MGCF January Newsletter

Dear Friends and Supporters of the Community Foundation,

Happy New Year! As we embrace the dawn of a new year and new beginnings, we are grateful for your unwavering support of our Community Foundation. Your dedication to empowering the community and the next generation of leaders is truly remarkable, and we can't wait to see what 2024 holds for our scholarship and grant recipients.

Looking Back at 2023

Before we start the new year, let's pause and think about the amazing things the Foundation and the people we supported achieved last year.

Promise Fulfilled: An initiative we are very proud of at Michigan Gateway Community Foundation is the Buchanan Promise. We decided to track the stories of some of our students in a series called Promise Fulfilled. Check out a couple of the students who have recently graduated out of the Promise program to see the incredible things they are accomplishing here.

Donor Impact:
“My husband and I work with United States Marines and veterans through
our business.

On December 12, 2004, our nephew, Cpl Ian W. Stewart, a Marine, was
killed in action in Iraq. To honor his memory and thank the Marine
Reservists we serve, we established a memorial fund in Ian's memory.

Each year, a $2,000 college scholarship is awarded. To date, $32,000 has
been issued to an accredited college, university, or trade school on
their behalf.

We are very grateful to the Michigan Gateway Community Foundation for
administering this fund.

Semper Fi,
Pam Bennett and Rick Swenson”

New Board Members: We are excited to announce the newest additions to our Niles Area Fund Board of Directors, Michelle Asmus and Evan Winkler! These individuals bring a wealth of experience, passion, and dedication to our mission, and we are excited to welcome them aboard.

Our area fund board members are responsible for steering our Community Foundation toward continued success in making a positive impact on our community. We are confident that their unique perspectives and diverse skills will contribute significantly to our ongoing efforts.

Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Michelle and Evan. We look forward to their valuable contributions and collaborative efforts as we work together to create positive change within our community.

Grantmaking: Here at MGCF, we have the privilege to partner with many incredible non-profit organizations throughout Southern Berrien and Cass Counties. Check out this video highlighting our work with the Dowagiac History Museum and the Heddon Museum.

The Dowagiac Area History Museum features 6,000 square feet of exhibits highlighting the history of Dowagiac, Cass County, and Sister Lakes.

The Heddon Museum is dedicated to preserving the history of the Heddon Family’s contributions to the fishing tackle industry. It has over 1200 Heddon lures, 140 reels, 150 Heddon rods, and many other items highlighting the family's history, as well as the history of the company.

For more information on either the Dowagiac Area History Museum or the Heddon Museum, visit dowagiacmuseum.info & heddon.dowagiacmuseum.info

New Year, New Opportunities

As we step into 2024, we are excited to announce fresh opportunities and initiatives through the Foundation:

2024 Scholarship Applications Opens: The application period for our scholarships opens on January 15th! Encourage deserving students in our community to apply and take the first step toward achieving their dreams. To apply, click here!
New Scholarships: We are thrilled to share that we introduced the Bill Weaver Memorial Scholarship this past year, thanks to the generosity of donors. These scholarships are designed to support a wide range of academic interests and talents. Learn more about the Bill Weaver Memorial Scholarship Fund here!
February Grant Cycle: Applications for our upcoming grant cycle are due February 1st. If you have any questions about applying for a grant, please contact us at info@mgcf.org.

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.

As we kick off this new year, let's remember that each scholarship and grant we provide represents not just financial aid but also the promise of a brighter future for the recipients and our community. Together, we can make 2024 a year of inspiration, growth, and opportunity for all.

Thank you for your continued commitment to our community.

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