MGCF August Newsletter

Dear Friends and Supporters of the Community Foundation,

As we are wrapping summer up, we wanted to share some the latest news with you. We thank you for your support while joining us on our journey, together we can make a positive impact.

Creating a Strong, Vibrant, Caring Community

LYONS Reading Fund

The Lyons Reading Fund was created by Lyons Industries Inc and the Lyons Family to aid Dowagiac Union Schools in their goal of improving reading proficiency through all grade levels.

This year the Lyons Reading Fund was able to donate 353 books to Dowagiac Union Middle Schoolers. to help them pursue and meet their reading goals. Thank you to Lyons Industries Inc and the Lyons family for creating this fund. We also thank and appreciate Dowagiac Union Middle School staff for helping us through the whole process, we wouldn’t be able to do it without everyone’s help!

INTERESTED IN MAKING A DONATION TO THIS FUND?

Click here to make a donation online.

Or send a check indicating your gift to "Lyons Reading Fund" in the memo:

Michigan Gateway Community Foundation 111 Days Avenue Buchanan, MI 49107

Scholarship Overview

For the month of August we want to put a spotlight on one of our unique Buchanan Scholarships. Unity Hospital Education Scholarship gives out up to four scholarships a year for students pursuing a degree in the medical field. This scholarship can be given out to a high school senior or an adult. Unity Hospital Education Scholarship is also renewable for three years. If you want to learn more about the Unity Hospital Education Scholarship click here.

If you are interested in making a donation to any of the funds listed above following the directions below.

Click here to make a donation online.

Or send a check indicating your gift to "Unity Hospital Education Fund" in the memo:

Michigan Gateway Community Foundation 111 Days Avenue Buchanan, MI 49107

Youth Advisory Council

Even while on summer break our YAC has been working to recruit for this upcoming school year. Please help give our three new YAC members a warm welcome in joining YAC!

Madison Huss - Brandywine Community Schools
Sydney Roeder - Brandywine Community Schools
Brooklyn Smith - Ross Beatty High School

Our Youth Advisory Council (YAC) is still looking to recruit for members in Dowagiac, Edwardsburg, Marcellus and Niles schools. If you are a student that goes to one of these schools and are interested in joining our YAC, click here to learn more about what we do!

Buchanan Promise Scholarship Recipients

Don't miss out!

Attention Buchanan Promise Scholarship Recipients! You have until August 31st, 2024 to accept or renew your scholarship.

Links to accept or renew your Promise were emailed back in June. If you cannot find that email, click the appropriate link below to complete the application by uploading the items outlined in the application and your award letter.

If you have not submitted the correct information you will receive an email from us indicating what is needed from you. Once we have your correct information, we will be able to process your check!

Please reach out to our office @ 269-695-3521 or email info@buchananpromise.com if you have any questions. Thanks!

Promise Pledge (Acceptance) Form Link:

https://form.jotform.com/231065898670062

Promise Renewal Form Link:

https://form.jotform.com/230955118641052

Buchanan District Library Backpack & School Supplies Giveaway!

We are thrilled to share the success of Buchanan District Library Backpack & School Supplies Giveaway! Back in February 2024 the Buchanan District Library received a $2,000 grant from us, this grant was to be used to host a backpack giveaway for students attending Buchanan Community Schools.

From February to July 1st the Library was hosting a school supplies donation drive. Once the drive was over, our YAC members along with a few other amazing volunteers had the task of stuffing all the supplies into the bags while sorting them by grade levels for the schools.

This event was a partnership between the Buchanan District Library, Redbud Area Ministries (RAM) and our Foundation. Those that were in need of a backpack for the upcoming school year had to sign up at RAM and then could pick up on August 1st at the giveaway event or at a later date if needed.

Thanks to all the partners and volunteers the event was a HUGE Success! They were able to giveaway 44 backpacks that were filled with school supplies. Not to mention what a fun event it was for everyone, they were handing out free hotdogs, popcorn and snow cones to help beat the heat. Also they had three incredible bounce houses for kids of all ages to play on and they were handing out prizes for end of the Summer Reading Program! If you want to read more about this event click here. (Some picture credits are from Buchanan District Library and Redbud Area Ministries)

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.

Thank you for your continued support and for being an integral part of our community. Together, we’re making a lasting impact!

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