6/19/2026
The Iosco County Community Foundation (ICCF) recently awarded four new grants totaling $15,423 to area nonprofits for programs and projects that benefit Iosco County through its Community Improvement Grant program, including a major grant to support workforce development and education at the Iosco Regional Educational Service Agency.
“This year marks a meaningful milestone for ICCF as we proudly awarded our first-ever $10,000 grant to a program serving our community,” said ICCF President Kelly Alexander. “This investment reflects our continued commitment to support impactful local initiatives that strengthen Iosco County for generations to come.”
The grant to IRESA will support the Practical Assessment Exploration System (PAES), which is a hands-on, simulated workplace environment within the classroom, allowing students to gain real-world job experience while developing critical workplace skills such as time management, productivity, and workplace independence. This innovative approach bridges the gap between education and employment, helping students build confidence and practical abilities in a supportive setting.
Pictured left to right: ICCF Board members Kayla Raushi and Kelly Alexander; IRESA Special Education Director Aimee Rioux; ICCF Board members Amy Peterman and Liam Strauer.
Designed specifically for special education students ages 14–26 in the ISD’s center-based program, the PAES lab has an anticipated lifespan of at least 10 years and is expected to benefit hundreds of students - many of whom are among the most vulnerable members of the community.
A unique strength of the PAES system is its robust, data-driven approach. The program collects real-time information on student performance, including work quality, speed, level of independence, and areas of interest. This data is used to generate comprehensive reports that directly support Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), transition goals, and school-to-work planning. Educators can also assess workplace behaviors, track progress, and identify necessary accommodations to help each student succeed.
“The PAES lab is more than a classroom tool—it’s a systemic approach to helping students gain independent skills and abilities. It fits perfectly within a continuum of services for students with disabilities, supporting post-secondary opportunities that afford them meaningful contributions in their local communities and promoting their ability to become productive members of society in a more inclusive workforce,” said IRESA Superintendent Jamie Cain. “The generosity and advocacy of the Community Foundation are simply amazing. They are supporting life-changing opportunities for students in Iosco County. "
The ICCF Board of Directors also awarded three additional Community Improvement Grants in May 2026 including:
- $2,000 to Tawas Wellness Warriors to provide free community programming, including a 5K walk/run, yoga classes, the Family Fit Camp, and annual passes, so individuals facing financial barriers can participate in the organization’s health and wellness programs.
- $1,983 awarded to Heritage Coast Sailing & Rowing for their 2026-2027 ROV program which provides a high-quality STEM program where students will design, build, and learn to operate underwater remotely operated vehicles, and to participate in ROV competitions.
- $1,440 awarded to Palomino Hope Equine Experience to support facility upgrades. This organization supports equine therapy for mental health in Iosco County. The grant will support upgrades to fencing, pony enclosures, and safety infrastructure to maximize safety.
Community Improvement Grants for 2026 were awarded from the Iosco County Community Improvement Fund, William and Marcia Hopcroft Fund, Iosco County Health Care Initiative Fund, and the Iosco County Spendable Tobacco Settlement Fund.
The Iosco County Community Foundation is a charitable organization that serves as a catalyst and resource to inspire private giving for the betterment of Iosco County. Led by a volunteer board of local citizens, the foundation oversees a group of permanent endowment funds from a wide range of donors. Gifts of all sizes from individuals, families and businesses are invested in a balanced, well-managed portfolio to build endowments, enabling support for local community nonprofits now and forever. To donate or learn more about how community foundations work, visit www.iccf-online.org.