ALPENA— Education, arts programs, sports programs, mental health and human services programs are just some of the areas touched by the most recent round of grants from the Northeast Michigan Youth Advisory Council (NEMYAC). The Community Foundation for Northeast Michigan (CFNEM) Board of Trustees recently approved $22,141.75 in a new round of youth-related NEMYAC grants covering a four-county area that includes Alcona, Alpena, Montmorency and Presque Isle Counties.

New NEMYAC Grants are:

• $1,450 to Alcona Community Schools to offer cultural enrichment through field trips, cultural exchanges, and community events for the Alcona High School French Club; to help start the Alcona High School Theatre Club; and to purchase supplies that would help in educating students about distracted driving.
• $500 to Future Farmers of America and its State Association and Local Chapter to provide winter gear for students of Alcona Community Schools.
• $500 to K'Lorne Acres to build a sheltered pavilion for equine therapy students.
• $1,500 to Matrix Community Ministries to host a basketball tournament for community-based recreation for the youth in Alcona and surrounding counties.
• $1,991.75 to Alpena Gymnastics to bring Pied Piper students to the gymnastics center for open gym exercise and fun.
• $2,000 to Ana's Treasures to provide essentials for foster children and families.
• $2,000 to Boys and Girls Club of Alpena to help teens build positive peer connections, learn healthy decision-making skills, and enjoy activities that foster life and career development.
• $2,000 to Rayola to purchase care package supplies for foster kids.
• $2,500 to Thunder Bay Transportation Authority to transport youth to summer programs at the Boys & Girls Club.
• $700 to Alpena Montmorency Alcona Educational Service District to provide supplies for therapeutic groups for Hillman students in the summer months.
• $1,500 to Atlanta Community Schools to purchase supplies to help grow the new wrestling program.
• $1,500 to NEMCSA to purchase supplies for hygiene kits and tools that would teach students how to maintain good health.
• $2,500 to Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium to purchase supplies for practical care items that promote mental health, stress relief, and personal well-being.
• $1,500 to Posen Consolidated Schools to fund the Students Against Destructive Decisions assembly and after-hours event.

The next opportunity for grants is through the CFNEM Community Impact Grants and the next cycle of the NEMYAC Grants. Applications for both grant opportunities are due on January 15, 2026, and can be found at cfnem.org.

The NEMYAC is made up of youth from across the CFNEM service area. These young people learn the importance of philanthropy and community service through the grantmaking process, gaining important leadership skills along the way. These NEMYAC Grants were made possible through the Kellogg Youth Fund at the Community Foundation for Northeast Michigan.

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