News & Events

On June 11, Fremont Area Community Foundation’s Board of Trustees voted to elect Scott VanSingel as a new trustee. Ken DeLaat of Newaygo was also named chair of the board, following the conclusion of Bill Alsover’s term as chair.

VanSingel is from Grant and formerly served in the Michigan House of Representatives from 2017 until 2022, representing Newaygo County’s district. He has experience in finance and accounting and holds an MBA from Cornerstone University. He has also served as a deacon and Spanish translator at his church.

“I’m the fifth generation of my family in Grant and I live near where my great-great grandfather built his homestead,” said VanSingel. “After six years in the state legislature, I was looking for new ways to continue serving our community. I think I can bring a diverse perspective to the board, and I’m looking forward to learning. The Community Foundation has had such an impact, and I want to continue learning more about local needs and help find ways to meet them.”

VanSingel will replace retiring trustee Peggy Rossler, who first joined the board in 2017. Rossler, a retired educator, has served as chair of the Community Foundation’s Education Committee and with the Amazing X Charitable Fund.

“We are deeply grateful for Peggy’s years of dedicated service and know that she and her husband, Tim, will continue to be important partners of the Community Foundation,” said Shelly Kasprzycki, president and CEO of the Community Foundation. “We’re also excited to welcome Scott to the Board of Trustees. Scott brings a unique perspective and breadth of experience to our board, and we look forward to working more closely with him.”

A new slate of officers was also elected at the June meeting to serve for the next year. DeLaat will serve as chair, Charles Chandler of White Cloud as vice chair, Mikhail Salacina of Grant as treasurer, Julie Burrell of Hesperia as secretary, and Denise Suttles of Bitely as trustee-at-large. Alsover will remain on the board for an additional year as emeritus chair.

At their meeting, the board also approved financial statements, housing grant recommendations, 2026-2027 committee rosters, and several new fund agreements.

Fremont Area Community Foundation awarded just over $2 million in its spring 2026 community grant round.

A wide variety of organizations serving people in Newaygo County received grants. Support was awarded for summer reading, camp scholarships, recycling, art programs, environmental education, transitional housing, hunger prevention programs, and more. Most grants targeted one of the Community Foundation’s three focus areas: community development, education, and poverty reduction.

Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp received a $5,000 grant to support Blue Lake Public Radio. The station has more than 1,000 active listeners in Newaygo County and provides critical services across Newaygo, Lake, Oceana, and Mason counties, including emergency alert services and cultural programming. The Community Foundation’s affiliate Lake County Community Foundation also awarded a $3,000 grant to support Blue Lake Public Radio.

Newaygo Conservation District received a $62,000 grant as well as a $1,000 grant from a donor advised fund at the Community Foundation for the Kropscott Farm Environmental Center Education program. The program offers hands-on STEAM learning experiences for students. Learning focuses on soil science, forestry, water quality, and wildlife habitat through field trips, classroom lessons, and community programming.

Migrant Legal Aid received a $28,000 grant as well as $2,000 from two donor advised funds. Grant funds will support outreach services and U-Visa legal representation to farmworkers in Newaygo County. Migrant Legal Aid provides legal representation along with services like housing inspections, safety resources, and support for victims of violence.

The Community Foundation accepts community grant applications online twice each year. The next deadline is September 1. For more information, visit facommunityfoundation.org/grants.

Are you looking to explore and spend time outdoors this summer? If so, our June gift to the community is for you! Starting June 20, the first 250 Newaygo County residents who purchase a motor vehicle permit at any Newaygo County park location will get their day use pass for free. Each park will have a limited supply of free passes at the park entrance.

Find a list of all our county parks at newaygocountymi.gov/departments/parks/parks-recreation/.

Fremont Area Community Foundation is now accepting applications for a second round of Make Newaygo County Home Scholarships. The application opened June 1, and the deadline has now been extended to July 15.

The Make Newaygo County Home Scholarship is for adults who have finished their post-secondary education and plan to live and work in Newaygo County. Awards can be used for student loan repayment, down payment on a home, or other expenses related to making this area home.

The scholarship is worth a maximum of $15,000 to be paid out in equal annual payments over three years. The first three Make Newaygo County Home Scholarships were awarded in 2025. Ty Spickerman of Fremont was one of the scholarship recipients.

“The scholarship has been a tremendous support to my wife and I, especially as we were able to purchase our home in Fremont this past summer,” said Spickerman. “We are incredibly grateful to Fremont Area Community Foundation. This scholarship is yet another example of the ongoing mission and generosity that make our community so special.”

“We’re proud to award hundreds of scholarships each year to help local young adults get to college and career training,” said Shelly Kasprzycki, president and CEO of the Community Foundation. “But we also want to see more young adults choose to make Newaygo County their home after they’ve finished their education or training. We need their talents, energy, and perspectives here. We hope the Make Newaygo County Home Scholarship can help alleviate some of the challenges that come with starting out.”

Scholarship funds are limited and the application process is competitive. Applications will be accepted until July 15. For more information or to apply, contact Robin Cowles, senior scholarship and technology officer, at 231.924.5350.

Fremont Area Community Foundation hosted its annual Spring Donors Luncheon on May 21 with a program featuring the Fremont High School Chamber Orchestra. The luncheon was held at the newly renovated Grant Community Center.

A group of nearly 70 regular donors, fund advisors, trustees, Slautterback Legacy Society members, and Our Next 75 members gathered for lunch, conversation, and a brief look at the Community Foundation’s historic investments in local arts and culture. Board Chair Bill Alsover introduced the event’s performance and talked about the impact the arts—and music, in particular—have had on his life.

“Music speaks to us even when words fall short,” said Alsover who recounted listening to the radio with his parents in the evenings and a memorable concert by the Chicago Symphony. “Performances like that remind us what it means to experience beauty as a community.”

Alsover shared that the Community Foundation has been supporting the arts locally since its earliest days. In the 1950s, the Community Foundation hosted and sponsored concerts, art exhibits, art fairs, recitals, travelogues, and even ballroom dance classes. The organization also has a long history of providing support for local libraries, school trips, public art projects, camp scholarships, art classes, summer enrichment programs, and more.

Following Alsover’s remarks, students from the Fremont High School Chamber Orchestra showcased a diverse selection of music, including classical pieces, reels, and music from popular movies and television shows. The group is led by Julie Anderson and included several students who had graduated a few days prior but returned to play with the group.

The concert was a special addition to the annual luncheon in honor of the Community Foundation’s 75th anniversary this year. The Community Foundation’s anniversary celebration will also include local event sponsorships, sharing stories from its history, and a series of surprise Gifts to the Community that began in April and will continue through the summer.

It’s our anniversary but the presents are for you! Our May Gift to the Community is 75 free registrations for Tamarac’s Turkey Trot. While the event itself doesn’t happen until November, registration is open now.

Beginning May 5 at 8 a.m., the first 25 people who register in each category—10K run, 5K run/walk, and 1.5 mile fun run/walk—will get their registration for free. Use these codes at checkout when you register: FREE10K for the 10K run; FREE5K for the 5K run/walk; and FREEWALK for the 1.5 mile fun run/walk.

Register online at https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/Fremont/TamaracTurkeyTrot for this fun, all-ages event! Please contact Tamarac directly with any questions about the race or registration.

Fremont Area Community Foundation is closely monitoring the recent flooding and evacuations in Newaygo County. Through the Community Response Fund for Newaygo County, the Community Foundation is prepared to quickly deploy resources to local organizations serving those impacted by natural or man-made disasters.

Nonprofit organizations whose operations are helping individuals in Newaygo County displaced by the flooding or carrying out essential flood-related cleanup efforts, like dumpsters, are invited to reach out to the Community Foundation. We will work closely with these organizations to identify both immediate and long-term needs.

“In a time of unprecedented flooding, we are doing everything possible to support the people of Newaygo County and the organizations whose staff are responding on the front lines,” said Shelly Kasprzycki, president and CEO. “One way we can do this is by supporting the organizations that provide vital human services at a time when our community is struggling with uncertainty, cleanup, and other challenges. These funds are designed to offer relief and allow organizations to carry out their missions as effectively as possible.”

Established in 2020, the Community Response Fund for Newaygo County is designed to provide swift support to nonprofits serving the community during times of crisis. All those who wish to support relief efforts may donate to the Community Response Fund for Newaygo County at facommunityfoundation.org/relief.

It’s our anniversary, but the gifts are for you! Throughout the middle of this year, one of the ways we’ll be celebrating is by unveiling monthly surprise gifts to the community. Our first gift is a special one, so we’re revealing it early: a FREE concert by the nationally-recognized Grand Rapids Symphony!

The Grand Rapids Symphony returns to the Dogwood Center on Thursday, April 2 at 7:30 p.m. The evening will feature the music of Rossini, Suppé, Beethoven, Rimsky-Korsakov, Brahms, Wagner, and Glinka. You’re also invited to stay after the performance for an insightful and informative “Talk Back” session with Guest Conductor Duo Shen and GRS Director of Education Sarah Stickney.

The concert is free to attend, but you MUST RESERVE YOUR TICKET IN ADVANCE. Stop by or call the Dogwood Center box office or reserve your ticket online HERE.

Maria Gonzalez, senior director at Fremont Area Community Foundation, was recently named to the Board of Directors for Grantmakers in Aging (GIA).

GIA is a national organization and community of funders whose mission is to mobilize money and ideas to strengthen policies, programs, and resources for people as they age. Members include the Alzheimer’s Association, Habitat for Humanity International, Meals on Wheels America, and many others. In Michigan, several foundations—including Fremont Area Community Foundation—and the Michigan Health Endowment Fund are also members.

“I am beyond thrilled to serve on the GIA Board of Directors with amazing individuals from across the country,” said Gonzalez. “The organization serves as a catalyst to drive change for older adults in our country, and I am excited to help lead them in doing so. For the past 10 years, I have had the privilege of working with older adult programs in Newaygo County and I am excited to bring back new ideas and opportunities that a rural community like ours could greatly benefit from and could help create a better future for all of us as we age.”

As senior director, Gonzalez’s responsibilities at the Community Foundation include working with donors across a four-county service area, grantmaking, impact investing, leading technical assistance with nonprofit partners, and working with the Youth Advisory Committee. Gonzalez also manages the Bridging Generations Fund, which supports programs for local older adults as well as intergenerational programming.

Fremont Area Community Foundation awarded just over $3 million in its fall 2025 community grant round.

More than 40 organizations serving people in Newaygo County received grants. Support was awarded to a variety of programs, including clean water and waterway restoration initiatives, youth job training, hunger prevention, housing, summer reading programs, and more. Most grants targeted one of the Community Foundation’s three focus areas: community development, education, and poverty reduction.

Muskegon River Watershed Assembly received a $27,279 grant as well as $1,000 from a donor advised fund for their Ryerson Lake clean water initiative. The project aims to install three conservation drainage management systems near the lake to reduce nutrient pollution. A similar project has been successful on the east side of the state in the Lake Erie basin.

White Cloud Public Schools received a $7,885 grant for upgrades to their middle school playground. With new and expanded playground equipment, the school hopes to encourage students to be more active, increase social interactions, and even improve educational outcomes.

The Hope Project, Inc. was awarded a $36,400 grant to provide trauma-informed services for vulnerable youth and survivors of sex trafficking in Newaygo County. The Hope Project provides case management, advocacy, mentoring, therapy, and support groups for survivors of trafficking. They have experienced significant growth since their expansion into Newaygo County in 2024.

The Community Foundation accepts community grant applications online twice each year. The next deadline is March 2. For more information, visit facommunityfoundation.org/grants.

Fremont Area Community Foundation recently awarded its first Make Newaygo County Home Scholarships to three local recipients, including Ty Spickerman of Fremont and Katelynn Sytsma of White Cloud.

The Make Newaygo County Home Scholarship was designed for adults who have recently finished their post-secondary education and plan to live and work in Newaygo County. Recipients Spickerman and Sytsma both grew up in Newaygo County and have chosen to live here as adults.

“Newaygo County has been home for me as long as I can remember,” said Sytsma. “I spent my summers preparing for and enjoying the Newaygo County Fair.”

Sytsma currently works as an assistant manager at Wesco in Fremont. She explained, “I gained my love of the community and for being a leader through the many opportunities to give back and make a positive impact.”

The Make Newaygo County Home Scholarship is helping Sytsma pay off college debt. Her goal is to have a home of her own in Newaygo County. Sytsma said, “I am so grateful and blessed for the opportunity this scholarship will give me and can’t wait to see what my future holds.”

Spickerman grew up in Fremont and said it “gave me every opportunity I could have hoped for—opportunities that truly shaped who I am.”

While he has worked in different fields, his passion has always been rooted in serving the community. He now works as the Newaygo County Area Promise Zone Success Coach where he helps students plan for life after high school.

“Supporting students through pivotal seasons of their lives and playing even a small part in their success is incredibly rewarding,” Spickerman said. “The scholarship has been a tremendous support to my wife and I, especially as we were able to purchase our home in Fremont this past summer. We are incredibly grateful to Fremont Area Community Foundation. This scholarship is yet another example of the ongoing mission and generosity that make our community so special.”

The Make Newaygo County Home Scholarship was based on the idea of a “reverse scholarship.” Instead of being awarded at the start of a recipient’s post-secondary education or training, this scholarship was designed to come at the finish and to help recipients with student loan repayment, a down payment on a home or car, or other expenses related to making Newaygo County home.

Shelly Kasprzycki, president and CEO of Fremont Area Community Foundation, is being honored as one of Crain’s Grand Rapids Notable Leaders in Philanthropy. The list launched November 3 online and in the print issue of Crain’s Grand Rapids Business.

Kasprzycki has served as president and CEO of the Community Foundation since September 2021. She leads a philanthropic organization with a staff of 23, assets of more than $300 million, and annual grantmaking of more than $9 million. Before coming to Newaygo County, she led Michigan Humanities and Jackson Community Foundation.

In her Crain’s spotlight, Kasprzycki shared, “Working in a community foundation environment is an honor that I am grateful for every day.”

Kasprzycki was nominated by Julie Burrell, Community Foundation trustee and senior economic development director with the Newaygo County Economic Development Partnership.

“When the opportunity arose to recognize a leader as dynamic as Shelly Kasprzycki, I didn’t hesitate,” said Burrell. “It’s no secret that we are incredibly fortunate to have Shelly leading in Newaygo County, but opportunities to celebrate her impact on a regional stage don’t come often. I’m grateful to the Community Foundation team for helping ensure her nomination reflected the depth of her leadership and influence. Shelly is a fierce advocate for women and an inspiring force—I’m honored to be part of her circle.”

Since 2017, Crain’s Notables have recognized over 5,000 outstanding leaders across industries. Honorees are selected through a peer nomination and editorial review process. Crain’s Notable honorees are distinguished by their commitment to advancing their industry and community.

Crain’s Grand Rapids Business launched in 2023, bringing together MiBiz, the Grand Rapids Business Journal, and Crain Communications. It focuses on business news, analysis, and information in West Michigan.

Fremont Area Community Foundation hosted its annual Fall Donors Luncheon at the Shack in White Cloud on October 9. More than 60 people attended the luncheon and heard about the Community Foundation’s innovative partnerships to address social isolation among older adults.

The Community Foundation’s annual Spring and Fall Donors Luncheons bring together regular donors, fund advisors, trustees, Slautterback Legacy Society members, and Our Next 75 members to hear updates from the Community Foundation and learn more about grant-funded programs and local initiatives.

After a welcome from Shelly Kasprzycki, president and CEO, and time for lunch and conversation, the event focused on the social isolation prevention work undertaken by the Community Foundation’s Bridging Generations Fund and three other local programs. Maria Gonzalez, senior director, shared that these partnerships began with the results of a 2017 local survey that showed social isolation was a growing problem for older adults in Newaygo County.

She also shared an overview of two local programs partnering with the Bridging Generations Fund. Grandfriends—a collaboration between Wellspring Adult Day Services and Fremont Christian School—builds connections between older adults and middle school students. TrueNorth Community Services’ Community Connections programs offers older adults opportunities to socialize, learn, create, help, and have fun together.

