Otsego Community Foundation

Otsego Community Foundation Welcome to your community foundation!

A simple, powerful way to-
Give something back to the place you love
Support the causes you care about
Connect with others who share your ideals
Make the Most of your charitable gift
Leave a lasting legacy
Shape a brighter future-
The possibilities are endless
Impact immeasurable!

The Power of EndowmentWhat if your generosity could last forever?When you create an endowed fund with the Otsego Communi...
06/18/2026

The Power of Endowment
What if your generosity could last forever?

When you create an endowed fund with the Otsego Community Foundation, your gift becomes a permanent source of support for the community you love.

How it works:
Endowments are invested for long-term growth. The original gift remains intact, while a portion of the earnings is used each year to make grants—supporting local needs and honoring your charitable wishes.

Your gift doesn’t just make an impact today…
it continues to grow over time, give back year after year, and endure for generations.

Why it matters
An endowment allows you to:
✔ Provide steady, ongoing support to causes you care about
✔ Create a lasting legacy in your community
✔ Partner with experts to maximize your impact

Contact Amanda Sosa today to learn more.
Email: [email protected] / Phone: 989-731-0597

🎓 Celebrating Our YAC Graduates!Each year, the Otsego Community Foundation proudly recognizes the graduating seniors who...
06/17/2026

🎓 Celebrating Our YAC Graduates!

Each year, the Otsego Community Foundation proudly recognizes the graduating seniors who have dedicated their time, talents, and leadership to our Youth Advisory Committee (YAC). These remarkable students have made a lasting impact on our community—strengthening youth programs, elevating student voices, and helping direct funding where it’s needed most.

Through leadership development, volunteerism, grantmaking, and community outreach, YAC members truly embody the spirit of service. This year’s graduating seniors leave behind a legacy of compassion, confidence, and meaningful change—and we couldn’t be more proud of all they’ve accomplished.

In this article, get to know our graduates, their future plans, and the powerful impact YAC has had on their lives—and our community.

👉 https://www.otsegofoundation.org/celebrating-youth-advisory-committee-graduating-seniors-3/
✨ Reminder: There is still time to apply to join the Youth Advisory Committee! If you—or a student you know—want to make a difference, applications are open through July 1, 2026.
👉 Apply here: https://www.otsegofoundation.org/learn/youth-advisory-committee/

Last week, we had the pleasure of gathering with our Donor Advised Fund (DAF) advisors for a Lunch & Learn focused on le...
06/15/2026

Last week, we had the pleasure of gathering with our Donor Advised Fund (DAF) advisors for a Lunch & Learn focused on learning, sharing, and connecting for greater impact.
Together, we explored the collective impact of this incredible group—33 funds created and advised by philanthropic, community-minded individuals—who have already granted over $150,000 in 2025 alone to support causes they care deeply about.
The room was filled with meaningful conversation, idea-sharing, and a shared commitment to strengthening our community.

We were especially grateful to hear from Sue Smith of The Refuge, who shared the impact of participating in the Capacity Advisory Pool—a partnership with Rotary Charities that provides nonprofits with access to expert support to build stronger, more sustainable organizations. Her story was a powerful reminder that investing in capacity leads to lasting, community-wide change.

A special thank you to Crave Pizza Pasta Pub for a delicious lunch, beautiful space, and stellar service—it did not disappoint!

This gathering was just the beginning. We’re excited to continue creating opportunities for connection, collaboration, and shared learning among our DAF advisors.

✨ In Case You Missed It… ✨One hour. One room. One shared purpose and a powerful impact across Otsego County. From meanin...
06/11/2026

✨ In Case You Missed It… ✨

One hour. One room. One shared purpose and a powerful impact across Otsego County.

From meaningful conversations with local nonprofits to inspiring stories of real change, this year’s 100+ Women Who Care event was about so much more than the final vote. It was about connection, generosity, and the ripple effect that happens when women come together with intention.

There’s a lot you didn’t see—the moments, the stories, and the energy that made the evening unforgettable.

Take a look inside the night and experience it for yourself: https://www.otsegofoundation.org/100-women-who-care-2026-recap/

✨ Congratulations to Our Latest Leadership Learning Lab Graduates! ✨Please join us in celebrating the incredible 2025–20...
06/10/2026

✨ Congratulations to Our Latest Leadership Learning Lab Graduates! ✨

Please join us in celebrating the incredible 2025–2026 Leadership Learning Lab cohort on completing their training and receiving their certificates!

We are proud to recognize:
• Ellen Templeton, Health Department of Northern MI
• Charlie May, Otsego County Commission on Aging
• Christy Walcott, Ga***rd Area Convention and Tourism Bureau
• Ashley Hutchens, Ga***rd Area Chamber of Commerce
• Tonya Ouillette, Huron Pines

The Leadership Learning Lab (LLL) is a powerful experience that blends adaptive and collaborative leadership, effective time management, and a full suite of nonprofit and cross-sector capacity-building skills. This program invests directly in leaders—strengthening not only their growth, but also the organizations and communities they serve.

At the Otsego Community Foundation, supporting the LLL is one of the ways we intentionally invest in local nonprofit capacity—equipping leaders with the tools, connections, and confidence they need to make an even greater impact across our community.

Ready to grow your leadership skills?
Applications for the 2026–2027 Leadership Learning Lab cohort are now open!

