Community Foundation for Muskegon County

06/18/2026

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, advancing educational attainment is one of our strategic goals because we believe education has the power to strengthen individuals, families, and entire communities.

As Muskegon Community College approaches its 100th anniversary, they continue to play a vital role in providing accessible education and workforce training throughout our region. MCC is hosting two more town hall meetings to share updates on the college's priorities, initiatives, and future plans, including information about the upcoming operating millage restoration proposal.

We encourage community members to attend, learn more, and be part of the conversation.
June 24 Town Hall Meeting: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CrcEL81Xx/
July 23 Town Hall Meeting: https://www.facebook.com/share/1D8chjWzL9/

06/15/2026

📚 Curious about the education and training opportunities available right here in Muskegon County?

Don't miss out on an evening of connection and learning as local leaders come together to share the many pathways to post-secondary education and lifelong learning. We're especially excited that our own Scholarships & Community Investment Officer, Martha Brown, will be joining the panel discussion. Register today!

Are you curious about what education and training opportunities are available in Muskegon County? Join us on July 13 to learn about the MANY options you have! Great for adults looking for more training and recent grads looking to learn more about what lies ahead (and how to pay for it)! Register soon, space is limited! tinyurl.com/literacyladder Community Foundation for Muskegon County Muskegon Area ISD Goodwill Industries of West Michigan Muskegon Community College

06/11/2026

📣 Scholarship Recipient Reminder!

If you were awarded a scholarship through our General Scholarship Application for graduating high school seniors or current college students, don't forget to complete your follow-up form.

Follow-up forms are due by midnight on June 18 and are required in order to receive your scholarship award. Please be sure to review your acceptance email carefully for instructions and next steps.

Questions? Contact our Scholarship Team at [email protected]

06/05/2026

🌟 Welcome Josh! 🌟

Please join us in welcoming Josh Ogren to the Community Foundation for Muskegon County team! 👋

Josh joined the Community Foundation in February as Frauenthal Building & Facilities Manager, bringing nearly 30 years of experience in the trades, including more than 20 years owning and operating his own business. He is excited to apply his expertise to maintaining the historic Frauenthal Center while balancing high-quality standards with operational efficiency.

Josh and his wife, Sara, have been married for 20 years and are the proud parents of two sons, ages 20 and 17. Outside of work, he enjoys reading, trail running, snowboarding, and jiu-jitsu. He looks forward to serving the community through his work with the Frauenthal Center and the Community Foundation!

We’re excited to have Josh on the team!

06/03/2026

👪 Creating a will is one of the most important ways to ensure your wishes are honored and the people and causes you care about are supported for years to come.

Join us on June 23 from 12–1:30 PM for a Will Planning Lunch & Learn with estate attorney Karen Kayes of Warner Norcross + Judd LLP. You'll learn the basics of estate planning and gain practical insights.

This event is geared toward the LGBTQ+ community, but all are welcome. Lunch will be provided.

📅 Tuesday, June 23
🕛 12:00–1:30 PM
📍 Hilt Building - 2nd Floor Reception Gallery
📝 RSVP here: https://buff.ly/t07kJO7

06/02/2026

Two weeks ago, we held our annual Ambassadors Reception, bringing together donors and fundholders — friends and neighbors united by a shared vision of creating a vibrant Muskegon County with great opportunities for all.

This event celebrated the impact of philanthropy across Muskegon County and the meaningful progress made possible through the generosity of our community partners. Their investments are strengthening our community today while creating opportunities for future generations. The event also highlighted the power of leaving a legacy through charitable giving and recognized our Ambassadors, who have chosen to support the Community Foundation through a fund or estate gift. We were also honored to recognize Jan Deur as the recipient of the 2026 Patricia B. Johnson Award for Community Leadership and Innovative Grantmaking.

Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the event special, including Wasserman's Flowers and Gifts for the beautiful centerpieces, The Hearthstone Bistro for the wonderful food, the Starry Night Quartet for the music, Chantal Elise Photography for capturing the evening, and the Frauenthal Center and Community Foundation staff for their support.

We're building tomorrow, together. 💙

06/01/2026

Calling all Muskegon County nonprofit leaders! 📣

Join us for a free gathering to connect with fellow nonprofit professionals and watch a webinar focused on how organizations can lead civic engagement efforts in their communities. Following the webinar, we'll share information about Watch Us Vote grant opportunities available to support Muskegon County nonprofits.

A few seats are still available! If you're interested in attending, please RSVP using the link below.

📅 Wednesday, June 3
🕛 3:00–4:30 PM
📍 Muskegon Chamber of Commerce – Training Room
🔗 RSVP: https://buff.ly/5yPhfBZ

05/29/2026

As graduation season comes to a close, we’re proud to recognize our 2026 Youth Advisory Council seniors one more time. 🎓

Thank you for the time, energy, and perspective you’ve shared throughout your journey with YAC. It’s been meaningful to be a small part of your high school experience, and we’re excited to see where your next steps lead.

Wishing you all the best in what’s ahead!

05/27/2026

🌟 Welcome Laurie! 🌟

Please join us in welcoming Laurie Kennedy to the Community Foundation for Muskegon County team! 👋

Laurie is excited to bring her passion for helping others and her background in finance and accounting to the Community Foundation. Her career path, beginning in high school and continuing through Baker College, has always centered around accounting and finance — skills she’s now using to support meaningful work in the community.

Faith, family, and love are the pillars that guide Laurie’s life. She and her husband of more than 30 years are proud parents to three grown sons, a daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren. Outside of work, Laurie enjoys motorcycle rides with family and friends, dancing at concerts, spending time by the pool, and spoiling her grandchildren and grand dogs.

We’re excited to have Laurie on the team!