Join us for our Annual Celebration

You may remember last year's Annual Celebration at Port Austin Kayak. We are back this year and excited to share with you 2015 accomplishments and look forward to 2016 plans. 

Join us for a night of appetizers, good company, and learning more about HCCF! We will also be giving out $3,000 in grants that evening.

We hope to see you May 12th at El Rio in Pigeon. Doors open at 5:30 pm with a brief program at 6. 

See the event for more details.

STEAM Grants

STEAM fields continue to grow nationwide and here, in Huron County. To ensure that our next generation has the skills to take on this growing field, STEAM education is imperative. The Huron County Community Foundation (HCCF) and Thumb Cellular have teamed up to create a grant specifically for STEAM related projects at our local schools, libraries, and parks and recreation programs. These groups could win up to $1500 to put their plans and ideas into action! This initiative has been formed to support engaging STEAM education and awareness in our Huron County K-12 students.

Funded by the philanthropic generosity of Thumb Cellular “Casual for a Cause” contributions, HCCF is awarding multiple grants to projects that will promote STEAM to our next generation.   Examples of projects include investing in a 3D printer, expanding science or art equipment and supplies, bringing in hands on demonstrations about STEAM careers, exposing students to local STEAM careers through tours, starting a Lego MINDSTORMS program in your elementary school.... the possibilities are endless!

HERE'S HOW IT WORKS

1.    Think about ways to improve STEAM education and awareness in our K-12 students

2.    Submit that idea by completing a short application along with one picture/visual representation of your organization’s idea.

3.    If the idea and organization meet the qualifications, it will be unveiled on WLEW

4.    Ideas and photos will be posted for voting, so get everyone you know to vote for your organization’s idea on the Foundation's Facebook page. 

5.    If your organization’s idea is one of the top two vote-getters, you receive up to $1500 to build STEAM in Huron County!

 

THE REST OF THE DETAILS

·         Two grants up to $1500 will be awarded for projects that enhance STEAM education and awareness.  Submitted programs/projects must be for the benefit of Huron County K-12 students and not for personal or business benefit.  Grant dollars awarded are to be used to complete the proposed project.  

·         This includes new projects or programs, program enhancement within the scope of work or expansion of an already existing project.

·         Any elementary school, middle school, high school, library, or Parks and Recreation program is eligible to apply.  Only one application per organization. (For example: Bad Axe Elementary, Bad Axe Middle School, and Bad Axe High School could each submit one application, but Bad Axe Elementary could not submit two applications)

·         Application:
- Find application here or via button below

-Complete form which includes a 300 character project description.
- Include one photo or illustration depicting your project in jpg format.

·         Simply e-mail the finished application: hccf@huroncounty.com or mail: HCCF, PO Box 56 Bad Axe, MI 48413

               

DATES TO REMEMBER

·         April 22, 5pm - Grants must be received by HCCF prior to 5pm to be considered eligible

·         April 27 - Proposals going to Facebook vote announced Live on WLEW. Voting begins immediately after announcement

·         May 12, 5pm - Voting period ends

·         May 12, El Rio Restaurant, Pigeon - Top two proposals with most "likes" will be announced at HCCF Annual Celebration. Attendance of all applicants is encouraged!

·         May 13 - Winning applicants will be asked for additional information prior to check disbursement

 

THE FINE PRINT

All grant application entries become the property of the HCCF and applications meeting the required criteria will be voted on by the public via the Foundation’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/huroncountycf).  The HCCF will post the Project Description (300 characters) and photo/illustration depicting your project. Each “Like” received for that project will count as one (1) vote, so encourage your supporters to “Like” your photo!   There is a limit of one (1) vote per Facebook account per project.  The proposals with the most votes will receive funding.   Please note that the HCCF reserves the right not to publish applications that do not meet grant guidelines.  As with all of our grants, decisions are subject to HCCF Board of Trustees’ approval. Feel free to call the Foundation with any questions, 989-269-2850. 

Annual Sponsorships Now Available

 In 2015, the Board of Trustees reevaluated how we recognized those who loyally support the operations of the Foundation. During this examination, we decided that we wanted to do more for you, the supporter, which is why we have opted for a one time, year-long sponsorship program for 2016. Last year brought new events, like our Annual Celebration, and new means of communication, like our new website, Facebook page, and E-Newsletter.

