The Knight family’s generosity was a source of pride for the late Marilyn Underhill, daughter of V.C. and Velma Knight. Reflecting on her parents’ legacy, she once shared, “My parents came from humble backgrounds, but they did well financially and were able to help hundreds of people in their lifetimes.”

Velma passed away in 1980 and V.C. in 2005, but their legacy continues to change lives across Lenawee County thanks to their foresight and generosity. Since 2008, the V.C. and Velma Knight Memorial Fund has provided nearly $675,000 in grants to local programs, supporting everything from food security and mental health services to homeless prevention and childcare scholarships.

Rooted in the Knight family’s values of service, compassion, and local investment, the fund continues to make a lasting difference for the people and communities of Lenawee County.

V.C. Knight was a pioneer in the air conditioning industry and the founder of Addison Products Company. Velma was a lifelong Bible scholar with a heart for helping others. Today, they are remembered not only for their accomplishments but for their compassion, and for choosing to create a legacy that keeps giving.

Grants are awarded to programs that address basic needs, health, and human services in Lenawee County. To honor the donors’ wishes and create the greatest possible impact, priority will be given to proposals that:

• Provide direct services to individuals and families
• Leverage resources through partnerships or matching funds
• Can be sustained without ongoing Foundation support
• Encourage collaboration and avoid duplication of existing services
• Promote volunteerism and community involvement

All grant applications must be submitted electronically by August 1, 2026.
To apply, visit https://goapply2.akoyago.com/lenaweecf.

For questions or assistance, please contact Madison Roberts at 517.263.4696 or email madison@lenaweecf.com.

The Lenawee Community Foundation is honored to continue the work V.C. and Velma Knight began, and grateful to their daughter Marilyn for preserving and extending their commitment to building a stronger, more compassionate community.

About Lenawee Community Foundation:

The Lenawee Community Foundation is a charitable organization created by and for the community. By collecting donations and investing them for lasting impact, the Foundation funds grants, scholarships, and local initiatives to address community needs, support nonprofits, and enhance the wellbeing of Lenawee County. More than just an organization, the Lenawee Community Foundation is an opportunity for individuals, families, and businesses to leverage the power of collective giving to make sure their community stays strong and supported for years to come.

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For more information, please contact: Kirsten Stiver, 517-263-4696, kirsten@lenaweecf.com.

The post Applications open July 1 for the V.C. and Velma Knight Memorial Fund grants supporting basic needs, health, and human services in Lenawee County appeared first on Lenawee Community Foundation.

ADRIAN, Mich., Jun. 15, 2026 – Thanks to the generosity of community members, corporate partners, and Lenawee Cares Pillars, Lenawee Cares raised $405,839 during the 2025–26 campaign, bringing the total invested in Lenawee County nonprofits to more than $4 million since the program began in 2016.

Every dollar raised stays right here in Lenawee County, supporting trusted local nonprofit organizations that address both urgent needs and long-term challenges. From food assistance and housing support to childcare, literacy programs, mental health services, and family resources, Lenawee Cares helps ensure local nonprofits have the funding they need to respond when our neighbors need them most.

Lenawee Cares is a community-driven initiative of the Lenawee Community Foundation that brings together individuals, businesses, and organizations around a shared commitment to strengthening Lenawee County. Through collective giving, donors create a flexible source of funding that helps local nonprofits meet emerging needs, expand services, and improve quality of life across our community. With less than nine percent used for administrative costs, Lenawee Cares remains one of the most efficient and impactful ways to give locally.

“At the Lenawee Community Foundation, we know that some of the greatest challenges can be addressed when neighbors come together to help one another,” said Bronna Kahle, President & CEO of the Lenawee Community Foundation. “Lenawee Cares reflects the very best of our community. We are incredibly thankful for the individuals, families, businesses, and organizations whose generosity is creating health, happiness, and hope throughout Lenawee County.”

The success of Lenawee Cares is made possible by donors, volunteers, workplace campaign partners, and community champions who believe in the power of local philanthropy. Together, they are helping build a stronger, more resilient Lenawee County where people have access to the support, opportunities, and resources they need to thrive.

