Update: March 16, 2026

Some counties in Northeast Michigan have experienced yet another devastating ice storm that has created prolonged power outages, extreme damage to property and homes, and infrastructure damage.

Our neighbors in northeast Michigan need help once again following the March 2026 ice storm that has devastated part of our service area. A state of emergency was declared by the Governor in Alcona, Alpena, and Ogemaw Counties on March 17. Many in these communities are still without power, facing unsafe conditions, and restoration efforts may take several more days. As we learned from last year’s storm, the impact to our neighbors will linger, and the need will continue in direct relation to the ice storm.

SUPPORTING OUR HARDEST HIT COMMUNITIES

If you would like to support relief efforts, the Community Foundation for Northeast Michigan is accepting donations into the Urgent Needs Fund. Your donation helps provide essential services like food access, senior care, and hygiene necessities through local nonprofits serving the hardest hit communities currently under the State of Emergency.

Donations to the Urgent Needs Fund can be made online HERE. Checks are also welcome and should be made payable to the Community Foundation for Northeast Michigan with “Urgent Needs Fund” written in the memo line. Checks should be mailed to:

CFNEM P. O. Box 495
Alpena, MI 49707

APPLYING FOR GRANTS

Grants from the Urgent Needs Fund will be directed to nonprofit organizations working to meet the emergency needs of residents in the impacted communities. While CFNEM cannot provide aid directly to individuals, it supports the work of local nonprofit partners who are on the front lines of crisis response. Learn more and view eligibility requirements

All applications for Urgent Needs Fund grants begin with a conversation about the proposed project and funds needed. Nonprofits serving Alcona, Alpena, and Ogemaw County that have or will be assisting those communities should email Christine Hitch at chitch@cfnem.org with your name, the name of your nonprofit organization, and the best phone number where you can be reached.