 

We believe it is important to continue to recognize those who make our presence in the community possible, and to publicize the positive activities of the Foundation. To this end, we are asking you to consider a single sponsorship that will support the following activities and events to be conducted by the Huron County Community Foundation during 2016:

 

o    Our Annual Celebration Event – Last year marked HCCF’s first year hosting an Annual Celebration Event highlighting the accomplishments of the previous year and announcing our plans for the upcoming year. The inaugural event was attended by over 100 community members, business leaders, and Foundation supporters.

o    Our E-Newsletter and Social Media – With the increased use of social media and email, our digital outreach has helped grow the Foundation. Between 1,000-4,000 people view a given post on our Facebook page and over 125 local supporters receive our E-Newsletter.

o    Our Annual Golf Outing – Each May, golfers take to the course to support the Operations of the Foundation. The sponsorship for this event is included in the single sponsorship ask for all of 2016.

o    Our Operations - This will be our single ask of you for the year. We utilize different events and campaigns to help fund Foundation Operations. This is your chance to be a sponsor for every event throughout 2016.

 

We rely solely on sponsorships to conduct all events and appreciate your support.  Please see the Sponsorship Request Forms, found below, which also outline Sponsor Recognition Opportunities.

 

Our Foundation continues to grow. The number of permanently endowed funds administered by the Huron County Community Foundation continues to increase, and total invested assets have grown to over $4 million. Please see the 2014 Annual Report showcasing many grants that were awarded in 2014.

 

On behalf of the entire Board of Trustees, we want you to know that we appreciate your consideration of this year’s new sponsorship request. It is our goal to make the process of supporting the Foundation easier and more lucrative for your business by highlighting your support multiple times throughout the year and only asking for your support once. If you have questions or concerns, or if you're interested in being a sponsor, please contact Mackenzie Price, the Foundation’s Executive Director, at 989-269-2850.  

If you or your business is interested in becoming a 2016 sponsor, please print the document via the link below and send it to HCCF. 

If you or your business is interested in becoming a 2016 sponsor, please print the document via the link below and send it to HCCF. 

Young Professionals to Host First Event

Join the Huron County Young Professionals Thursday, January 21 from 5:30-7 for Happy Hour at Rachel's Bar and Grill in Bad Axe. 

Start your year off with some good conversation, networking, and a few drinks. We will be in the right side of restaurant when you walk in, towards the back where the tables are. (Don't worry, we'll be there to direct you!) Stop by, bring a friend, and be sure to bring your business card to be entered into a drawing for a Rachel's gift certificate. 

Appetizers will be provided, compliments of the Community Foundation and Economic Development Corporation, and a full cash bar is available. 

The Huron County Young Professionals Network is an opportunity for those in their 20's and 30's to come together with like minded people and network across fields. Please share the event information with any coworkers or friends you feel may be interested. 

 

HCCF Receives Michigan Health Endowment Grant

COMMUNITY FOUNDATIONS AWARDED GRANT THROUGH MICHIGAN HEALTH ENDOWMENT FUND TO IMPROVE HEALTH AND WELLNESS OF REGION
Huron, Sanilac, and St. Clair Counties , Mich. – Four local community foundations today announced they have been awarded a grant of $294,000 from the Michigan Health Endowment Fund to support initiatives aimed at improving the quality of health for youth in the region. The Huron County Community Foundation applied for the grant as the representative for the Community Foundation of St. Clair County, Sanilac County Community Foundation, and Four County Community Foundation.


The $294,000 grant will be divided amongst the  four community foundations to ensure a large impact on the health and wellness of the region. "The  main goal of the grant is to help youth lead a healthier lifestyle through access to healthy foods, fitness programs and wellness programs that include nutrition education and teaching our youth how to prepare healthy food" according to the application submitted by the region. In Huron County, multiple projects are being discussed, including partnering with the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan to expand the existing Friday Food for Kids Backpack Program at Bad Axe Jr. High and Elementary Schools and working to implement the Double Up Food Bucks Program at the Port Austin Farmers Market.  "We are honored to have been selected for this grant that will improve health and wellness in the region. Our goal is to expand existing programs in lieu of reinventing the wheel. This is going to be an exciting project for HCCF, the county, and the region." added HCCF Executive Director, Mackenzie Price. 


More than 30 community foundations across the state applied for funding through the Michigan Health Endowment Fund’s fall 2015 grant application process. Grant requests focused on areas such as: prenatal care and infant mortality; health services to support adopted and fostered children; healthy food access; wellness and fitness programs; access to mental health services; technology enhancements; health related transportation needs; access to care/integrated care; and teen pregnancy prevention. 
“The Michigan Health Endowment Fund board is proud to support a variety of very successful programs already positively impacting the health of Michigan’s children and seniors as a result of our first grant funding effort,” said Rob Fowler, board chairman. “We look forward to building additional relationships with Michigan’s community foundations and other non-profit organizations as they continue their focused work to improve the health of Michigan’s most vulnerable residents.”


 Community foundations were eligible to apply for grants in support of programs to improve the health of minor children and seniors in their regions. Those foundations receiving funding, in turn, now have the ability to offer their affiliate foundations or smaller community organizations the opportunity to seek grants that support similar programs. 
“We are excited to collaborate this year with community foundations on projects that seek to enhance the well-being of Michigan’s children and seniors in their local communities,” said Paul Hillegonds, executive director of Michigan Health Endowment Fund. 


The mission of the Michigan Health Endowment Fund is to improve the health of Michigan residents and reduce the cost of health care, with special emphasis on the health and wellness of children and seniors. The fund was created as part of 2013 state legislation that allowed Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan to become a nonprofit mutual health insurer. Nearly $38 million in grants were awarded by the Michigan Health Endowment Fund last year.
Additional information can be found at the Michigan Health Endowment Fund website at mhealthfund.com 

HCCF Honors Retiring Trustees

The Huron County Community Foundation Board of Trustees held their last meeting of the year on December 2 at Laker High School. This meeting also marked the end of many years of service for their three retiring Trustees. Lowell McDonald, John Moore, and Al Nietzke are leaving the board after a combined 44 years of service. 


"These three gentleman played a huge role in the growth of the Foundation during the past decade." said Executive Director, Mackenzie Price. If you read the  founding documents of HCCF,  you will find Lowell McDonald's name signed as an original incorporator  in 1994. Since that day, McDonald has invested his time in the growth of the Foundation . McDonald recruited Nietzke and Moore to the Board because of their areas of expertise: Al, a certified public accountant, and John, a school administrator.


Nietzke joined the Board in 2006 and began serving as member of the Finance and Investment Committee.  "Budgets, audits, and IRS reports are important to the operation of a successful community foundation", said Price, "Al's expertise was invaluable during my first year and a half as director."


McDonald recruited Moore to join the HCCF Board in 2001 for his strong leadership abilities and rapport with the community.  In 2007, Moore became Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Community Foundation, a title he held throughout the rest of his time on the Board. "John provided stability and organizational leadership during his 8 years as Chairman, no matter the situation," added Price. Some of these situations include the recession of 2008 and hiring the Foundation's first full time director in 2014.


The Governance Committee of HCCF, chaired by Brent Wehner, now has the difficult job of filling the Board seats of the retiring Trustees. "As a committee, it's very hard to replace such long-serving, dedicated Board Members that bring many years of experience to our Board." said Wehner when asked about the committee's task. McDonald, who sits on the Governance Committee, will play a role in finding new Trustees to take the spots that will be open in 2016. "On behalf of the entire HCCF family, including past directors and Trustees, I want to thank Lowell, John, and Al for their years of philanthropic service to Huron County. The Foundation would not be what it is today if it wasn't for their dedication." noted Price.

 

Young Professionals Network

Are you in your 20’s or 30’s and live or work in Huron County? If so, make a difference together by joining the Huron County Young Professionals!

Submit your information via the Google Form below so you're on the invite list for our first social event in January. Updates will continue to be posted under the "ypn" heading of this website and on the HCCF Facebook page. 

Click here to submit your information! 

HCCF Announces Fall Grants

STEM Education and Placemaking were at the forefront of the Huron County Community Foundation (HCCF) Grant awards during their Fall 2015 Grant Cycle. Over $12,000 was awarded to local projects this week as the grant award winners were announced.

HCCF published their strategic priorities last year after many community conversations and surveys. They continue to use those priorities to focus their grant funding. This year, many of the applicants impacted two strategic priority areas: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Education and Placemaking, creating public spaces where people want to gather.