To learn more about Lenawee Cares or how to get involved, contact Madison Roberts at 517.263.4696 or email forlenawee@lenaweecf.com.

About Lenawee Cares:

Launched in 2016, Lenawee Cares is a community-powered annual fund and corporate giving campaign focused on meeting essential needs – including food, shelter, clothing, and vital local programs. Every fall, individuals and businesses make pledges, and in the following year, those funds are collected and distributed to support nonprofit organizations across Lenawee County.

About Lenawee Community Foundation:

The Lenawee Community Foundation is a charitable organization created by and for the community. By collecting donations and investing them for lasting impact, the Foundation funds grants, scholarships, and local initiatives to address community needs, support nonprofits, and enhance the wellbeing of Lenawee County. More than just an organization, the Lenawee Community Foundation is an opportunity for individuals, families, and businesses to leverage the power of collective giving to make sure their community stays strong and supported for years to come.

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For more information, please contact: Kirsten Stiver, 517-263-4696, kirsten@lenaweecf.com.

The post Lenawee Cares campaign raises over $405,000 for local nonprofits appeared first on Lenawee Community Foundation.

Kahle has served as President & CEO during a transformative season for the Foundation, helping strengthen the organization internally while expanding its visibility, responsiveness, and impact across Lenawee County. Under her leadership, the Foundation has experienced significant growth in charitable assets, donor engagement, grantmaking, and community leadership initiatives focused on improving Lenawee’s health, happiness, and hope in partnership with donors—now and forever.

During Kahle’s tenure, the Foundation successfully completed the $2 million Health, Happiness, and Hope Fund campaign, launching a stronger flexible grantmaking resource to help Lenawee County respond to current and future community needs. The Foundation also expanded donor services, strengthened grantmaking and community partnerships, and increased organizational capacity to better serve Lenawee for the long term.

“Serving the Lenawee Community Foundation and the people of Lenawee County has truly been one of the greatest honors of my life,” said Kahle. “This work is deeply meaningful because it is ultimately about people, relationships, generosity, and community. I am incredibly humbled by what we have built together and deeply grateful to our donors, volunteers, nonprofit partners, staff, and board members for their trust, partnership, and shared commitment to this community.”

Kahle added that she has complete confidence in the Foundation’s future leadership.

“Paula Trentman is exactly the right person to lead LCF into its next chapter,” Kahle said. “She brings decades of community foundation experience, strong relationships across Lenawee County, deep institutional knowledge, and, most importantly, a genuine heart for serving others. The Lenawee Community Foundation will be in excellent hands.”

Trentman has served the Lenawee Community Foundation in various capacities for more than 25 years and currently serves as Executive Vice President. Throughout her tenure, she has played a key leadership role in grantmaking, donor stewardship, scholarships, nonprofit partnerships, and many of the Foundation’s most important community initiatives and programs.

“LCF has always been about helping connect people who care with causes that matter,” said Trentman. “It has been a privilege to be part of this work for so many years, and I am honored by the trust the Board has placed in me. Lenawee County is filled with generous people and strong community partners, and I look forward to building on that momentum together in the years ahead.”

Board Chair Dave Hickman said the Board is grateful for Kahle’s leadership and excited for the Foundation’s future under Trentman’s direction.

“Bronna Kahle has provided exceptional leadership during an important season of growth and organizational strengthening for the Lenawee Community Foundation,” Hickman said. “Her passion for Lenawee County, commitment to community philanthropy, and ability to bring people together around meaningful work have left a lasting impact on the Foundation and our community.”

Hickman added, “At the same time, the Board is thrilled to announce Paula Trentman as LCF’s next President & CEO. Paula is respected throughout Lenawee County and across the philanthropic community. She understands this work at every level, believes deeply in the mission of the Lenawee Community Foundation, and leads with both experience and heart. The Board is confident LCF’s future is incredibly bright.”

The Lenawee Community Foundation Board of Directors noted that the transition plan reflects a thoughtful and strategic leadership succession process designed to ensure continuity, stability, and continued momentum for the organization and the community it serves.

