Eleven grants were recently approved by the Midland Area Community Foundation’s Board of Trustees, including three grants from the Midland Area Youth Action Council. The total grantmaking for the second quarter amounted to $348,000. Grantmaking from the Midland Area Community Foundation is made possible by community members who have contributed to funds that support the charitable, cultural, educational, recreational, and scientific needs of the Midland area, in alignment with the Community Foundation’s purpose.
The Community Foundation’s second quarter grants range from $5,000 to $60,000, each focusing on one of four significant areas of community improvement: building our livelihood, developing our talent, caring for our people, and enriching our community. Through their grant applications, community partners shared how the Community Foundation’s investment would allow them to scale their impact in one or more of these areas.
The Midland Area Community Foundation is committed to trust-based philanthropy. This framework reflects a commitment to building relationships with nonprofits and making grantmaking responsive to their needs. This funding cycle includes operational grants to nonprofits, one of the principles of trust-based philanthropy.
“Behind every grant we make are community members who choose to give—people who believe in the power of giving to shape a better future. Our donors are the heart of the Community Foundation’s work, and their support drives the long-term transformation we’re seeing across Midland County,” said Sharon Mortensen, President & CEO of the Midland Area Community Foundation.
Second quarter grants for 2025 include:
- 1in6 Support Inc: $25,000
1in6 Support Midland’s Parent and Caregiver Support Program –
Funding has been approved to empower and uplift parents and caregivers by providing necessary resources and support. Through community-driven services, 1in6 Support Inc. seeks to enhance the emotional well-being of families navigating challenging life circumstances.
“This project strengthens our work in the Midland area by expanding support for families of children with disabilities. Our parent and caregiver support group meetings help break the cycle of isolation by offering a safe space to connect, share resources, learn, and build community—fostering a more inclusive and compassionate Midland,” said Iris Mehler, Co-Founder of 1in6 Support Inc.
Expert Navigation of LIHTC to Preserve Midland Affordable Housing –
This project involves expert consultation to effectively navigate the complexities of the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) process. Success will help maintain the affordability of housing units in Midland County, directly benefiting low-income residents.
- Coleman Community Schools: $60,000
Cultivating Comets’ Mental, Physical, and Social-Emotional Wellbeing –
Coleman Community Schools requested funding to improve the mental, physical, and emotional health of students. This grant will provide for significant updates to school facilities, including upgrades to recreational areas that foster safer, more engaging environments.
High-Quality Affordable Food Matters –
Funds will support initiatives at The Bridge Food Center, emphasizing access to nutritious, affordable food. The initiative addresses food insecurity, enhances community health, and builds sustainable access to quality groceries.
Youth on Course – Currie Municipal Golf Course (Youth Action Council Grant) –
Youth on Course requested funding to continue providing affordable golfing opportunities for youth at Currie Municipal Golf Course. This program, recognized statewide, offers young people the chance to engage in golf while building life skills and community connections.
- Greater Midland Community Center: $5,000
MPS Middle School Helmet Replenishing and Jersey Replacement Project (Youth Action Council Grant) –
Funds were requested to replenish safety equipment, specifically helmets and jerseys, for Midland Public Schools’ middle school athletic programs. These equipment replacements ensures student-athletes can safely participate in team sports.
- Independent Community Living: $60,000
Coordinating High Quality Support –
Independent Community Living were awarded funds to enhance support services for individuals with disabilities. This project aims to provide high-quality, coordinated care that improves quality of life and supports greater independence.
- Midland Soccer Club: $60,000
Capital Campaign Support – Great Lakes Bay Regional Soccer Complex –
This grant is to Midland Soccer Club for its ongoing capital campaign. Funds directly contribute to constructing and improving facilities at the Great Lakes Bay Regional Soccer Complex, fostering increased community participation and recreational opportunities.
“With the construction of the new facility, the youth of the Great Lakes Bay Region will be impacted in a major way. It will have a direct impact on the youth who play all sports by giving them the opportunity to train all year long. Through programming expansion, it will attract more visitors to the region, which directly impacts local businesses and helps with the local economy. This will be a game changer for the region and will be a safe venue that will benefit generations to come,” said Marshall Gray, Operations Director of Midland Soccer Club.
- Peer 360 Recovery Alliance: $20,000
Operational Support for Peer 360 Recovery –
Peer 360 Recovery Alliance was awarded funds to sustain and expand recovery support services for individuals affected by substance use disorders. This operational support aims to enhance peer-based recovery programs and strengthen community wellness.
- Sanford Historical Society: $20,000
Expand Parking and Service Offerings and Renovate Museum Facilities –
The Sanford Historical Society will expand its parking area and renovate existing museum facilities. These improvements will increase accessibility, enhance visitor experience, and support the society’s educational and cultural programming.
Assets Across the Lifespan Project – Youth Survey (Youth Action Council Grant) –
The Legacy Center was awarded funds to conduct the Assets Across the Lifespan Youth Survey, designed to assess and promote youth development. This research informs targeted community initiatives and educational programming to support Midland’s youth.
Competitive grants are offered quarterly. Grants are open to all 501(c)(3) nonprofit agencies, educational institutions, 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.