With the help of an HCCF Grant, a new MSU Extension program will be coming to Huron County. Thumb Dairy Odyssey, a program designed to increase knowledge around the field of dairy operations and showcase career opportunities in the field, will offer hands on learning opportunities for children ages 9-19. "This is the only program that focuses on Dairy exploration in the Thumb Area.  Dairy operations are a large part of Huron County's history and future. We hope this program sparks an interest in area youth to pursue STEM careers and return to continue the legacy of these farms." said HCCF Executive Director, Mackenzie Price, of the project.

The largest placemaking project funded in the Fall 2015 Grant Cycle was the Bad Axe Little League Concession Stand Project. With a total project cost of $90,000, Bad Axe Little League had begun the process of soliciting funding from community members and local businesses before approaching HCCF for a grant. "This concession stand is a staple of spring and summer recreation for all of the teams in the county who utilizes the Bad Axe Little League Fields. The community has already begun to support this project, so we were happy to join the effort." Price noted.

A full list of grants can be seen below. Funding for these projects was provided by HCCF Field of Interest and Discretionary funds including: Education, Reading and Literacy Fund, Health and Medical Fund, Recreation Resources Trust Fund, Huron Medical Center Fund, Huron County Trust Fund, Huron County Economic Development Fund, and the Huron Natural Areas Preservation Fund.

Thumb Dairy Odyssey,  Huron County MSU Extension - $500

Harbor Beach Rotary Gazebo Project - $800

Concession Stand Project - Bad Axe Little League - $3,000

FRC Team 5156, Laker High School FIRST Robotics - $2,750

Port Austin Street Sculptures - $750

The History Trail, Port Austin Historical Society - $479

Thumb Quilt Trail, Friends of the Thumb Octagon Barn - $500

STEM Classroom, Ubly Community Schools - $350

Fund Spotlight: Hatchet Fund

The Huron County Community Foundation is proud to announce its newest fund, the Hatchet Fund. The Hatchet Fund is a school fund to benefit Bad Axe Public Schools. School funds are a great way for alumni, employees, and communities to support local schools permanently by giving to an endowment. As long as the school exists, gifts to the fund will continue to provide additional funding to the district for field trips, athletics and other extracurricular activities, fine arts programs, technology updates, and much more. “Mr. Newland [Bad Axe’s Superintendent] reached out to me a few months ago with an interest in the school fund. He invited me to speak at the School Board meeting last month and shortly after, the fund was in place.” said Huron County Community Foundation Executive Director Mackenzie Price when asked about how the idea for the Hatchet Fund started.  “The idea to start the Hatchet Fund came from the great people of the Bad Axe community who donate their time, talents, and money to our school programs,” adds Bad Axe Superintendent Greg Newland.  “In working with the Foundation the process to donate is very simple and donors will know that their gift is going directly to help with the high quality education provided to our students,” said Newland.

With the start of the Hatchet Fund, Bad Axe joins three other districts in Huron County who also have school funds at the Huron County Community Foundation: the Harbor Beach Pirate Fund, the Ubly Bearcat Fund, the Laker Legacy Fund, and the Laker Fine Arts and Academics Fund. The Hatchet Fund will begin to benefit the school after the endowed balance reaches $5,000. The district plans to publicize this to alumni, parents, and the community as well as have staff casual Friday dollars go toward the fund.

Once the fund starts to grant to the District, how the grant dollars are distributed within the schools is left primarily to the district. “These funds are created to benefit the school however they see fit.” noted Price, “Distributing the funds is a decision we leave for the districts to make. They can set up their own system, be that a committee, administrative decisions, or an internal application process.” Mr. Newland anticipates this decision being made by a committee of the Hatchet Fund in which teachers and student groups will apply for funding for special projects, equipment, or other educational aides that helps assist with student growth in and out of the classroom.  

“We are excited to see Bad Axe take pride in this resource and make the growth of the Hatchet Fund a priority” added Price. If you would like to make a gift to the Hatchet Fund, please make checks out to HCCF, writing Hatchet Fund in the Memo line, and send them to the Huron County Community Foundation at PO 56, Bad Axe. Gifts via credit card can be made online at huroncountycommunityfoundation.org.  HCCF is a 501(c)3 organization that can accept estate gifts, stocks, investments, gifts of land, and gift of crops. Please contact the Foundation for more details on supporting the Hatchet Fund at 989-269-2850.