About Lenawee Community Foundation:

The Lenawee Community Foundation is a charitable organization created by and for the community. By collecting donations and investing them for lasting impact, the Foundation funds grants, scholarships, and local initiatives to address community needs, support nonprofits, and enhance the wellbeing of Lenawee County. More than just an organization, the Lenawee Community Foundation is an opportunity for individuals, families, and businesses to leverage the power of collective giving to make sure their community stays strong and supported for years to come.

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This free presentation will share key findings from the newly updated Lenawee County Databook, highlighting important trends affecting our community, including economic pressures and financial stability, childhood and family resilience, health and well-being, workforce changes, and overall community capacity.

Developed in partnership with the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy at Grand Valley State University, the Databook provides valuable insights into where Lenawee County is thriving and where opportunities for growth remain.

All nonprofits, businesses, organizations, and residents interested in the future of Lenawee County are encouraged to attend.

Attendance is free, but registration is required and seating is limited.

To register, scan the QR code or contact the Lenawee Community Foundation at forlenawee@lenaweecf.com.

The Lenawee Community Foundation connects people who care with causes that matter, bringing health, happiness, and hope to Lenawee County—now and forever.

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For more information, please contact: Kirsten Stiver, 517-263-4696, kirsten@lenaweecf.com.

The post What’s Happening in Lenawee County? Join the Conversation May 29th, 2026 appeared first on Lenawee Community Foundation.

Partnering with the Johnson Center, the Foundation led an initiative to refresh the report and bring it to life online through a web-friendly version on our website. Unlike previous editions, this effort prioritized community engagement, ensuring residents played a central role in shaping the final project. Guided with a steering committee of LCF staff and local leaders, the Johnson Center facilitated a process that invited residents to participate in workshops and decision-making. The result is a modernized Lenawee County Databook that highlights where Lenawee County is keeping pace, exceeding, or falling behind state and national trends.

The next step is sharing this meaningful data with the community at-large. The Lenawee Community Foundation is excited to announce an engaging exploration of these numbers that impact our Lenawee organizations and daily life for our county’s residents. This eye-opening presentation looks at current trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping our community at this very moment. Every data point reveals something significant about where we are and where we are headed.

Key findings from the research highlight important trends and impacts shaping communities across Lenawee County. The Databook identifies several top issues, including economic pressures and financial stability, childhood and family resilience, a changing employment landscape, health and well-being, and overall community capacity. Together, these factors influence our daily lives and shape how we envision the future of the place we call home.

On Friday, May 29, 2026, at 9 a.m., all Lenawee organizations, nonprofits, businesses, and individuals who are invested in our community are welcome to join us for “The State of Our County: A Snapshot of Lenawee,” at the Weber Retreat and Conference Center, 1257 E Siena Heights Dr, Adrian, MI. Attendance is free; however, registration is required.

Seating is limited! To reserve your spot, scan the QR code, click here, or contact the Foundation at forlenawee@lenaweecf.com for more information.

About Lenawee Community Foundation:

The Lenawee Community Foundation is a charitable organization created by and for the community. By collecting donations and investing them for lasting impact, the Foundation funds grants, scholarships, and local initiatives to address community needs, support nonprofits, and enhance the wellbeing of Lenawee County. More than just an organization, the Lenawee Community Foundation is an opportunity for individuals, families, and businesses to leverage the power of collective giving to make sure their community stays strong and supported for years to come.

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For more information, please contact: Kirsten Stiver, 517-263-4696, kirsten@lenaweecf.com.

The post Lenawee Community Foundation to host “The State of Our County: A Snapshot of Lenawee” on May 29 appeared first on Lenawee Community Foundation.

On Thursday, April 23, two individuals and one couple who excel beyond community expectation will be celebrated and honored.

Tom MacNaughton is the recipient of the 2026 Lenawee Leadership Award. The Lenawee Leadership Award honors a person or couple, who exemplify the underlying principle that the future of our county will be determined by the quality of its leadership.

