May
In 1992, three distinct groups of thoughtful, forward-thinking community members gathered in northwest lower Michigan. Each of these groups shared a common vision: to invest in their respective communities by creating a permanent charitable resource. Through the vehicle of community foundations, these visionary leaders found the perfect way to connect local generosity with the needs and opportunities of the communities they loved.
Today, the Charlevoix County Community Foundation, the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation, and the Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation are each celebrating our 30th anniversaries. As public charities, our organizations are dedicated to improving and enriching the lives of people in our respective service areas. Each community foundation stewards assets for community benefit through various funds, all established and supported by local donor partners. Some funds are earmarked for specific causes or organizations, while others are designed to be responsive and flexible in meeting changing needs and opportunities over time. Many of the funds we steward are held in permanent endowments so that they can continue to grow and support the people and places of our counties, now and for generations to come.
Over the last 30 years, our community foundations have grown and developed into strong community partners, grantmakers, and stewards of giving from generous donor partners. We bring people together, not only to provide grant funding and a place for community members to make a difference for generations to come, but also to work with local partners to address critical issues like attainable housing, public mobility, and early childhood education, among others.
Collectively, our three community foundations have awarded a total of more than $133 million in grants and scholarships since 1992 to benefit a seven-county region stretching from Frankfort to Mackinaw City. The assets and resources we steward for our communities are built on giving of all shapes and sizes from individuals, families, nonprofit organizations, governmental entities, and businesses who share a love for our area. These resources have, over the course of three decades, strengthened our communities and helped to improve the quality of life for people across the region.
As we reflect on the last 30 years, we are inspired by our communities’ generosity as well as the possibility of what’s to come in the next 30 years and beyond. We all know that the future is uncertain, but we have also seen what’s possible when communities come together to show gratitude for the people and places they love through philanthropy.
When you give to your community foundation, you make a difference today and, thanks to the power of endowment, for many generations to come. We invite you to celebrate our 30th anniversaries with us. Stay tuned for updates throughout the year from each of our organizations on how we’ll be celebrating our collective impact and thanking our communities for their support. Our region’s future is bright, thanks to people just like you who love this place and want to see it thrive.
To learn more, please contact the Charlevoix County Community Foundation at (231) 536-2440, or www.c3f.org; the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation at (231) 935-4066 or www.gtrcf.org; and the Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation at (231) 348-5820 or www.phsacf.org.
Chip Hansen, President
Charlevoix County Community Foundation
David Mengebier, President & CEO
Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation
David L. Jones, Executive Director
Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation