News & Events

Last year was a busy one for the Community Foundation. The generosity and partnership of this community allowed us to accomplish some great things together in 2025. Here is a brief look at some of our accomplishments and progress:

Grants, scholarships, and growth
In 2025, we awarded millions of dollars in grants and scholarships and saw our number of endowment funds exceed 800. We successfully met the Our Next 75 goal we set and received our reaccreditation through the Community Foundations National Standards program. We launched and awarded the first Make Newaygo County Home Scholarships to further support local students. Our Housing Partnership Fund has also supported development resulting in more than 200 new housing units.

Leadership and advocacy
We welcomed new trustees Marva Zeldenrust and Nate Kooistra to our board. Maria Gonzalez, senior director, was named to the national Grantmakers in Aging Board of Directors. Rose Brannigan, philanthropic services associate, was honored as one of Michigan Works! West Central’s 20 Under 30. Our President and CEO Shelly Kasprzycki was also recognized as one of Crain’s Grand Rapids Notable Leaders in Philanthropy in West Michigan.

In 2025, we had the honor of helping host a local Town Hall meeting, participating in Foundations on the Hill, attending a meeting with Governor Whitmer, and sending a group of Youth Advisory Committee members to Lansing for Youth Advocacy Day.

Events and community projects
We enjoyed hosting our annual donors luncheons, an Unwind event on our lawn, and our first Investment Breakfast for donors. Our prairie became part of the Newaygo County Birding Trail, and we hosted gatherings centered on issues like food insecurity, human trafficking, and civility.

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.

Fremont Area Community Foundation announces the new Make Newaygo County Home Scholarship for adults who have recently finished their post-secondary education and plan to live and work in Newaygo County. Scholarship awards can be used for student loan repayment, down payment on a home, or other expenses.

The Make Newaygo County Home Scholarship will be for a maximum of $15,000, paid out on a quarterly basis over three years. The scholarship can be used toward the repayment of a student loan, moving expenses, a down payment on a house, or other expenses related to making this area home. It is intended for recent graduates or returning professionals who plan to live in Newaygo County. Recipients must also be employed locally or have a legitimate offer of employment in Newaygo County.

This new award is based on the idea of a “reverse scholarship.” Instead of being awarded at the start of someone’s post-secondary education, a reverse scholarship comes at the end and is often focused on helping graduates pay down their student loans. The concept is becoming more popular as communities look to retain and attract talent.

“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. The application will remain open until funds are depleted.

For more information or to apply, contact Robin Cowles.

It’s very important for nonprofit organizations and their supporters to share concerns, questions, and stories of local impact with our representatives in Congress. If you’re not sure where to start, check for some tips below as well as contact information for our federal legislators. We’ll keep updating and adding to it as we learn more and find new resources like local town hall meeting dates.

Ways you can advocate

• Share stories, data, and resources with elected officials to illustrate the implications of their decisions on the communities they serve.
• Educate legislators by providing them with data, research, stories, and general information about key issues.
• Produce data and research that highlights pressing needs for your organization in the communities you service.
• Participate in a town hall and ask your elected officials questions about their policy positions.
• Call your elected officials’ offices to weigh in on legislative and funding issues.
• Meet with your members of Congress in person while they are at their in-district offices or meet with their staff from their in-district offices.
• Organize and mobilize your community partners to speak up, take action, and advocate for the needs of your organization.

Contact information

Federal legislators representing Newaygo, Lake, Mecosta, and Osceola counties:

Congressman John Moolenaar

Website: moolenaar.house.gov/contact

Washington DC Office
246 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC  20515
Phone: 202.225.3561

Caledonia Office
8980 North Rodgers Court
Suite H
Caledonia, MI  49316
Phone: 616.528.7100

Clare Office
431 North McEwan Street
Clare, MI  48617
Phone: 989.802.6040

Senator Elissa Slotkin

Website: slotkin.senate.gov/contact

Washington, DC Office
SH-825B/C Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Phone: 202.224.4822

Senator Gary Peters

Website: peters.senate.gov/contact

Washington, D.C. Office
Hart Senate Office Building
Suite 724
Washington, D.C. 20510
Phone: 202.224.6221

Grand Rapids Office
Gerald R. Ford Federal Building
110 Michigan Street NW
Suite 720
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Phone: 616.233.9150

Through the Ice Mountain Environmental Stewardship Fund (IMESF), the Community Foundation recently announced grant awards of $60,000 to six organizations in support of their conservation projects that will benefit the Muskegon River watershed. These grants will fund projects that include resource restoration, public engagement and education, household hazardous waste disposal, and water infrastructure planning. This is IMESF’s 22nd year providing financial support to organizations to improve the Muskegon River watershed.