👉 Click here to learn more and apply today.

https://www.otsegofoundation.org/leadership-learning-lab-applications-open/

✨ Volunteer Spotlight: Annette Wells ✨This month, we’re honored to shine a light on Annette Wells—Vice Chair of our Boar...
06/09/2026

✨ Volunteer Spotlight: Annette Wells ✨

This month, we’re honored to shine a light on Annette Wells—Vice Chair of our Board of Directors and a dedicated member of our Executive Committee.

Annette’s deep roots in Northern Michigan, her decades of nonprofit leadership, and her passion for bringing people together make a lasting impact across Otsego County. From her work in community mediation to her belief in listening first and building connections, Annette embodies the spirit of service that strengthens our entire community.

Her hope for the future? That more of us lean in—using our time, talents, and voices to create a brighter tomorrow, together.

Read Annette’s inspiring story and learn more about what drives her commitment to Otsego County: https://www.otsegofoundation.org/volunteer-spotlight-annette-wells/

✨ Small Ideas. Big Impact. ✨At the Otsego Community Foundation, our Adapt Grants help organizations take timely action—r...
06/05/2026

✨ Small Ideas. Big Impact. ✨

At the Otsego Community Foundation, our Adapt Grants help organizations take timely action—responding to needs, building capacity, and turning ideas into impact.

This quarter, we’re proud to support the following projects through five different funds, demonstrating the power of partnership across our community:

🔥 Ga***rd Firefighters’ Association – Firefighter Training Facility ($2,500)
Funded by the Kohnert Family Fund and the Disaster Response Fund
Enhancing local and regional emergency readiness with expanded access to hands-on, realistic training.

🤝 The Refuge Otsego County – Fundraising Capacity Building ($2,500)
Funded by the Ron Chavey Friendship Fund and Funds for the Community
Strengthening long-term sustainability and expanding support for individuals and families through improved fundraising capacity.

🏛️ City of Ga***rd – Parliamentary Procedure Training ($2,000)
Funded by Funds for the Community
Equipping elected and appointed officials with tools for more effective, organized meetings and decision-making.

🐟 Johannesburg-Lewiston Area Schools – Salmon in the Classroom ($1,500)
Funded by the U.A.W. Local 388 Educators Fund
Engaging students in hands-on learning about ecosystems, science, and environmental stewardship.

Each of these projects shows how adaptable, responsive funding can create meaningful change across Otsego County—one thoughtful idea at a time.

💡 Now Accepting Applications!
The next Adapt Grant cycle is open, with applications due July 15.

Learn more or apply: https://www.otsegofoundation.org/2025-apply-for-grants/

Questions? Contact DeLayni Brown at [email protected]

🎓✨ Celebrating Student Success! ✨🎓DeLayni Brown had the honor of attending two local senior awards nights to present Ots...
06/03/2026

🎓✨ Celebrating Student Success! ✨🎓

DeLayni Brown had the honor of attending two local senior awards nights to present Otsego Community Foundation scholarships. It was an inspiring opportunity to recognize the hard work, dedication, and bright futures of our area students.

This year, 13 OCF scholarship funds awarded a total of 17 scholarships, investing $16,500 into the futures of 16 deserving students from:

📍 Ga***rd St. Mary Cathedral School
📍 Ga***rd High School
📍 Johannesburg-Lewiston High School

We are incredibly proud to support these outstanding students as they take the next steps in their educational journeys. Thank you to our generous donors who make these opportunities possible—and congratulations to all of this year’s scholarship recipients!

There’s still time to apply! The Leadership Learning Lab is accepting applications through June 15th, don’t miss your ch...
06/03/2026

There’s still time to apply!

The Leadership Learning Lab is accepting applications through June 15th, don’t miss your chance to grow your leadership skills, connect with others, and make a greater impact in our community.

Whether you’re looking to strengthen your voice, expand your network, or step into new opportunities, this program is designed with you in mind.

The Otsego Community Foundation is proud to partner with Rotary Charities of Traverse City, Manistee County Community Foundation, Frey Foundation, OULETTE Charlevoix Community Foundation, Roscommon Community Foundation, Community Foundation for s Mason County, Petoskey Harbor Springs Community Foundation, Community Foundation for Northeast Michigan, Grand Traverse Community Foundation, Oceana Community Foundation, Cadillac Area Community Foundation, Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation to support this journey of learning and impact.

👉 Learn more and apply here: https://www.otsegofoundation.org/leadership-learning-lab-applications-open/

Know someone who would be a great fit? Tag them below or share this post!

🌟 Now Accepting YAC Applications! 🌟The Otsego Community Foundation is now accepting applications for our Youth Advisory ...
05/29/2026

🌟 Now Accepting YAC Applications! 🌟
The Otsego Community Foundation is now accepting applications for our Youth Advisory Committee (YAC)!

This is a great opportunity for Otsego County students to build leadership skills, learn about nonprofits, and help make a real impact through youth-focused grantmaking.

✅ Be a voice in your community
✅ Gain hands-on experience
✅ Make a difference

📲 Apply today and learn more: https://www.otsegofoundation.org/learn/youth-advisory-committee/

📧 Questions? Contact DeLayni Brown at [email protected]
Or Dave Beyers @ Ga***rd High School

Address

316 W Main Street
Ga***rd, MI
49735

Telephone

+19897310597

Website

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