Our story begins in 1951 when visionary philanthropists set out to change the future of Newaygo County forever.
Local attorney William J. Branstrom—along with Frank Gerber, Horace Loomis, Dick Pikaart, Herman Schuiteman, and Bessie Slautterback—created the Fremont Foundation in 1951. They gathered charitable funds established by people like Harry Williams and J. Andrew and Mattie Gerber and laid the ground work for a community foundation that has become one of the largest in the U.S. on a per capita basis.
We exist to enhance the quality of life for all people in Newaygo County and surrounding communities. We do this by connecting community needs with the passions of families, businesses, and individuals.
Get to know us
Meet the people who guide and carry out the day-to-day work of the Community Foundation.
What’s happening
Check out our 2024 annual report
Read our 2024 annual report for a look at some of the stories that inspired us over the last year.
Read more
Community stories
Check out the stories of donors and organizations who partner with us to make a difference in Newaygo County.
Learn more
Geographic affiliates
For over 20 years, Fremont Area Community Foundation has supported three geographic affiliate foundations: Lake, Mecosta, and Osceola community foundations.
The Community Foundation manages the assets while advisory boards from each respective community review grant proposals and recommend funding.
Supporting organizations
The Community Foundation is home to two supporting organizations: Bridging Generations Fund and Amazing X Charitable Trust.
Both organizations have their own boards and recommend or award grants based on their missions to make life better for specific groups in our community.
