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LUDINGTON — The Community Foundation for Mason County has launched The Campaign for Mason County: Building a Stronger Community Together, a $5 million fundraising effort that aspires to meet Mason County’s urgent needs and opportunities by tripling the Community Foundation’s grant making capacity.
Hamlin Township residents Lee and Joan Schoenherr have pledged $1 million towards the campaign. The Community Foundation has announced it is committed to matching the Schoenherrs’ pledge.
“Lee and Joan Schoenherr’s generosity will impact opportunities community-wide,” said Andrea Large, Foundation executive director. “We are so grateful for their commitment to the people of Mason County.”
Large said the Foundation’s goal is to raise $860,000 by April 1.
“The Campaign will enable the Community Foundation to offer high-impact grant awards to nonprofit initiatives that will accelerate community progress in key areas,” she said.
Guided by its strategic plan, additional grant making capacity will help the Community Foundation support projects that advance educational attainment, improve workforce supports, and enhance recreation and quality of life opportunities in Mason County.
The Community Foundation has about $150,000 per year in unrestricted flexible funding to grant to nonprofit partners to assist with the community’s greatest needs. However, requests often outnumber the funding available.
“We often receive two to three times the number of grant requests that we can award. As a result, we can’t always provide the necessary funding to support our nonprofit partners who are working hard to address the greatest needs and opportunities in our community,” explained Large. “This campaign effort will help us bridge the funding gap and address the core issues impacting Mason County.”
To contribute to the campaign or to learn more about the grantmaking areas earmarked for support, contact the Community Foundation for Mason County at 231-845-0326 or alarge@cffmc.org, or visit mason-foundation.org.
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