Nine grantees were recently awarded by the Midland Area Community Foundation’s Board of Trustees, totaling $219,285. 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 third quarter grantees received $3,000 to $54,457, with individual awards ranging from $3,000 to $30,000, each request 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, a key principle of trust-based philanthropy.
“Our donors make it possible for us to turn community vision into tangible impact. These investments represent the heart of generosity in action. Because of our donors, we can continue building a community where residents have an opportunity to thrive,” said Sharon Mortensen, President & CEO of the Midland Area Community Foundation.
Third quarter grant awards for 2025 include:
- Adoption Option Inc.: $54,457
Hope Finds a Home –
Adoption Option Inc. will use two grants to acquire the current facility it occupies, ensuring a stable and permanent home for its adoption and foster care services. Securing the property will strengthen the organization’s ability to serve Midland-area families effectively for years to come.
Adoption Option received two grants. One was a community investment grant, and one was a foundation-directed grant.
- Affordable Housing Alliance Midland County Nonprofit Housing Corporation: $25,000
Appliance Inspections for Energy Efficiency and Resident Comfort –
Funding will enable the Affordable Housing Alliance to perform annual furnace inspections and air conditioning unit cleaning for its housing units. Certified technicians will perform necessary maintenance, enhancing system efficiency and extending the equipment’s lifespan. The project will help reduce utility costs and create safer, more comfortable homes for low-income residents.
“The Appliance Inspections for Energy Efficiency and Resident Comfort project is a perfect blend of support for AHA’s housing program, directly impacting our residents at the same time. By ensuring appliances run efficiently, this project reduces utility costs for low-income families, extends the life of major equipment, and provides residents with safe, comfortable homes they can depend on,” said Mara Stewart, Executive Director of the Affordable Housing Alliance.
- Foster Families Navigation & Resource Center Inc.: $3,000
Continuity for Kids in Care: Foster Care Support –
This initiative will support child welfare workers who serve foster youth, providing appreciation efforts, written notes, and opportunities for social connection. These efforts will promote retention and wellbeing among workers, ensuring that foster youth receive consistent and compassionate care.
- Greater Midland Community Centers, Inc.: $30,000
Greater Midland Tennis Center Revitalization Project –
The Greater Midland Tennis Center will apply its funds toward an $8.3 million infrastructure revitalization project that will modernize aging systems and reduce energy costs. These improvements will create welcoming, sustainable spaces that enhance the community’s quality of life and provide meaningful recreation for all ages.
“With the generous support of community partners like the Midland Area Community Foundation, we are reimagining our member, guest, and employee spaces in ways that will strengthen our community impact for years to come. These improvements will help us grow and retain both members and staff, while creating a more welcoming and vibrant environment for everyone who walks through our doors,” said Jeff Rekeweg, Executive Director of the Greater Midland Tennis Center.
- Michigan Department of State Police: $20,000
Michigan State Police Emergency Needs Closet for Midland County –
The Michigan State Police Tri-City Post will establish a personal care and safety items supply closet for survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, human trafficking, and stalking in Midland County. The closet will provide essential items that law enforcement currently cannot supply, helping survivors meet immediate personal needs and restoring dignity during times of crisis.
- Michigan Farmers Market Association: $10,000
Advancing Racial Equity at the Midland Area Farmers Market and Building Community Among Market Managers –
The Midland Area Farmers Market will participate in the Market Manager Racial Equity Cohort, supported by the Michigan Farmers Market Association. Funding will cover stipends for anti-racism initiatives, staff facilitation, and on-site evaluations to ensure an inclusive and equitable market experience for all residents.
- Midland Conservation District: $20,000
Tomlinson Barn Education Center Foundation Repair
The Midland Conservation District will use its funds to complete foundation repairs at the Tomlinson Barn Education Center. The project will stabilize walls, repair cracks, and install a French drain to prevent future water damage. These improvements will ensure the historic structure remains safe, accessible, and preserved for future generations of educational visitors.
- Midland County Sheriff’s Office: $28,328
Utility Task Vehicle (UTV) Purchase –
The Midland County Sheriff’s Office will acquire a Utility Task Vehicle (UTV) to enhance mobility and response capabilities in off-road, rural, and hard-to-reach areas. The UTV will be used for law enforcement operations, including search and rescue, disaster response, rural patrol, and event management.
- The Legacy Center for Community Success: $28,500
Assets Across the Lifespan Survey Project –
The Legacy Center will conduct a countywide survey to measure developmental assets among youth, adults, and older adults. The findings will guide community efforts to strengthen protective factors that foster wellbeing across all life stages.
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.