Michigan Gateway Community Foundation Awards Local Grants

The Michigan Gateway Community Foundation (MGCF) is once again investing in our community in big ways! The Foundation recently announced gifts totaling $96,506 in grants to local organizations that are making a difference for families and neighbors across southern Berrien and Cass Counties.

Here’s a look at the programs receiving support this round:

• City of Buchanan – $10,000 to help with the City’s Home Demolition program.

• New Day Foundation – $10,000 to provide creditor assistance for cancer patients in Berrien County.

• Michiana Girl Scouts of America – $3,000 to support the Girl Scouts Leadership Experience in Berrien and Cass Counties.

• Helping Hands of Cass County – $2,880 to provide bicycles for residents with limited resources who need reliable transportation.

• League of Encouraging Empowerment – $7,956 to continue its Diaper Bank Program, serving families in Niles, Buchanan, and Cassopolis.

• Eversight – $5,000 for recovery supplies for cornea procedures in Berrien and Cass Counties.

• Niles History Center – $10,000 to support a new park at the historic Ferry Street School site.

• Fernwood Botanical Garden – $5,000 to purchase a utility cart that will help staff maintain trails and grounds.

• Buchanan District Library – $12,000 to upgrade technology for library patrons.

• OutCenter of Southwest Michigan – $5,000 for a public media campaign promoting inclusion.

• Moccasin Elementary PTM – $7,670 for a book vending machine to inspire young readers.

• Buchanan Area Chamber of Commerce – $10,000 to help downtown businesses struggling with the ongoing infrastructure project.

“These grants show how powerful it can be when people come together to give,” said MGCF President Michael Rowland.

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 is evaluated for its potential value to the community and the availability of funding resources.

For more information on the gran process, and how to apply, visit https://www.mgcf.org/grants

Dowagiac Area History Museum Receives $1 Million Endowment Gift, Plans Layout Transformation

The Dowagiac Area History Museum shared big news at its annual Keep History Alive event: a $1 million endowment gift from Mayor Don Lyons and his wife, Joan. Managed through MGCF, the fund will grow through 2032 before becoming available to support the museum’s long-term success.

As part of its involvement, Michigan Gateway Community Foundation has granted the Museum $8,000 to develop a new strategic plan of its own, which it will assist in creating and executing.

Along with the endowment, the Lyons family and Lyons Industries are funding a major transformation of the museum’s exhibits. The first floor will be redesigned to better showcase the Round Oak Stove Company, a key part of Dowagiac’s industrial history. Renovations are expected to be complete by late 2026 or early 2027.

The Museum also announced a new governance structure to strengthen long-term management, alongside its fundraising partner, the Friends of the Dowagiac Area History Museum.

“Keeping history alive requires more than cataloging artifacts,” said Museum Director Steve Arseneau. “It’s about strong planning and fresh content. We’re grateful for the community’s support and encourage everyone to get involved.”

To read the full Press Release CLICK HERE

Brenda Hemphill Announced as New Buchanan Promise Program Officer

MGCF is excited to welcome Brenda into the additional role of Buchanan Promise Program Officer! Brenda recently joined MGCF as the Buchanan Kickstart to Career Coordinator—and when a position opened with the Buchanan Promise Scholarship Program, it felt like the perfect fit! Since Kickstart to Career is part of the Promise program, Brenda now wears two hats: Buchanan Promise Program Officer and Kickstart to Career Coordinator.

Both programs are designed to help students plan for their futures and ease the costs of post-secondary education—something Brenda is truly passionate about. “The opportunity to help students prepare for their future is a dream come true,” she shares. Whether she’s visiting schools or connecting with students and staff, Brenda says the work has already been incredibly rewarding.

She’s also been busy learning and growing in her role. Brenda is taking classes to become a Certified FAFSA Specialist, giving her the tools to guide students through one of the most important steps in the college admissions process. She’s also been part of Foundant C-Suite training, which is helping MGCF launch a new online system for Kickstart to Career accounts. With this upgrade, students and parents will be able to check balances and make deposits online—making the program more accessible than ever.

Brenda is excited to continue learning and growing with both the Buchanan Promise and Kickstart to Career programs in the years ahead. Her enthusiasm and dedication are helping make a brighter future possible for students across the community.

For more information on Kickstart to Careers or the Buchanan Promise, visit www.mgcf.org

Youth Advisory Council Holds First Meeting of the New School Year

The Youth Advisory Council (YAC) kicked off its first meeting of the new school year with an energetic group of students representing Buchanan, Niles, Brandywine, Edwardsburg, Cassopolis, and Dowagiac High Schools, along with area homeschool students. YAC members work together to learn about philanthropy and make grantmaking decisions that impact youth in our communities. “It’s inspiring to see students from so many different schools come together with a shared goal of making a difference,” said Jennifer Popielski, YAC Program Officer. “Their voices and ideas truly shape the future of our communities.”

One of their key initiatives is a mini grant cycle, with a November 1 deadline, that focuses on projects written by youth and for youth.

For more information on the Youth Advisory Council, visit https://www.mgcf.org/yac

Shakedown Saturday Helps Bring 2025 Summer Concert Series to a Close

The 2025 Summer Concert Series at the Buchanan Common closed out the season in style on Saturday, August 30, with the Shakedown Saturday Music Festival, presented by the Happy Campers. Thousands of people filled the Common for a day of music, energy, and community spirit—an unforgettable way to cap off another fantastic summer.

Throughout the season, the series brought a wide variety of music to downtown Buchanan, including rock favorites Hey Annie, soulful performances by Blue Eyed Soul, toe-tapping country from A Touch of Texas, the lively Shady Grove Bluegrass Festival, the ever-popular Buchanan Jazz Festival, and even an international flair with Johnny and the Yooahoos, all the way from Germany.

The Summer Concert Series is made possible thanks to community donations and the Summer Concert Series Fund at Michigan Gateway Community Foundation (MGCF). In addition to providing great music, the concerts also help support local businesses by bringing people downtown week after week.

For a video recap of Shakedown Saturday, click the image above.

If you’re interested in helping keep great music free in downtown Buchanan, visit: https://www.mgcf.org/summer-concert-series

For more information on grants, scholarships, YAC, or anything else visit www.mgcf.org