MacNaughton has dedicated his life to serving Lenawee County through decades of leadership, mentorship, and hands-on community involvement. A tireless advocate for others, Tom’s impact spans generations – strengthening organizations, uplifting individuals, and inspiring a culture of service rooted in compassion and connection.

MacNaughton retired after a 31-year career with the Lenawee County Department on Aging, including 24 years as Director. During his tenure, he championed innovative programs that helped older adults remain independent, including transportation, home repair services, and large-scale volunteer initiatives such as a community-wide leaf-raking program that mobilized students to serve seniors. His leadership helped build a strong, lasting foundation of support for Lenawee County’s aging population.

Beyond his professional career, Tom has played a pivotal role in sustaining and strengthening key community institutions. As a longtime leader and volunteer with the Lenawee County YMCA, he helped guide the organization through a period of significant financial hardship. Serving as interim director, donating his salary back to the YMCA, and working alongside partners, he helped to secure its future. His efforts were instrumental in ensuring the YMCA’s continued presence and long-term success in Lenawee County.

Tom’s passion for youth development and mentorship is evident in his work with Adrian Public Schools, where he has coached boys and girls cross country for 13 years and girls tennis for three. Under his guidance, the cross country program has grown in both participation and success, earning multiple championships and state-level recognition. More importantly, Tom has built a culture centered on character, discipline, and belonging – impacting not only athletes, but their families and the broader community.

A lifelong runner, Tom also leads the Lenawee Runners Group and organizes community races and events that promote health, connection, and inclusion. Alongside his wife, Christine, he has dedicated years to the YMCA Splash and Dash youth triathlon, an event now named in their honor.

Known for his humility, kindness, and unwavering commitment, Tom leads by example. He often works quietly behind the scenes, always putting others first. Whether supporting seniors, mentoring young people, or strengthening community organizations, Tom MacNaughton embodies the very best of Lenawee County and continues to inspire those around him to serve, lead, and care deeply for their community.

Robert and Sandy Trevino are the recipients of the 2026 Stubnitz Award. The Stubnitz Award is presented annually to a person or couple demonstrating exemplary commitment to Lenawee Cares, our community, and volunteerism in Lenawee. The award is named in memory of Lenawee’s philanthropist and businessman, Maurice Stubnitz.

For more than five decades, Robert and Sandy Trevino have faithfully served Lenawee County through quiet, consistent volunteerism. Their lives reflect a deep belief in neighbors helping neighbors, and their steady presence has touched children, seniors, migrant workers, and families across our community. Together, they exemplify the heart of the Stubnitz Award.

Robert has devoted countless volunteer hours to the Lenawee County Department on Aging, serving as a tax consultant, trainer, and trusted helper for older adults navigating important financial paperwork. He served on the fundraising committee for Bixby Hospital, the United Way Board, has volunteered with Meals on Wheels, supported migrant ministry efforts, and given many years of service at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Through Civitan and other service organizations, Robert has consistently stepped in wherever extra hands were needed — not for recognition, but simply to help.

For more than 25 years, Sandy personally visited migrant camps throughout Lenawee County, delivering food, clothing, and essential supplies directly to families. Often organizing donations herself, she ensured that those facing hardship felt cared for and welcomed. She co-founded the Adrian Community Nursery to support families with young children and has volunteered with the Goodwill Lark Board, Maurice Spears Campus Board, Civitan, and her church community. As a Eucharistic minister and choir member, she continues to serve faithfully and joyfully.

What stands out most about Robert and Sandy is their willingness to show up week after week, year after year. Their service is rooted in compassion, humility, and a genuine desire to meet practical needs. They have strengthened our community not through titles or accolades, but through decades of hands-on care and personal connection.

Their example reminds us that meaningful change often begins with small, consistent acts of kindness — and that a deep love for Lenawee County is best expressed through service to others.

The 2026 Incito Award recipient is Tino Rebottaro. Incito means to inspire, excite, spur, increase, hasten, urge forward. The Incito Award was established in 2011 to recognize a young person, age 40 or under, who has emerged as a community leader and demonstrates a commitment to volunteerism, philanthropy, and leadership in our community.

