprofit or changemaker.
Summer 2020 Community Matters E-Newsletter
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.