11/9/2023

Community Foundation for Northeast Michigan (CFNEM) and its affiliate foundations will join in a nationwide celebration, November 12-18, 2023, to recognize the increasingly important role these philanthropic organizations play in fostering local collaboration and innovation to address persistent civic and economic challenges.

For more than a century, community foundations have served as a trusted partner and resource whose effect can be seen in the lives of millions and in the vibrant neighborhoods that continue to thrive through their mission-driven work. During this time, community foundations come together to share and reflect on the stories of impact over the past year.

“We are so thankful for every donor and volunteer who supports CFNEM and its Affiliates. Every fund that has been established here is a story of caring and legacy for our community,” said Patrick Heraghty, CFNEM Executive Director. “Every grant that comes from these funds is a snapshot of how we are working to address our community’s needs and enhance the quality of life for those living in and visiting our region. We are more determined than ever to both continue, and improve, our impact in northeast Michigan.

Community foundations are independent, public entities that steward philanthropic resources from institutional and individual donors to support local nonprofits and represent one of the fastest-growing forms of philanthropy.

Right here in northeast Michigan, CFNEM has awarded over $53.6 million in community grants and scholarships since its inception in 1974. It is also working alongside other community foundations bordering Lake Huron through the Lake Huron Forever initiative to improve and ensure the health of our lake, which affects so much of our daily lives. The Foundation’s Giving Tuesday Northeast Michigan Campaign has raised over $1.3 million in support of local nonprofits, inspiring giving across the region. Particularly in the youth community, the Foundation’s Youth Advisory Councils, or YACs, have led grantmaking for programs affecting their peers, all while learning the important role philanthropy plays in a community’s overall success.

Community Foundation Week was created in 1989 by former president George H.W. Bush to recognize the work of community foundations throughout America and their collaborative approach to working with the public, private, and nonprofit sectors to address community problems. Community Foundation Week coincides with National Philanthropy Day on November 15.

The Community Foundation for Northeast Michigan is a charitable organization committed to providing people who care about the future of our area with unique and effective ways of supporting their community now, and for generations to come. Led by a volunteer board of local citizens, the foundation oversees a group of permanently endowed funds from a wide range of donors. Gifts of all sizes from individuals, families, businesses, and agencies are invested in a balanced, well-managed portfolio to build endowments, enabling support for students and local community nonprofits now and forever. Those interested can learn more at cfnem.org.

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