Eight grants were recently approved by the Midland Area Community Foundation’s Board of Trustees. The total grantmaking for the third quarter amounted to $303,000. Grantmaking from the Midland Area Community Foundation is made possible by community members who have contributed to funds that support the charitable, cultural, educational, recreational, and scientific needs of the Midland area, in alignment with the Community Foundation’s purpose.
The Community Foundation’s third quarter grants range from $8,000 to $60,000, each focusing on one of four significant areas of community improvement: building our livelihood, developing our talent, caring for our people, and enriching our community. Through their grant applications, community partners shared how the Community Foundation’s investment would allow them to scale their impact in one or more of these areas.
The Midland Area Community Foundation is committed to the practices of trust-based philanthropy. This framework reflects a commitment to build relationships with nonprofits and make grantmaking responsive to their needs. This funding cycle includes operational grants to nonprofits, one of the principles of trust-based philanthropy.
“We are so thankful for our donors who have made these grants possible. And we are thankful to nonprofits for their work to help our community thrive.” said Sharon Mortensen, President & CEO of the Midland Community Foundation.
Third quarter grants for 2024 include:
- Clothing INC – $8,000
Clothing INC Store Operations
Clothing INC, a free clothing store serving Isabella, Midland, Gratiot, and Clare Counties, was awarded a grant of $8,000 to support a portion of its operating cost to ensure continued support to those in need.
- Family and Children’s Services of Mid-Michigan – $60,000
Recruitment & Retention to Increase Access to Quality Mental Healthcare
Family & Children’s Services of Mid-Michigan (FCSM) is one of the only mental health care providers that delivers care to anyone, regardless of insurance coverage or ability to pay. Funding will assist with the recruitment and retention of mental health therapists to increase their impact on our community. By attracting new therapists, FCSM can broaden its reach and offer care to more community members who may otherwise lack access.
“Family and Children’s Services is incredibly grateful for this grant from the Midland Area Community Foundation. This grant for recruitment and retention demonstrates the Foundation’s understanding of the talent issue impacting the entire region. Our agency will be able to better serve the community by recruiting and maintaining quality outpatient mental health therapists. It is a very competitive market for hiring talented mental health professionals. This grant from the Community Foundation will help recruit and retain counselors so that we can fill community gaps and help more people,” said Joe Blewett, CEO of Family and Children’s Services of Mid-Michigan.
- Greater Midland Community Centers, Inc. – $30,000
GMCC Universal Accessibility Upgrades
Greater Midland Community Centers, Inc. (GMCC) was granted these funds to provide the new Community Center with equipment for a more universally accessible experience. Accessibility plans include a lift for the Universal Changing Restroom (UCSR), a lift for the spa, slings for both lifts, and aquatic transfer chairs. This will bring GMCC closer to true universal accessibility and help it live up to its purpose of promoting vitality, building belonging, and serving with heart for all people.
- Home To Stay Housing Assistance Center – $45,000
Community Engagement
The funding for this program will help execute a comprehensive public engagement campaign and community systems-building activities designed to increase community awareness and support for the importance of homelessness prevention, advocacy, and related Home To Stay support programs. The program will also create opportunities for participants to gain skills and knowledge they can use to promote self-sufficiency.
“Home To Stay works towards its mission through the implementation of key programs like the Community Engagement program, which aims to create greater avenues of access for those in need of services: to increase equitable ways for those being served and the community at large to engage with Home To Stay and to increase awareness around housing issues in Midland County. The work and goals of Community Engagement support our mission of promoting self-sufficiency to Midland County residents in need of stable housing and support services. We are thrilled to be in community partnership with the Midland Area Community Foundation,” said Joe Coffey, M. Ed. – Executive Director, Home To Stay Housing Assistance Center.
- Lee Township – $25,000
Fire/Rescue Response Vehicle Replacement
Lee Township received $25,000.00 to support its Fire Department in replacing an unsafe/unsound vehicle that serves both Lee and Greendale Townships, along with mutual aid runs. The Lee Township Board is fully committed to supplying any remaining funds needed to support the purchase of a rescue vehicle, as it is for the safety of its Fire Department and in the best interest of the communities it serves.
- Midland Business Alliance Foundation – $45,000
Broadband Initiatives in Midland County
The Midland Business Alliance Foundation was awarded these funds to help meet its overall objective for Midland County—to provide available and affordable internet for ALL residences and businesses in our county. This next year is significant for the Federal BEAD (Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program), as the $1.5 billion for Michigan will be assigned to various Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in our state.
- Midland County Agricultural & Horticultural Society – $60,000
Carl A. Gerstacker Fair Center Building Renovation
The Midland County Agricultural and Horticultural Society, supported by the Midland County Fairboard, received these funds to contribute to the renovation of the Carl A. Gerstacker Fair Center. Central to the Midland County Fair, this building hosts year-round events and daily fair operations. The project will modernize the over 30-year-old structure with upgrades to enhance functionality, aesthetics, and community usability, ensuring its role in Midland County’s future.
- Ten Sixteen Recovery Network – $30,000
The BRIDGE Initiative
Ten16, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit offering addiction treatment and recovery support services across Central Michigan, is proactively starting a 30-month capacity-building project called The BRIDGE Initiative. The awarded funds are to assist with funding the program.
- Building (Succession Planning)
- Replication (Program Development)
- Infrastructure (Capacity Building)
- Durable (Financial Health)
- Growth (Staff Development)
- Execution (Responsive Expansion)
BRIDGE will carry Ten16 from its current state to the future, transforming its ability to respond to growth, community demand & leadership transitions.
Competitive grants are offered quarterly. Grants are open to all 501(c)(3) nonprofit agencies, educational institutions, and government entities in Midland County. To inquire about donating, establishing a fund, or applying for a grant, contact the Community Foundation at (989) 839-9661 or info@midlandfoundation.org.