Golf Outing Wrap Up and Pictures

The Huron County Community Foundation hosted its 9th annual golf outing on Wednesday, May 20, 2015 at Verona Hills Golf Club.

 

Thanks to AVCI, a sponsor since the event's conception and once again a corporate sponsor, each hole sponsor, and 16 four member scramble teams, HCCF not only raised funds for  Foundation Operating expenses but also had the opportunity to reflect on the past 365 days and recognize faithful Foundation supporters.

Last year's golf outing was three days after Mackenzie Price made her debut as the first full-time Executive Director for the Huron County Community Foundation. "Last year I was excited to meet all those who support the Foundation yet completely overwhelmed." said Price of last year's outing. This year, it was a different story. "It was great to stand in front of the room and thank people who I have come to know personally over the course of the year. To have supporters say the Foundation is gaining recognition in the county is huge" Price added. 

The winner of this year's outing represented Hyzer, Hill, Kuzak, and Co. PC. As the winning team was announced, Price noted that Don and Pam Kuzak not only support the Foundation at the Golf Outing, but they also created a scholarship fund with the Foundation in 2007 in memory of their son, Steven Kuzak. This scholarship is awarded annually to a Huron County graduate that is a member of their school's golf team or is employed at a golf course in the county. "We love any opportunity to brag about our supporters who are doing great things in this community through their contributions. The Kuzaks fall into that category 100%" said Price.

Below is a gallery of pictures from the event taken by HCCF staff and Ernie Paulick.

ICE Grant Winners Announced

Huron County Community Foundation Awards ICE Grants

Back in March, the we introduced our new Innovative Community Enhancement Grants, $500 grants designed to bring spark to a community through placemaking or creating a new program to benefit local communities. When we closed the application process, 14 projects were eligible for the ICE Grants. "We were absolutely floored by the number and quality of applicants we received for the first year of this program" said Executive Director of HCCF, Mackenzie Price, "Our Grantmaking Committee, Chris Boyle, Kelli Jo Osentoski, and Michael Sage, commented on the widespread impact these grants will have multiple times throughout the process. We had projects submitted from Sebawaing to Harbor Beach and everywhere in between."

The projects were submitted to usw in March and presented a "30 second elevator speech" at the Annual Celebration in April. This event served as the launch date for online, Facebook voting that decided which five projects would receive grant funding. The five projects that received the most Facebook votes are:

- Owendale Garden Club and Seed Lending Library                                  - Brian Backus Nature Trail Gazebo in Harbor Beach
- Paint Our Playground- Bad Axe Public Schools Elementary Project Playground
- "Loads of Love" Laundry Project 
- Sebewaing Rotary Club Community Garden

"While the Foundation funded five of these projects, we are challenging the county to make all 14 projects a reality in 2015!" added Price. The idea of placemaking, utilizing community resources to create spaces people want to be,  is one of our strategic priorities. This priority area spurred us to open the ICE Grants in the first place. We will provide updates on each of the top five projects throughout the implementation process. Below are the submitted pictures for the 5 ICE Grant recipients! 

 

Annual Celebration Wrap-Up and Pictures

On Friday, April 17, 2015 nearly 100 community stakeholders gathered at Port Austin Kayak to celebrate the achievements of the Huron County Community Foundation. The Annual Celebration highlighted 2014 accomplishments, previewed 2015 plans, featured local food, beer, and wine, and served as the launch for ICE grant voting. Thank you to everyone who attended and made the event a success. Also, thank you to all of the local businesses who support the event includingPort Austin KayakDizzy Daisy Winery & VineyardBird Creek FarmsThe Farm RestaurantThe Green Clean Bean,Wooded Island Sports GrillMJ's Kupcakery LLC (Gourmet Filled Cupcakes), and Captain John Smoke House.

9th Annual HCCF Golf Outing - May 20th

With all of this winter's snow nearly melted, Spring and the desire to be outside is on everyone's mind! The Foundation has just the cure; the 9th Annual Huron County Community Foundation Golf Outing. Mark your calendars for Wednesday, May 20! Proceeds from this event, sponsored by Agri-Valley Communications Inc., directly support Foundation operations.

