Michigan Gateway Community Foundation

10/14/2026

10/14/2026

A big THANK YOU to everyone who joined us last week for our Commitment to the Community event!

We loved the opportunity to share the Foundation’s successes from the past year and celebrate the incredible people, organizations, and community partners who help make our work possible. Every act of generosity and every effort to support our neighbors makes a difference!

Thank you to Michiana Chamber Orchestra and Buchanan Community Schools choirs for their performances!

And a special thank you to The Loading Dock for hosting us and helping make the event a success!

Together, we’re building a community of philanthropy, for good, forever.

10/06/2026

We would like to thank the Buchanan Area Chamber of Commerce and the community members that voted for our foundation as the Organization of The Year. It is truly an honor and we appreciate the opportunity to serve you, for good, forever.

10/01/2026

🌟 DONOR SPOTLIGHT: Jason Stroud Team 🌟

What makes a community special? People who believe in it and invest in its future.

For the Jason Stroud Team, being part of Buchanan means more than doing business here. It means supporting the people, organizations and community experiences that make Buchanan special.

As a major sponsor of this year's Buchanan Common Summer Concert Series, the team helped bring free music and fun to downtown Buchanan.

In our latest Donor Spotlight, Jason Stroud, Caren Furdeck and Bryan Tumbleson share why giving back matters to their team.

Check out the video and get to know the people behind the Jason Stroud Team!

Do you want to help create more opportunities for our community to connect, grow and thrive? Consider making a gift to Michigan Gateway Community Foundation!

Visit: www.mgcf.org for more info

09/18/2026

𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗦𝗨𝗣𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗦 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗬

Michigan Gateway Community Foundation recently presented the Buchanan Track and Field Boosters with $4,975.95 to help purchase a new discus cage for Buchanan student-athletes.

The grant is part of the Boosters’ larger effort to update track and field equipment and facilities. And the community is already stepping up in a big way!

“I believe community supports community,” said Boosters President Mariah Molitor. “I knew as soon as I sent out letters and made presentations that people were gonna say yes because it is for our community.”

The funds from MGCF were issued as part of the last grant cycle and made available through the Foundation's Buchanan Area Fund.

We’re proud to be part of a community that continues to show up for its students and make things happen.

If you're interested in finding out more about MGCF, our funds, or how to donate or volunteer, visit: www.mgcf.org

09/14/2026

Welcome back YAC!

Our Youth Advisory Council (YAC) brings together local high school students who want to make a difference in their communities. Through leadership, service projects, and grantmaking, YAC members identify needs, support youth-focused programs, and help put their ideas into action.

It’s a chance for young people to have a real voice in shaping the future of their community.

Learn more about YAC, including how to join or support its work, at www.mgcf.org/yac

09/11/2026

Michigan Gateway Community Foundation is proud to announce nearly $100,000 in grants to 10 local organizations through our latest grant cycle!

These grants will support projects making a difference across our communities, including:

🏊 YMCA Cass Swim Camp — expanding swimming and water-safety education
🚑 City of Buchanan Police Department — purchasing lifesaving AED equipment
🌿 Fernwood Botanical Garden & Nature Preserve — improving trails
🌳 Chikaming Open Lands — supporting land conservation
🎭 Buchanan District Library — bringing music and culture to the community
🏃 Buchanan Community Schools Track & Field Boosters — improving athletic facilities
❤️ Berrien County Cancer Service — providing nutritional support for cancer patients
👧 Girl Scouts — supporting leadership opportunities for local girls
💙 Niles-Buchanan YMCA — strengthening staff safety training
🤝 God’s Mercy Seat Missionary Baptist Church — providing financial coaching

Together, these investments support health, education, recreation, conservation, public safety, youth development and more.

We’re grateful to the donors who make these grants possible and to the organizations working every day to make our communities stronger. ❤️

This is what community giving looks like!

From improving trails and preserving land to expanding water-safety programs and purchasing lifesaving equipment, 10 local organizations will receive a combined $96,139.95 through the latest grant cycle of the Michigan Gateway Community Foundation (MGCF). The grants support projects throughout the

08/28/2026

🎉SCHOLARSHIP SPOTLIGHT!!🎉

The next student in the MGCF Scholarship Spotlight Series is a 2026 graduate of Buchanan High School, AVERY SCANLON!!!

Avery received the Unity Hospital Education Scholarship, which provides $1000 per year for four years to students who are pursuing a course of study in the health profession. You are amazing, Avery!!

Avery will be attending Lake Michigan College in the fall. She plans to study nursing. After receiving her associate's degree, Avery plans to attend a 4-year university and graduate as a registered nurse. Her long-term goals are to work at a hospital in the intensive care unit or neonatal intensive care unit.

While in high school, Avery participated in girls wrestling and softball. She was a member of the prom committee, Science Olympiad, HOSA, and has completed two internships at local hospitals. Avery spends her free time volunteering to make cards for senior citizens and blankets for the children's hospital. She has also assisted with youth softball and wrestling camps.

Congratulations, Avery, on your many achievements! We know that you will make Buchanan proud!

08/27/2026

🎉SCHOLARSHIP SPOTLIGHT!!🎉

The next student in the MGCF Scholarship Spotlight Series is a 2026 graduate of Buchanan High School, MARLEY HINDS!!!

Marley received the Hike for Higher Education Scholarship in the amount of $750, the Galien Ambulance Scholarship in the amount of $750, and the Galien Township Scholarship, which provides $1,500 toward educational expenses. These awards recognize his accomplishments and will provide valuable support as he continues his education and works toward his future goals. You rock, Marley!!

Marley will be attending Lake Michigan College in the fall. He plans to study the electrical trades and milling. Marley's long-term goals include a potential apprenticeship or furthering his education by getting his degree in electrical engineering. Whatever his future holds, he is adamant that he be a role model for underrepresented children of color in his community. He wants them to know that there are many opportunities for them as they grow up.

While in high school, Marley participated in tennis, cross country, basketball, baseball, and track. He enjoyed volunteering at the elementary school by reading books and helping children learn about respecting other people and their boundaries.

Congratulations, Marley, on your many achievements! We know that you will make Buchanan proud!

08/26/2026

🎉SCHOLARSHIP SPOTLIGHT!!🎉

The next student in the MGCF Scholarship Spotlight Series is a 2026 graduate of Buchanan High School, SYDNEY DENISON!!!

Sydney received the Harriet J. Schwartz Scholarship and the Eugene Smith Scholarship. Both scholarships provide $250 each to a graduate of Buchanan High School.

Sydney will be attending Indiana University Bloomington in the fall. She plans to study cinematic arts and film production. She is also interested in sports media. Sydney's long-term goals include working for a sports team or gaining on-set experience in the film industry.

While in high school, Sydney participated in volleyball and track and field. She was active on student council, served as senior class President, and was part of the Herd Spirit Team. Sydney was a member of the National Honor Society, Leos Club, and the Berrien RESA Student Advisory Committee, and, through those organizations and clubs, volunteered in her community. She takes pride in giving back and encourages others to do the same when they are able.

Congratulations, Sydney, on your many achievements! We know that you will make Buchanan proud!