MGCF September Newsletter

Dear Friends and Supporters of the Community Foundation,

As the leaves begin to turn, we’re reminded of the beauty in change and the opportunities that come with new seasons. September brings new initiatives, community updates, and upcoming events designed to bring us closer together. Let’s keep moving forward, together.

Creating a Strong, Vibrant, Caring Community

Grant Press Release

Press Release August 28, 2024 For Immediate Release Available electronically

Contact: Michael P. Rowland 269-695-3521 mrowland@mgcf.org

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MICHIGAN GATEWAY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION AWARDS GRANTS TO LOCAL CHARITABLE PROGRAMS

BUCHANAN – The Board of Trustees for Michigan Gateway Community Foundation have approved the granting of funds from the Foundation to the following programs:

1. $25,000 from the Unity Fund to the City of Buchanan for the construction of a handicap accessible boat ramp on the Saint Joseph River.

2. $25,000 from the Walter Schirmer Jr. Fund to be used for the Northstar Revitalization Plan to help with improved housing in the northside neighborhood of Buchanan.

3. $8,000 from the Ann S. Cone Fund for Families & Youth in support of the Positive Parenting Program. This is provided by the Berrien County Health Department and supports families in the City of Niles.

4. $3,221.38 from the Ann S. Cone Fund for Families & Youth to the Niles District Library for the purchase of a Playaway system for audio book access for their patrons.

5. $5,000 capacity building grant awarded to Berrien County Cancer Services to build a new website and landing pages to assist cancer patients access their services.

6. $3,000 from the George W. Romney Fund to Junior Achievement of Berrien & Cass County in support of Junior Achievement programming at Sam Adams Elementary School in Cassopolis.

7. $7,660 from Buchanan Education Fund and the Buchanan Area Fund awarded to Buchanan Community Schools for executive leadership coaching.

8. $2,235 from General Funds awarded to Cassopolis Band Boosters for the purchase of 4 bass drums.

9. $9,210 capacity building grant from the Walter Schirmer Jr. Fund awarded to the Roti Roti Art Center of Buchanan to support consulting work aimed at building a strategic plan, future staffing models and board training.

10. $10,000 from the George & LaVonne Sullivan Endowment, Niles Area Fund, Cass Community Fund and Michigan Gateway Community Foundation General Fund to support the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber in their efforts to address population decline, job creation and the creation of marketing materials, landing pages and community tours to promote the region of South Berrien and Cass Counties.

Founded in 1978, Michigan Gateway Community Foundation serves southern Berrien County and Cass County Michigan. The Foundation was established with gifts from many citizens in amounts ranging from a few dollars to hundreds of thousands of dollars. Only the income generated by the investment of these gifts is used in grant making. A gift to the community funds, such as those from Niles, Buchanan, and Cass County, serve these communities in perpetuity.

The Foundation accepts grant proposals two times each year with submission dates of August 1, and February 1. Prompt consideration is given to all grant requests, with decisions usually available within one month. Each proposal will be evaluated by the Foundation for its potential value to the community and for the availability of funding resources.

For more information on Michigan Gateway Community Foundation, or to make a contribution that supports your community, contact Michael P. Rowland at 111 Days Avenue, Buchanan, MI 49107, visit www.mgcf.org, or call 269-695-3521.

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Scholarships Recap:

This year we gave out $159,900.00 including 2024 scholarships and renewals. Want to see our 2024 scholarship recipients? Then click here to view our 2024 Scholarship Award Book. Best of luck to each of these scholars, we know you will do great things.

2024 total awarded $107,650.00
Renewals for 2024 45,250.00

On the left is one of the Jane Davis Health Careers Scholarship Recipients Savannah DeVries, on the right is Nicole Mireles Scholarship and Buchanan Promise, Program Officer. High School Seniors and Adults that are pursuing a career in healthcare and live in the Greater Niles area, are eligible for The Jane Davis Health Careers Scholarship.

Buchanan Common Summer Concert Series

We want to thank you for another wonderful concert series at The Buchanan Common. Our community was fortunate enough to have sixteen shows that ranged from local acts, three festivals and nationally touring artists.

With over 10,000 visitors to our downtown, these shows not only represent our foundation's commitment to the arts, but also to our vision of creating a caring and vibrant community. These shows also support our local non profits through our concessions program, which raises valuable dollars for their missions as well. Without the incredible donor support of this series, which quickly became the crown jewel of concert series in our region, it wouldn't be possible.

We also want to thank the family of John Beckwith Dale, whose generous donation is making live music in Buchanan possible in perpetuity through endowment. If you would like to volunteer, donate or learn more, please visit the Buchanan Common facebook page or mgcf.org.

Youth Advisory Council:

Our YAC is very excited to have their first meeting of the school year, this Sunday 15, 2024. They will all join together and talk about their goals, recruitment and upcoming service projects they want to participate in. Make sure you are our YAC Facebook page and our Instagram page to see the new and exiciting things are YAC kids are up to. We are still recruiting 9-12th students from Dowagiac, Edwardsburg, Marcellus and Niles schools. Check out our YAC page if you are interested in joining.

Ways to Get Involved

Your involvement is essential to our success. Here's how you can contribute to our mission in 2024:

Donate: Your financial support, no matter the amount, goes a long way in helping our community thrive.

Volunteer: Ask us how to get involved in the Foundation! We are always in need of volunteers to assist with scholarship selection committees, mentorship programs, and community events. Your time and expertise are invaluable.

Spread the Word: Share our newsletter and the work of the Community Foundation with your friends and family. Together, we can reach even more individuals who want to make a difference.

Stay up to date with the latest news, events, and opportunities by following us on social media or visiting our website. We love hearing from you, so feel free to reach out with your questions or ideas!

With Gratitude and warm regards,
Your Michigan Gateway Community Foundation Family