Gonzalez then introduced Joni Morgan, from Catholic Charities West Michigan’s One Township at a Time (OTaaT) program. The program is currently running in 17 of Newaygo County’s 24 townships and brings people together for a variety of activities and events.

“Our mission is to eradicate loneliness among adults 55 and better,” said Morgan. “We’re not just hosting events, we’re bringing together neighbors.”

Each township chooses its own activities, which might include snacks and potlucks, music, cards and games, crafts, movies, and more. Groups also meet together for book clubs, field trips, and learning opportunities. While people are encouraged to attend events in their own township, they are welcomed at any OTaaT gathering.

“Your partnership makes such a difference,” Morgan told luncheon attendees. “You are helping create moments of laughter, friendship, and belonging. You’re not just helping fund a program, you’re helping people recover their joy.”

On June 12, our Board of Trustees voted to elect two new trustees, Marva Zeldenrust and Nate Kooistra. Both were elected to three-year terms and join 12 others serving on the Board.

“We are excited to welcome two great new trustees to our Board,” said Shelly Kasprzycki, Community Foundation president and CEO. “Marva and Nate have both served their community in many ways for years, and they bring valuable experience, skills, and perspectives to our organization.”

Zeldenrust worked in the banking industry for 27 years and served on our Bridging Generations Fund. She is involved with FFA and an active member of her church. Zeldenrust is also a longtime supporter of the Newaygo County Agricultural Fair and is a township board trustee.

“The Community Foundation has a long history of enriching lives in Newaygo County and the surrounding area,” said Zeldenrust. “I’m looking forward to being part of the team and building on the good work that has already been done.”

Kooistra is pastor at Reeman Christian Reformed Church, where he was also previously a youth pastor. He has coached youth sports and served on the boards of Fremont Christian School and Wellspring Adult Day Services. Kooistra is also the current chair of our Amazing X Charitable Fund.

“I’m looking forward to learning more about all the ways the Community Foundation is partnering locally,” said Kooistra. “It’s fun to see all the different ways that people are working in the community.”

In addition to welcoming new trustees, the Board voted to renew the terms of current trustees Charles Chandler, Julie Tatko, Todd DeKryger, and Ken DeLaat. The Executive Committee of the Board was re-elected and includes Bill Alsover as chair, Ken DeLaat as vice chair, Mikhail Salacina as treasurer, Susan Wente as secretary, and Peggy Rossler as trustee at large.

The June 12 meeting also included approval of spring community grants, several new fund agreements, financial statements, and committee rosters for the upcoming year.

Fremont Area Community Foundation recently announced the results of its spring community grant round, awarding nearly $2.3 million to local nonprofit organizations.

Grant support was awarded to a variety of organizations and programs serving Newaygo County, including recycling, art, literacy, operating support, and more. Most grants targeted one of the Community Foundation’s three focus areas: community development, education, and poverty reduction.

Camp Newaygo’s wetland trail was awarded a $138,000 grant with an additional $7,000 contributed from a donor advised fund. The trail’s boardwalk and wetland habitat were damaged in a 2024 brushfire. Grant funding will help Camp Newaygo secure permits, equipment, materials, signage, and more needed to rebuild and restore habitat.

Michigan Works! West Central received a $9,500 grant along with $500 from a donor advised fund for their pre-apprenticeship career counseling certificate project. The program supports career planning, training, credential acquisition, soft skill development, and more for young adults interested in apprenticeships.

Hope 101 received a $43,520 grant to support their meal program and transitional housing work. Hope 101 provides stable housing and self-sufficiency development opportunities to local people experiencing homelessness. Through The Cookery, their newest program, Hope 101 also provides hearty meals on a “pay as you can” basis for families facing food insecurity.

The Community Foundation accepts community grant applications online twice each year. The next deadline is September 2.

Our Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) recently announced the results of their 2025 grant round. A total of $57,900 was awarded to programs that impact local youth.

