Serving Northeast Michigan Since 1974

The Community Foundation for Northeast Michigan (CFNEM) is organized and operated as a permanent endowment, attracting and receiving funds from a wide range of donors. Focusing on both traditional causes and evolving needs, CFNEM makes grants to nonprofit agencies and institutions in the northeast portion of the lower peninsula of Michigan.

Since 1974, the Foundation has continued to demonstrate a commitment to its donors by implementing sound financial, investment and reporting practices.

As an independent non-sectarian governing body, CFNEM provides leadership and promotes a cooperative spirit by working in tandem with other resource groups in addressing regional needs and problems. In these functions, endowment funds with CFNEM live on and on.  

Our Geographic Area

We serve nine counties in northeast Michigan: CFNEM serves the counties of Alcona, Alpena, Montmorency, and Presque Isle; our affiliate the North Central Michigan Community Foundation serves the counties of Crawford, Ogemaw, and Oscoda; our affiliate the Straits Area Community Foundation serves Cheboygan County and Mackinaw City; and our affiliate the Iosco County Community Foundation serves all of Iosco County.

"The Center for Charitable Giving"

CFNEM is a public resource and service for professional advisors, nonprofit agencies, municipalities, corporations, individual donors and others who have questions about how to achieve charitable goals.

A Public Charity

As a public charity, the Community Foundation is committed to the principles of equity, diversity, inclusiveness and public accountability.

A Tax Exempt Organization

CFNEM is a tax exempt, nonpolitical, philanthropic organization granted 501(c)(3) nonprofit status by the IRS.

A Collection of Endowed Funds

Endowed funds are established by donors (individuals, businesses, or organizations) to satisfy their own charitable wishes--ultimately meeting the long-term charitable needs of their community. All of these funds are publicly supported by many unrelated donors, supporting a broad base of charitable wishes.

A Grantmaking Institution

Using income from invested assets, CFNEM functions primarily as a grantmaking institution supporting the humanities, education, environment, health care, human services, or any other charitable interest our donors may have.

A Protector of Community Capital

Community Foundation funds are invested by the Foundation's finance committee to preserve the value of the contributions received as permanent assets of the organization. Annual audits are performed and investment managers undergo periodic review by the governing body to ensure a reasonable rate of return on all funds entrusted to the Community Foundation.

NOTE: If you would like a copy of our audit or any other financial information, or if you would like the names or our investment managers or individuals responsible for investment and oversight, or the fees charged, please contact the Community Foundation office by phone at (989) 354-6881 or by email at pheraghty@cfnem.org.