Join us at Verona Hills Golf Club, Bad Axe on May 20. Registration begins at 8 AM with a shotgun start planned for 9 AM. Players are invited to select their four member team, so grab some friends, enjoy the outdoors, and support the Foundation! The entry fee of $350 includes a hole sponsorship, 18 holes of golf and cart for four players, refreshments, lunch, and prizes. A hole sponsorship is $100. Just a team entry fee is $300. See the flyer below for more details! 

Thank you for your consideration and support of this event. If you have any questions, please contact Golf Outing Chairman, Brent Wehner at 989-550-4434 or the Foundation at 989-269-2850




ICE Grant Application - 2015

Innovative Community Enhancement Grants

Have pride in your community? Have a innovative idea that shows & shares that pride? 

Enter to win up to $500 to put your idea into action! This initiative has been formed to 

support small impactful projects and programs aimed at enhancing and engaging 

communities. The strongest proposals will demonstrate creativity and innovation.

 

Inspired by immense community pride found in Huron County, the Huron County 

Community Foundation is awarding multiple grants to projects that demonstrate and share 

that pride. Examples of projects include displays of public art, the beautification of a vacant lot, a public

performance, sidewalk chalking, planning a community day of service, starting a new summer youth

program... the possibilities are endless! 

 

HERE'S HOW IT WORKS 

1. Have an idea.

2. Submit that idea by completing a short application (found above) along with one picture/visual 

representation of your idea. 

3. If your idea meets the qualifications, it will be unveiled at the Foundation's Annual 

Celebration. You will be able to represent your idea in person.

4. Ideas and photos will be posted for voting, so get everyone you know to vote for your 

idea on the Foundation's Facebook page. 

5. If your idea is one of the top vote-getters, you receive up to $500 to enhance your 

community! 

 

THE REST OF THE DETAILS

• Grants up to $500 will be awarded for projects that enhance your community. 

Submitted programs/projects must be for the benefit of Huron County citizens and 

not for personal or business benefit. Grant dollars awarded are to be used to 

complete the proposed project. 

• This includes new projects or programs, program enhancement within the scope of 

work or expansion of an already existing project.

• Any individual, business, or non-profit organization is eligible to apply. Only one 

application per individual, business, or non-profit organization, please. 

• Application: 

- Find the application form above

-Complete form which includes a 300 character project description. 

- Include one photo or illustration depicting your project in jpg format.

• Simply e-mail: hccf@huroncounty.com or mail: HCCF, PO Box 56 Bad Axe, MI 48413

 

DATES TO REMEMBER

• Monday, March 16th 2015, 5pm is Grant Deadline. 

• Monday, April 20th - Voting will begin at noon.

• Friday, May 1st - Voting will conclude at midnight.

• April 17th, 6pm - Presentation opportunity at the HCCF Annual Celebration: 

Port Austin Kayak & Bicycle Rental.

• Friday, May 8th - Winning applicants will be notified and may be asked for more in 

depth information on the project.

 

THE FINE PRINT

All grant application entries become the property of the HCCF and applications meeting the 

required criteria will be voted on by the public via the Foundation’s Facebook page 

(www.facebook.com/huroncountycf). The HCCF will post the Project Description (300 

characters) and photo/illustration depicting your project. Each “Like” received for that project 

will count as one (1) vote, so encourage your supporters to “Like” your photo! There is a 

limit of one (1) vote per Facebook account per project. The project ideas with the most 

votes will receive funding. Please note that the HCCF reserves the right not to publish 

applications that do not meet grant guidelines. As with all of our grants, decisions are 

subject to HCCF Board of Trustees’ approval.

Scholarship Application: Apply Now!

The Huron County Community Foundation's Scholarships are now available! Click here to automatically open our completely online scholarship platform, Stars, that will help you find and apply to the scholarships for which you qualify.

In 2014, the Foundation granted more than $44,000 in scholarships to Huron County graduates furthering their education. With 37 distinct scholarships, we are excited to offer something for everyone, from construction to accounting and agriculture to law and everything in between. Check out our scholarships today and don't forget to have your application submitted before 5pm on April 20!

As always, if you have any questions, feel free to call the office, 989-269-2850.