“The Ice Mountain® Environmental Stewardship Fund continues to be transformative because of its focused support for Muskegon River watershed conservation, protection, and preservation projects,” said Shelly Kasprzycki, president and CEO of the Community Foundation. “We’re proud to help ensure everyone can access the benefits of a healthy Muskegon River watershed.”

Grant recipients include the City of Big Rapids, Grand Rapids Public Museum, Land Conservancy of West Michigan, Mecosta Conservation District, and Muskegon River Watershed Assembly.

“The Muskegon River and its watershed are vital natural resources and a central feature of communities across West Michigan,” said Arlene Vincent-Anderson, Ice Mountain® Senior Natural Resources Manager. “The Ice Mountain® brand’s commitment to the fund for more than 22 years is rooted in the idea that by working together, we can have an enduring positive impact on the watershed, its communities, wildlife, recreation and economy. While we have more work to do, we are incredibly grateful to the organizations for their dedication to the watershed’s health.”

IMESF funded projects this year include:

• The City of Big Rapids will complete a culvert feasibility study to identify options to improve fish passage along Mitchell Creek.
• Grand Rapids Public Museum will expand a Digital Story Mapping project to the Muskegon River to spotlight the Maple River (Muskegon River tributary). The project will provide a way for community members to access maps, images, and oral narratives from Native and settlers perspectives to reconnect and cocreate a vision of what the Maple River might become with the ongoing restoration initiatives.
• Land Conservancy of West Michigan will advance tree planting and invasive species remediation along the Muskegon River. The forest management project will help restore oak savanna habitat within a 25-acre area of the Muskegon State Game Area.
• Mecosta Conservation District receives its 21^st annual IMESF contribution to support its household hazardous waste collection events in Mecosta, Osceola, and Lake counties communities that rely on the District as the safe depository for hazardous household items.
• Muskegon Conservation District will execute a two-part project to enhance protection measures for two turtle species in the Muskegon River Watershed, both of which are listed as threatened in Michigan and are legally protected.
• Muskegon River Watershed Assembly will build on the “Friends of the Muskegon River” to strengthen a cohort of people throughout the watershed to be engaged and brought together behind place-based projects.

Grant applications for the Ice Mountain® Environmental Stewardship Fund are accepted online each year from June 1 until July 15. Individuals and organizations interested in supporting the health of the watershed are also invited to contribute to the fund at any time. More information on the fund, how to donate, and how to apply for a grant can be found at facommunityfoundation.org/icemountain.

Fremont Area Community Foundation was recently awarded reaccreditation by the Community Foundations National Standards program.

The accreditation process is rigorous and comprehensive, requiring proof that a foundation meets 26 distinct standards of excellence. Compliance demonstrates the Community Foundation’s commitment to sector-driven best practices that exceed federal and state law requirements. Organizations must renew their accreditation every three years.

“We are proud to be recognized once again for our commitment to excellence,” said Shelly Kasprzycki, Community Foundation president and CEO. “The community’s trust is our top priority, and our National Standards accreditation demonstrates publicly that we meet and exceed a high standard of accountability and integrity.”

National standards cover mission, structure, and governance along with stewardship and accountability practices, grantmaking responsiveness and due diligence, confidentiality and privacy policies, and more. Community Foundation staff members and trustees spent several months collecting, reviewing, and submitting the materials required for consideration.

The Community Foundations National Standards program was established in 2000 by sector leaders and the Council on Foundations. While community foundations face regulation at the state and federal levels, the accreditation program provides an additional layer of rigorous and enforced accountability. More than 550 U.S. community foundations participate in the National Standards program. More information can be found at cfstandards.org.

Fremont Area Community Foundation was founded in 1951 by a group of dedicated community leaders and has grown to be one of the largest community foundations in the U.S. on a per capita basis. In 2023, the Community Foundation awarded $8.6 million in grants and more than $700,000 in scholarships. In 2024, it was the fifth-largest community foundation in Michigan by asset size.

The organization’s mission is to enhance quality of life for all people in Newaygo County and surrounding communities. In addition to serving Newaygo County, the Community Foundation supports the operation and manages assets of affiliate foundations in Lake, Mecosta, and Osceola counties.

Fremont Area Community Foundation recently awarded $3.2 million in its final community grant round of 2024. In both 2024 community grant rounds, the Community Foundation awarded nearly $6 million total.

Grant support was awarded to a variety of organizations and programs serving Newaygo County residents, including programs centered on watershed restoration, career and college access, literacy, hunger prevention, and more. Most grants targeted one of the Community Foundation’s three focus areas: community development, education, and poverty reduction.

