Midland Area Community Foundation grants over $390,000 in first quarter
March 31st, 2022
The Midland Area Community Foundation Board of Trustees recently approved ten grants to Midland area nonprofits, totaling $396,121, including two grants recommended by the Midland Area Youth Action Council.
The Community Foundation’s first-quarter grants range from $10,000 to $100,000, each focusing on one of four significant areas of community improvement: (1) building our livelihood, (2) developing our talent, (3) caring for our people, and (4) enriching our community. Successful grant applications articulated which of these areas would be benefited through the acquisition of funding, using various measures and indicators to illustrate success.
“We understand that the best things happen when we work collaboratively with our partners to create dialogue, advocate for change and act on important issues that impact the Midland area,” said Sharon Mortensen, President & CEO of the Midland Area Community Foundation. “Grants like these allow us to support long-term transformation and work to ensure all residents thrive.”
First-quarter grants for 2022 include:
- Cancer Services of Midland – $40,000
Granted funds will assist in contracting respite care services for patients.
“Cancer Services is incredibly grateful for the generous support of the Midland Area Community Foundation,” said Julie Nunn, Executive Director of Cancer Services of Midland. “With their support, we can provide free respite care for local people when they are fighting cancer and need a little extra in-home assistance. This important service allows cancer patients to feel in control of an uncontrollable disease.”
- City of Midland Parks & Recreation – $40,000
The City will utilize funding to install 400’ of pedestrian handrail fencing along the Pere Marquette Rail-Trail near the Tridge. The City envisions transforming the existing paved pathway that runs along the riverbank from behind Riverside Place and onward toward East End into a welcoming, safe, and inclusive trail for all to enjoy.
- County of Midland – $39,261
The County of Midland will utilize funding to expand the Mental Health Court Program to assist additional participants with rehabilitation and reduce incarceration time.
- Saint Brigid of Kildare Catholic Church – $40,000
Grant dollars will be used to upgrade current playground equipment, emphasizing safety and ease of use.
- Barb Smith Suicide Resource & Response Network – $40,000
This grant will provide training to community members to recognize suicidal tendencies and reduce the number of suicide attempts and completions in Midland County.
- Adoption Option – $39,860
Adoption Option will utilize grant funds to provide staff training to ensure uninterrupted access to adoption resources.
- Safe & Sound Child Advocacy Center – $40,000
Safe & Sound Child Advocacy Center will use this grant to provide in-house counseling free of cost to anyone who has utilized the agency for a forensic interview.
- Midland Township – $100,000
Midland Township will utilize funding to construct a universally accessible and paved one-mile extension of the Midland Township Walking Path.
- Creative 360 – $10,000 (Midland Area Youth Action Council)
Creative 360 will utilize funding to improve the Children’s Teaching Garden and expand their Sprouts and STEM curriculum.
“We are so happy to have the support of the Midland Area Community Foundation so that we can create a Teaching Garden that is accessible to everyone, including those who are neurodiverse and who have physical disabilities,” said Laura Vosejpka, Executive Director of Creative 360. “We will be able to offer integrative programming that combines the best of the Arts, Sciences, and Sustainability and will engage our entire community.”
- Bullock Creek Youth Football League – $10,000 (Midland Area Youth Action Council)
The intention of this grant request is to supply new helmets to youth football league participants.
Competitive grants are offered quarterly. Grants are open to all 501(c)(3) nonprofit agencies, public schools, and government entities in Midland County.
To inquire about donating, establishing a fund, or applying for a grant, contact the Community Foundation at (989) 839-9661 or info@midlandfoundation.org.