Rebottaro has been honored with the 2026 Incito Award by the Lenawee Community Foundation for his dedication to volunteerism and his lasting impact on the local community. A 2004 graduate of Tecumseh High School, Rebottaro attended Northwood University on a football scholarship, earning a bachelor’s degree in business management. He has shown sustained civic leadership as Board Chair of the Greater Lenawee Chamber of Commerce in 2025 and continues to serve on its Board of Directors. Rebottaro’s previous volunteer involvement also includes Big Brothers Big Sisters, Housing Help of Lenawee, Neighbors of Hope, the Tecumseh Chamber of Commerce, and as Chair of the Hospice of Lenawee Annual Giving Committee. He feels fortunate to live in Lenawee County with fellow community leaders who are equally dedicated to improving the county.

Currently, Rebottaro works as a Sales Producer for Iott Insurance Agency, where he combines his business expertise with a commitment to serving the community both professionally and personally.

Outside of work and volunteering, Rebottaro enjoys spending time outdoors—golfing, camping, and other activities—with his wife, Jessica, their son, Jackson, and a close circle of friends.

There is so much to celebrate in Lenawee County! Join the Lenawee Community Foundation’s Annual Celebration breakfast on Thursday, April 23, from 7:45-9:15 a.m. at the Adrian Armory Events Center. Tickets are $20 and include breakfast. Reservations and payment are due by April 7 and can be made by contacting the Foundation at 517.263.4696, scanning or clicking the QR code:

To donate, volunteer, or get involved with one of the Foundation’s many community programs, call 517.263.4696 or visit: lenaweecommunityfoundation.com

About Lenawee Community Foundation:

The Lenawee Community Foundation is a charitable organization created by and for the community. By collecting donations and investing them for lasting impact, the Foundation funds grants, scholarships, and local initiatives to address community needs, support nonprofits, and enhance the wellbeing of Lenawee County. More than just an organization, the Lenawee Community Foundation is an opportunity for individuals, families, and businesses to leverage the power of collective giving to make sure their community stays strong and supported for years to come.

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For more information, please contact: Kirsten Stiver, 517-263-4696, kirsten@lenaweecf.com

The post Lenawee Community Foundation to Host Annual Celebration Breakfast on April 23; Honoring Award Recipients and Celebrating Community Impact appeared first on Lenawee Community Foundation.

That belief has guided the Lenawee Community Foundation (LCF) for decades. As a community foundation created by and for Lenawee County, LCF exists to connect people who care with causes that matter — stewarding charitable gifts, responding to local needs, and helping ensure our community remains strong and supported for generations to come.

One of the many ways that commitment takes shape is through the Lenawee County Resource Guide.

Since 2005, when a local information and referral service discontinued operations, LCF has ensured this vital connection point remained available to the community. For more than 20 years, the Foundation has maintained and updated the Guide, helping residents navigate the many nonprofit, public, and community-based services available across Lenawee County.

The Resource Guide includes assistance for food, housing and utilities, medical and dental care, employment, counseling, youth services, senior support, disability resources, disaster response, and more. It is available online through LCF’s website, can be emailed upon request, and is shared in printed form with schools, nonprofit partners, first responders, churches, businesses, and other community organizations.

At its heart, the Guide reflects something bigger than a directory. It represents a community working together, with organizations collaborating, donors investing in solutions, and residents supporting one another.

LCF staff work alongside local partners to keep information current and to help ensure that when someone reaches out, they are guided toward the right support. Over the years, the Foundation has also helped foster collaboration among nonprofits, reinforcing a shared belief that every door can be the right door when neighbors are committed to helping neighbors.

Now, in response to the evolving needs of Lenawee County, the Lenawee County Resource Guide is available in Spanish — expanding access and ensuring more residents can connect with available services. Lenawee Community Foundation Executive Vice President Paula Trentman partnered with Rudy Flores, Co-Chairman of the Southeastern MI Migrant Resource Council, to identify a translator. Flores connected LCF with Elizbia Xaxni-Capula.

