Community Foundation granting wishes

Community Foundation granting wishes

LUDINGTON — The Community Foundation for Mason County is in its sixth year of inviting area nonprofits to share which near-term projects and purchases need financial support from the community.

In 2022, over $24,000 and 29 wishes were granted.

“We are truly thankful for the enthusiastic and generous response from our community,” said Andrea Large, Community Foundation executive director.

A Few Friends for the Environment of the World (AFFEW) had one of its wishes granted last fall, providing the organization with 15 pairs of binoculars. The fulfilled wish allowed each child to use a pair of binoculars during the youth birding hike in June at the Ludington State Park.

“During this day and throughout the U Dig Community Garden Summer Youth Program, kids were excited to use the binoculars to see birds and other wildlife,” said AFFEW Board President Julia Chambers.

This fall, 79 “wishes” were submitted by nonprofit organizations, totaling over $143,000 for projects needing funding. Individuals and organizations interested in offering support may view the wish lists at www.mason-foundation.org/community-wish-lists.

Wishes are organized into one of three lists: projects costing less than $500, projects between $500-$1,500, and those over $1,500. Wish list ideas span Mason County geographically and across interest areas — from education, recreation, environment, arts, community development, health and human services, and more.

“This is a great opportunity to make a real difference for the many organizations doing good work in our community operating on tight budgets,” said Large.

For those who do not have a fund with the Community Foundation, donors are encouraged to contact the nonprofit organization directly to support a wish. Contact Andrea Large at alarge@cffmc.org if you grant a wish so the Foundation can mark it as funded.