Our Pinecone Logo

The pine cone symbol of the Midland Area Community Foundation reminds us of our past, present and future:

• It reminds us of our heritage from the past, for our community was built in the heart of one of the world's most magnificent stands of white pines.
• It reminds us of our present, because the Foundation is working for a better, more beautiful community and a continually improving quality of life.
• It reminds us of our future, for the pine cone is a seed bearer, and the Midland Area Community Foundation bears important seeds for our future. Seeds planted today in the form of modest contributions will prosper and beautify the local community in years to come.

Our Proud History

Reviewing our early beginnings in 1973, it becomes apparent that the Midland Area Community Foundation has truly come of age. As we take this opportunity to review our "childhood," we can see the impact the Foundation has made through the people who have committed time, vision, leadership, and dollars to make the community foundation concept a success in the Midland area. These individuals have cared enough about the future of the community to make a truly lasting impression. As we look around us we can see programs and projects started with the support of the Foundation years ago--still present and touching the lives of many, many citizens and visitors. We have provided assistance and support in all areas of need within Midland and Gladwin counties: arts and culture, community development, education, environment, health, human service, recreation.

At the end of 2003, we had $46,490,345 in total assets. This number has grown to over $70,000,000 at year-end 2012. Investment in local projects has been significant; from the Tridge to the Pere Marquette Rail-Trail, Washington Woods to Riverside Place, Whiting Overlook Park to Thrune Park, Entranceways initiative to the Cultural Awareness Committee and more. Students have been the recipients of over a million dollars in scholarships. We have over 400 different funds providing for a large variety of different community needs.

Foundation "FAST FACTS"

• The Foundation's Incorporators: James A. Kendall, Danielle M. Keith, Jeffrey B. Larkin.
• The Foundation's first members: Ned S. Arbury, Julius F. Blasy, O. James Clark, Fern Ecarius, Roy M. Goethe, Julius Grosberg, Anna May Johns, Bernard E. Lorimer, Martin A. Maxwell, Robert L. Parker, John E. Riecker, James R. Rood, Norman C. Rumple, Gwenyth M. Satterlee, Esther L. Schuette, John D. Shea, Eugene B. Skeebo, Ann E. Smock, J. G. Temple, Jr., Ethel A. Thrune, Macauley Whiting.
• The Foundation's first Board of Trustees: O. James Clark, President; Norman C. Rumple, Vice-President; Macauley Whiting, Vice-President; Julius Grosberg, Treasurer; Ethel A. Thrune, Secretary; James A. Kendall, Assistant Secretary; Ned S. Arbury; Julius F. Blasy; Roy M. Goethe; Bernard E. Lorimer; John E. Riecker; James R. Rood; Esther L. Schuette; Ann E. Smock; and J. G. Temple, Jr.
• Our past board chairs: O. James Clark, Esther Gerstacker, Mary Neely, Eileen Starks, Roger Kesseler, Roger Gohrband, W. Lynn Weimer, Mary Lou Hazleton, Donna Rapp, Carole Dennings, Brian Rodgers, Christian Velasquez and Jim Hop.
• Our past staff directors: Wayne E. North, Firmin Paulus, M. Gene Arnold, Denise K. Spencer, Janet M. McGuire, and Sharon Mortensen (current President and CEO)
• Midland County Youth Action Council was one of the first 20 YAC's created through funding by the W. K. Kellogg Foundation in 1991 and 1992. In 2004, the Gladwin County Youth Action Council (GladYAC) was formed.