Elizbia Capula is one of 10 Agricultural Employment Liaisons covering the state of Michigan providing employment, training and supportive resources to agriculture employers and their employees. In her role with the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity’s Agricultural and Foreign Labor Services team, Capula ensures migrant and seasonal farm workers, as well as agricultural employers, have access to programs available through local Michigan Works! service centers. When agricultural workers are unable to visit a service center because of working hours or transportation barriers, services are provided at homes, worksites or other gathering places. More information is available at Michigan.gov/AFLS.

Flores, who works to create equitable opportunities for underserved members of our community commented, “THANK YOU for identifying the need for your translated agency guide and taking action!  Your advocacy speaks volumes and truly sets the precedent needed to build community trust, and of what genuine advocacy looks like!  Bendiciones!”

By offering the Resource Guide in both English and Spanish, LCF continues to strengthen the fabric of Lenawee County, helping ensure that access to support, opportunity, and information is available to all.

Because at its core, a community foundation is about people pooling resources, sharing responsibility, and investing together in a future filled with Health, Happiness, and Hope — for the love of Lenawee, now and forever.

About Lenawee Community Foundation:

The Lenawee Community Foundation is a charitable organization created by and for the community. By collecting donations and investing them for lasting impact, the Foundation funds grants, scholarships, and local initiatives to address community needs, support nonprofits, and enhance the wellbeing of Lenawee County. More than just an organization, the Lenawee Community Foundation is an opportunity for individuals, families, and businesses to leverage the power of collective giving to make sure their community stays strong and supported for years to come.

### For more information, please contact: Kirsten Stiver, 517.263.4696, kirsten@lenaweecf.com

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Applications will be accepted March 1 – April 1, 2026, from Lenawee County health and human service nonprofits assisting individuals and families facing food insecurity, housing instability, limited access to healthcare, and other critical basic needs. Grant guidelines, eligibility requirements, and application materials are available at lenaweecommunityfoundation.com/grants/apply-for-a-grant/. Maximum award request is $15,000. Organizations with questions are encouraged to contact the Foundation at forlenawee@lenaweecf.com or 517.263.4696 for assistance.

Grant requests will be carefully reviewed by the Lenawee Cares Committee through a thoughtful evaluation process before recommendations are submitted to the Lenawee Community Foundation Board of Directors for final approval. Award notifications will be made in June.

The 2025-26 Lenawee Cares campaign marked another year of remarkable generosity from local donors, businesses, and community partners. Because of that generosity, funds raised are now being directed where they are needed most — supporting local nonprofit organizations that understand our community and are uniquely positioned to respond.

Local businesses supporting our community

Gleaner Life Insurance Society is one of many local businesses that support our neighbors through the Lenawee Cares program. “The Gleaner Gives campaign reflects the generosity of our employees, whose personal contributions make this impact possible,” Gleaner Life Insurance Society President and CEO Todd Warner stated. “We are proud to support the Lenawee Community Foundation and invest in the community where we live and work.”

“We are deeply grateful to Gleaner and its employees for their generous support of Lenawee Cares through the Gleaner Gives program,” said Bronna Kahle, President and CEO of the Lenawee Community Foundation. “This partnership demonstrates what community leadership truly looks like. Their investment along with many other businesses and individuals will help ensure that individuals and families across Lenawee County have access to essential basic-needs services — from food and housing support to other critical resources — strengthening stability and opportunity for our neighbors. Together, we are building a healthier, stronger Lenawee for today and for generations to come.”

Established in 2016, Lenawee Cares has distributed more than $4 million to local organizations serving neighbors in need. These investments help secure access to food, shelter, healthcare, transportation, and other essential services that provide stability and opportunity throughout Lenawee County.

Through Lenawee Cares, the Lenawee Community Foundation continues its commitment to strengthening HEALTH, cultivating HAPPINESS, and inspiring HOPE for everyone who calls Lenawee home. By working together — donors, nonprofits, volunteers, and community leaders — we are ensuring Lenawee remains a safe, viable, and thriving place for all. For the love of Lenawee.

