Commitment to The Community

On Oct 2, MGCF held our annual Commitment to the Community event. This year's celebration was hosted at the historic Ross Sanders House in Buchanan, surrounded by signs of restoration and progress.

We gathered to celebrate the partnerships, donors, and volunteers who make the Michigan Gateway Community Foundation’s mission possible. Together, we’re creating lasting impact across education, healthcare, and culture.

Here are some highlights from that work in 2024:

Over $509,000 in scholarships awarded to local students

Support for programs like the Positive Parenting Program and Berrien County Cancer Services

Grants to local treasures like the Roti Roti Art Center, Niles District Library, and Buchanan Common Summer Concert Series

With more than $600,000 in grants awarded in 2024, we’re proud to keep fostering a community for good — forever.

A heartfelt thank-you to our Board, staff, and incredible volunteers who make it all happen. And to our community — thank you for believing in what’s possible when we work together.

A New Chapter for Edwardsburg:

Library Construction Update

Big things are happening in Edwardsburg! The Cass District Library (CDL) is hard at work building a brand-new 9,500-square-foot public library right in the heart of town — and it’s shaping up to be an incredible resource for the entire community.

Library Director Christopher Korenowsky shared his excitement about the project, saying, “The Cass District Library (CDL) could not be prouder to offer library users a brand new 9,500 sq ft branch in the heart of Edwardsburg, Michigan. It would be difficult to overstate the many wonderful public services and exciting community initiatives that the new branch will be offering residents all across Cass County.”

The new Edwardsburg branch will feature more books and resources, innovative technologies, and a 1,143-square-foot community room that can comfortably seat 60 people—perfect for gatherings, programs, and events that bring neighbors together.

“Public libraries build strong neighborhoods,” Korenowsky added, “and that is one of the many goals that CDL has for its newest branch.”

As a community partner of the Michigan Gateway Community Foundation (MGCF), Cass District Library is working closely with MGCF to facilitate fundraising for this exciting project. Community support is helping make the dream of a new Edwardsburg library a reality, and every contribution brings the project closer to completion.

Construction is moving along, and the grand opening is planned for early 2026. CDL can’t wait to welcome everyone inside and start this exciting new chapter together.

To learn more about the project and how you can help, visit, see progress updates at www.cassdistrictlibrary.org/edwardsburg-build

Youth Leaders Build Skills and Connections at Joint Training

Members of the Michigan Gateway Community Foundation (MGCF) Youth Advisory Council (YAC) recently joined the Berrien Community Foundation’s Teens Exhibiting Able Minds (TEAM) group for a day of leadership training and collaboration at MGCF’s offices.

The session was courtesy of the Council of Michigan Foundations(CMF) and was led by Senior Program Officer and YAC Advisor Jennifer Popielski, and Susan Matheny, Program Director and TEAMS Director at the Berrien Community Foundation. Together, they guided students through team-building exercises, leadership discussions, and grantmaking simulations designed to help young philanthropists strengthen their skills and share ideas.

For many of the participants, the day was about more than just learning—it was about connecting with peers who share their passion for making a difference.

“I think spreading ideas and getting everyone in one place to talk about them breeds new ideas,” said Hank, an 11th-grade student from St. Joseph. “You’re getting input from people who come from so many different places across Berrien and Cass Counties.”

McKaylen, a sophomore from Waterlvliet, agreed, saying,

“It’s great to meet new people and hear their perspectives. We all have different ideas, and being around new voices helps us grow and see things in new ways.”

Students discussed how their experiences in YAC and TEAM teach real-world leadership and collaboration skills through the process of reviewing and awarding community grants.

“We all share a common goal, so it's good to work together.” Said Brandywine senior Sydney.

Isabelle, an 11th grader from Cassopolis, added,

“Jennifer [Popielski] always reminds us that our YAC should be made up of a diverse group of students who represent the communities we come from. Not everyone will agree, but everyone’s ideas are valid—and that’s something I’ll carry with me.”

For newer members, the training provided valuable insight into how grantmaking works and what it means to collaborate for community good.

“We had a lot of people graduate, so this training really helped new members understand what this year is going to be about and what we can do together,” McKaylen shared.

The event highlighted the shared mission of both YAC and TEAM—to empower youth as community leaders who understand the importance of philanthropy, collaboration, and service.

Don’t Miss Out! Apply for MGCF Mini Grants by November 1

There’s still time to apply for a Michigan Gateway Community Foundation Mini Grant — but the deadline is November 1!

Mini Grants are designed to support small but powerful projects that make a big impact in our communities across southern Berrien and Cass counties. Schools, nonprofits, and community groups are encouraged to apply for funding that helps bring creative ideas to life — whether it’s a classroom initiative, neighborhood improvement, youth program, or community event.

MGCF Mini Grants provide up to $500 for projects that align with the Foundation’s mission of building strong, vibrant communities. These grants are a great opportunity to test new ideas, spark collaboration, and meet local needs on a smaller scale.

To learn more and apply, visit www.mgcf.org/yac.
Be sure to submit your application by Friday, November 1, 2025.

Together, we can turn small ideas into lasting change!

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