The TrueBlue Academy mentoring programs at Newaygo Middle School and White Cloud Junior High were each awarded $12,500. The grant for Newaygo Middle included $500 from a donor advised fund. White Cloud Community Library was awarded $4,850 for youth programming, and Croton Township received a $7,050 grant for their summer recreation program. Other grants will support outdoor recreation opportunities, increased access to local family events, and programming for people with autism and their families.

Each year, YAC awards grants to programs providing social, recreational, and educational opportunities for local youth as well as programs supporting youth facing challenges with vaping and drug use, mental health, and other issues.

Grant applications are reviewed by YAC members who come from each Newaygo County public high school and the local homeschool community. YAC members meet monthly throughout the school year to work on grantmaking as well as building leadership skills and learning more about philanthropy and the nonprofit sector. Since YAC began at the Community Foundation in the early 1990s, more than 230 youth have served on the committee.

YAC grants are awarded each spring, with applications due on March 1. For more information, visit facommunityfoundation.org/YACgrants.

Fremont Area Community Foundation hosted its annual Spring Donors Luncheon at the Stone Lodge in Fremont on May 21. Nearly 90 people attended the luncheon and heard from Love INC and Hope 101 about the ways they are addressing housing insecurity in Newaygo County.

“Love INC and Hope 101 are long-time partners of ours,” said Shelly Kasprzycki, president and CEO of the Community Foundation, in her introduction. “We really admire their work.”

Traci Slager, executive director of Love INC of Newaygo County, spoke about their new gap ministry, Rooms of Refuge. Local church partners take turns providing overnight accommodation and an evening meal for people in need of emergency housing. In the morning, Love INC provides transportation to their day center where people can do laundry, cook, use a computer, store belongings, and more.

“We knew we had to step in and do something,” said Slager of the high rates of housing insecurity in Newaygo County. “And we could start with emergency housing. We come alongside those wanting to take the next steps. We’re helping them work toward self-sufficiency and flourishing.”

Love INC also partners with Hope 101, which was started in 2017 to provide structured transitional housing. Hope 101’s Executive Director Julie Vitale spoke to luncheon guests about their program and shared that the ministry now has 10 housing units.

“Through our partnership with the Community Foundation we have been able to grow exponentially,” said Vitale. “None of this is possible without your generous contributions and without the Community Foundation consistently looking for synergies.”

The final luncheon speaker was Karen Nottelmann, one of the founders of Hope 101. She shared how the organization began with a women’s Bible study group at a local church. Three of the women in the group needed housing, and Karen was struck by the fact that just across the street from their meeting space was a house for sale. The organization grew out of that moment and from the generosity of local people who contributed funds, time, skill, labor, and even property.

“Some can give a lot and some can give a little,” said Nottelmann. “And together, we make a difference.”

Fremont Area Community Foundation’s Housing Partnership Fund awarded its fourth round of grants to multiple local housing creation projects. In total, $258,000 was awarded.

Projects receiving funding are expected to add more than 100 housing units in White Cloud and Newaygo.

Haven Design Build was awarded $60,000 toward the construction of two new tiny homes near downtown White Cloud. Hope 101 Ministry also received an $18,000 grant to support the conversion of an existing building in White Cloud into an apartment.

In Newaygo, a $150,000 grant was awarded to support the development of multiple apartment units on West Pine Lake Drive. The overall project is expected to add 103 apartment units to the area.

Grants are made possible through a partnership between the Community Foundation and Newaygo County. In 2023, county commissioners approved $1 million to help create the Newaygo County Housing Partnership Fund at the Community Foundation. The Community Foundation’s Board of Trustees has earmarked an additional $3 million. A committee including county officials, Community Foundation staff, and community representatives was formed to create grantmaking guidelines and review proposals.

Since the first round of housing grants was awarded in fall 2023, 16 projects have received $1.3 million in funding. The projects were expected to create a total of 203 new housing units across all five Newaygo County cities. Several projects have already been completed and rented or sold.

A fifth round of housing grants is open for application now, with proposals due on May 1. Nonprofit and for-profit developers are eligible to apply. Applicants are encouraged to leverage additional funding sources and seek the support of local municipalities. Housing developments must be located in Newaygo County to be eligible.

For more information on the application process, contact Lindsay Hager at the Community Foundation at 231.924.5350.