December 2024 Newsletter

Season’s Greetings from Michigan Gateway Community Foundation!

As we wrap up the year, we reflect on the incredible impact our community has made in 2024. Thanks to your generosity and dedication, we’ve continued to grow opportunities and create meaningful change for individuals and families across our region.

This month, we’re excited to share updates on scholarship opportunities, community initiatives, and stories of those whose lives have been touched by your support. Together, we’re building a brighter future—one step at a time.

From all of us at MGCF, we wish you and your loved ones a joyous holiday season and a Happy New Year!

Creating a Strong, Vibrant, Caring Community

Scholarship Year Overview

Scholarship season is just around the corner! Stay tuned for more information about the 2025 scholarship application launching in January. This past year we gave out $159,900.00 including 2024 scholarships and renewals. Want to see our 2024 scholarship recipients? Click here to see our 2024 Scholarship Award Book!

President and CEO Michael Rowland, along with our Buchanan Promise Program Officer and MCAN Advisor, joins Jeff Rea and PBS Michiana - WNIT for an episode of Economic Outlook.

WNIT’s Economic Outlook Episode Featuring MGCF

Listen to this important episode to learn about the Michigan Gateway Community Foundation and our community efforts. We enhance Michigan's quality of life through initiatives that support local projects. Our focus is on collaboration among residents, organizations, and businesses to make lasting impacts in education, health, and the arts. Discover how we make a difference and how you can get involved

Kickstart to Careers

Last month we opened 102 new Kickstart to Career accounts with $50.00 each to students in Kindergarten at Ottawa Elementary School. This is a free deposit only account to help students and families plan and save for college. The funds are held at Honor Credit Union and managed by Michigan Gateway Community Foundation. We also had our first in school deposit day of the year at Ottawa, Moccasin and the Buchanan Middle School. We collected a total of 79 deposits totaling $1,078.61. Our next in school deposit day will be December 19, 2024. To learn more about the Buchanan Kickstart to career, click here. To make a donation to the Buchanan Kickstart Career fund, and help the Little Bucks save for their future, click here.

Youth Advisory Council (YAC)

Niles-Buchanan YMCA Thanksgiving Day Run

This is the 3rd in a row that our YAC has volunteered for the Thanksgiving Day Run. We loved being able to see everyone faces and volunteer for such a fun project!

Cass County Animal Shelter

On December 7th our YAC Volunteered at the Cass County Animal Shelter for the “Christmas for the Animals Open House”. Our YAC also bought and donated $200.00 of dry dog food to the shelter. During YACS time they helped unload donations and spent time with the animals. Follow our YAC on Facebook to see more photos of the day! YAC Facebook

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