Community Foundation awards over $91,000 in grants

Sable Point Lighthouse Keepers was among the recipients.

Community Foundation awards over $91,000 in grants

LUDINGTON — The Community Foundation for Mason County recently approved grant awards to a variety of community organizations in support of projects throughout Mason County. A total of $91,539.09 in grants was awarded this fall through the competitive application process. Current strategic priorities include advancing educational attainment, improving workforce supports, and increasing recreation and quality of life opportunities. Grants in the amount of $42,939.83 were provided with support from Field of Interest Funds and Funds for the Community. Additionally, the Carol Nunn Nelson Fund, the Don Birtwistle Fund, the Robert R. and Joan Hasenbank Fund, and the Thomas William Paine Charitable Fund provided support through co-investment dollars in the amount of $48,599.26 to make the grants possible.

Highlights of the Grant Awards include:

• Blue Hat Ministries received $5,000 to provide care for adults with disabilities in eight homes for one year.
• Connexion Point recovery services was awarded $5,000 to provide ongoing household needs for the Boon House Recovery Living for men.
• Gateway to Success Academy was awarded $3,539.83 to support the Teen Outreach Program (TOPS), a social-emotional learning program, and student incentives geared towards boosting attendance and graduation rates.
• HELP Ministries received $5,000 to provide refrigeration for safe food storage for those in need.
• Lakeshore Children’s Advocacy Center was awarded $4,400 for Mason County caregiver resources and client wrap-around support materials.
• Sable Points Lighthouse Keepers Association was awarded $5,000 to provide a 100th-anniversary light show at the Ludington North Breakwater Lighthouse (LNBL) to celebrate the maritime history of Mason County and provide its residents with a free event to commemorate the iconic structure.
• Meade Township received $10,000 to add a pickleball court to the Meade Township Park.
• West Shore Amateur Hockey Association/ West Shore Wolves was awarded $4,000 for protective gear replacement.

“These grants, through the support of our donors, continue to have a positive impact on community development, education, and workforce support in this special community we get to call home,” said Andrea Large, Community Foundation executive director.

To view a complete list of fall 2023 grant awards, visit www.mason-foundation.org/grants/past-grant-awards/.

The Community Foundation for Mason County accepts grant applications twice each year, once in the spring and again in the fall. Nonprofit organizations interested in seeking grant support from the Community Foundation are encouraged to visit www.mason-foundation.org/grants/applying-for-a-grant/ for additional information.