Community Foundation for Muskegon County

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!

05/21/2026

🌥️ Summer weather might still be catching up, but our summer office hours are officially here!

From Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, we adjust our office hours to give our team the opportunity to enjoy all that West Michigan has to offer.

05/14/2026

🌟 Welcome Jim! 🌟

Please join us in welcoming Jim Perreault to the Community Foundation for Muskegon County team! 👋

Jim started his role as Community Investment Officer in April 2026. Born and raised in Muskegon, he's excited to give back to the community that shaped him through the impactful work of the Community Foundation.

Jim joins the team after a 27-year career in public education, where he served as both a classroom teacher and an administrator. He and his wife, Megan, are proud parents to three boys, ages 22, 17, and 15. Outside of work, Jim enjoys time at the beach, hiking, getting lost in a good book, and traveling with his family.

We're excited to have Jim on the team!

05/13/2026

🎉 Join us in congratulating the incredible Class of 2026 seniors of our Youth Advisory Council! 🎓

Their commitment, effort, and passion have left a meaningful mark on our community.

Meet Justin Jensen from Whitehall High School:
"Through being a member of YAC, I have learned the importance of giving back to this community. I am able to use my voice to make a difference for the youth in Muskegon. I have enjoyed my time creating opportunities for youth that will help them thrive."

Justin will be attending Michigan State University to pursue a degree in chemical engineering. Congratulations!

05/10/2026

💐 This Mother’s Day, we’re proud to share some meaningful news for families in our community.

Rx Kids is coming to the City of Muskegon and Muskegon Heights starting June 1, 2026, as part of its expansion to 20+ new communities this summer. This is a program designed to improve maternal and infant health by addressing the profound economic hardship families face during pregnancy and infancy, the most financially vulnerable time for many households.

This effort is made possible through partnership with the State of Michigan, the City of Muskegon, and many generous donors. The Community Foundation for Muskegon County is honored to serve as the local fiduciary and welcomes contributions to support the program's sustainability.

It's one more way we’re building tomorrow, together—by investing in families today and strengthening our community for the future.

Learn more: https://buff.ly/ltrSZYT

05/08/2026

Attention all KickStart to Career parents and families! 📣

KickStart to Career - Muskegon County has added a game-changing feature: Online Deposits! Families can now easily set up one-time or recurring deposits directly through the new secure database connected through PowerSchool.

Plus, families who make their first online deposit before May 22 will receive an extra $10 incentive added to their child’s savings account!

KickStart to Career continues to create meaningful opportunities for students to build savings, explore future career paths, and strengthen their financial skills. Be sure to check out the full newsletter below for more updates and incentive opportunities.

KickStart Family Communication:4/26