The Newaygo County Environmental Coalition was awarded an $18,000 grant, along with an additional $2,000 from a donor advised fund. The grant will support the Healthy Habitats Project and encourage awareness, education, and engagement around restoring native habitats. Along with regional partners, the group will train “citizen scientists” for specialized volunteer projects and species data collection.

Newaygo County received a $13,600 grant to purchase and place 32 bleeding control kits within each public school building in the county. The kits are a goal of the Newaygo County Safe School Collaborative, a countywide partnership focused on addressing school safety issues and planning. The bleeding control kits help to address potentially life-threatening bleeding that can occur after emergencies, accidents, or disasters. Kits contain essential equipment school employees can use while waiting for trained responders to arrive.

Rooms of Refuge, a new program of Love INC, was awarded a $74,500 grant with an additional $500 from a donor advised fund. This program provides a rotating emergency shelter for people without housing. It utilizes local church partners as host sites that provide an evening meal and a private space for guests to sleep. In the morning, transportation is provided to a day center where guests have access to laundry, kitchen, and other facilities that help them keep up on day-to-day activities while they work to secure housing.

The Community Foundation accepts community grant applications online twice each year. The next deadline is March 3. For more information, visit facommunityfoundation.org/grants.

Fremont Area Community Foundation hosted its annual Fall Donors Luncheon at the Heritage Museum of Newaygo County on September 24. Nearly 70 people attended the luncheon and heard updates on the Community Foundation’s work.

Shelly Kasprzycki, the Community Foundation’s president and CEO, provided a progress report on the organization’s strategic workplan. “We’ve created a legacy and it’s because of people like you,” said Kasprzycki.

Christopher Wren, Newaygo County administrator and Community Foundation trustee, spoke about the county’s work to increase access to transportation. “Day one, when I started and asked what’s the biggest challenge we’re facing, people said transportation,” said Wren.

In partnership with the Commission on Aging, there have been increases in vehicles, drivers, and dispatchers as well as in overall numbers of riders and trips. The county continues to explore additional options.

“We want to bring mobility to Newaygo County with equal access,” said Wren.

Updates on the Community Foundation’s Housing Partnership Fund were also shared with the group. The fund was launched with money approved by the Newaygo County Board of Commissioners and the Community Foundation’s Board and has so far awarded three rounds of grants for new housing across the county. Projects receiving funding will add an anticipated 100 housing units in Fremont, Grant, Hesperia, Newaygo, and White Cloud.

“Our grants are allowing builders to leverage other funding sources,” reported Lindsay Hager, vice president and chief philanthropy officer at the Community Foundation. “We have seen new housing units in areas that haven’t seen development in years.”

Following the updates, donors were invited to share their thoughts on top local priorities and the impact of the Community Foundation.

Here are a list of resources from the grantwriting workshop on August 8:

Dorothy A. Johnson Center grantwriting basics and resources

Fremont Area Community Fondation grant rounds

Amazing X Charitable Trust grantmaking guidelines

Bridging Generations Fund grantmaking guidelines

Fremont Area Community Foundation grantmaking guidelines

Lake County Community Foundation grantmaking guidelines

Mecosta County Community Foundation grantmaking guidelines

Mecosta County Youth Advisory Committee grantmaking guidelines

Osceola County Community Foundation grantmaking guidelines

Osceola County Youth Advisory Committee grantmaking guidelines

Regional camp scholarship policy

Student trip policy (Newaygo County)

Youth Advisory Committee grantmaking guidelines (Newaygo County)

Fremont Area Community Foundation recently awarded $2.7 million in its first community grant round of 2024.

Grants were awarded to a variety of organizations and programs serving Newaygo County residents, including waterway restoration and protection, art programs, after-school programs, and more. Most grants targeted one of the Community Foundation’s three focus areas: community development, education, and poverty reduction.

Newaygo County received a $98,000 grant to support recycling services. Donors contributed an additional $2,000 from donor advised funds. Funding will support recycling efforts while reducing waste throughout the county. Newaygo, Croton, White Cloud, Fremont, Garfield Township, and Grant all currently host community drop off sites for recycling.

Newaygo County Regional Educational Service Agency will receive up to $127,126 for skilled trades expansion at the Newaygo County Career Tech Center. A donor contributed an additional $500 from a donor advised fund. The grant will support the addition of a new HVAC program along with updates to the construction program area.

Hope 101 Ministry received a $24,870 grant for operating support as they provide transitional and stable housing for local individuals and families experiencing homelessness. In addition to safe housing, Hope 101 offers case management, financial literacy classes, and mentoring opportunities.

The Community Foundation accepts community grant applications online twice each year. In 2023, the Community Foundation awarded more than $6 million in its two community grant rounds.

The next grant deadline is September 3. For more information, visit facommunityfoundation.org/grants.