About the Lenawee Community Foundation:

The Lenawee Community Foundation is a charitable organization created by and for the community. By collecting donations and investing them for lasting impact, the Foundation funds grants, scholarships, and local initiatives to address community needs, support nonprofits, and enhance the wellbeing of Lenawee County. More than just an organization, the Lenawee Community Foundation is an opportunity for individuals, families, and businesses to leverage the power of collective giving to make sure their community stays strong and supported for years to come.

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For more information, please contact: Kirsten Stiver, (517) 263-4696, kirsten@lenaweecf.com

The post Lenawee Cares grant applications open March 1 for local health & human services organizations appeared first on Lenawee Community Foundation.

As of January 30, 2026, a record 12,652.5 pounds of venison has been donated to Lenawee food pantries and community meal programs. Nearly two and a half times the amount donated in the same period last year. This equates to at least 50,610 meals for our neighbors in need. The Hunters Helping Lenawee program has provided more than 130,500 meals since its inception, making a significant impact in the effort to help lessen hunger in Lenawee.

Nearly 15 percent of Lenawee County residents face food insecurity. With the ability to feed at least four people with each pound of venison donated, Hunters Helping Lenawee is providing lean, quality protein to help fight hunger right here at home.

Hunters Helping Lenawee began in 2010 with initial funding from individual donors and grants from local foundations, including the Lenawee Community Foundation.

The first year of the program, just over 1,200 pounds of venison was donated. That number has increased tenfold over the life of the program. Participating deer processors include Exact Wildlife Creations (Tipton), Kasper’s Hickory House (Clinton), Palmer’s Deer Processing (Britton), as well as the addition of Monahan’s Meat Market (Adrian) this hunting season, which has had a significant impact on venison donation to the program.

“Hunters Helping Lenawee shows what’s possible when generosity and community come together,” said Bronna Kahle, LCF President and CEO. “From hunters and processors to food pantries, meal programs, volunteers, and donors, so many caring people make this program thrive. This commitment helps ensure local families, individuals, and seniors have access to nutritious meals—strengthening the health, happiness, and hope of our community.”

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Roberts brings a strong background in public health, grant coordination, and community-based programs. She holds a bachelor’s degree in public health and a master’s degree in public health policy and law from the University of Toledo. Her professional experience has centered on improving community outcomes through collaboration, evidence-based programs, and cross-sector partnerships.

“Madison brings a strong heart for Lenawee and a genuine desire to listen and learn from the people who call this county home,” said Bronna Kahle, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Lenawee Community Foundation. “Her work will be rooted in understanding local needs and helping connect resources in ways that open doors, strengthen lives, and expand opportunity across our communities. She will play an important role in helping Lenawee be ready—today and in the future.”

Prior to joining LCF, Roberts served as a Healthy Living Coordinator/Facilitator with the YMCA of Greater Toledo, where she supported grant-funded health initiatives and community programs. She collaborated on regional efforts including Toledo’s Active Transportation Plan, Vision Zero, and Safe Routes to School, and worked directly with individuals living with Parkinson’s disease to support interventions aimed at slowing disease progression and improving quality of life.

Born, raised, and a lifelong resident of Adrian, Roberts is deeply invested in the future of her home community. “I am honored and excited to join the Lenawee Community Foundation and give back to the community that helped shape who I am today,” Roberts said. “What drew me to this role was the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in philanthropy while supporting programs that truly put Lenawee County first. I’m grateful to be part of a team that works every day to make a meaningful difference.”

The fellowship is funded through the Rural Community Foundation Fellowship initiative, supported by the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation and the Herrick Foundation, reflecting a shared commitment to building philanthropic leadership and strengthening rural communities.

This addition underscores the Lenawee Community Foundation’s ongoing commitment to connect people who care with causes that matter—bringing health, happiness, and hope to Lenawee County, now and forever.

About the Lenawee Community Foundation:
The Lenawee Community Foundation is a charitable organization created by and for the community. By collecting donations and investing them for lasting impact, the Foundation funds grants, scholarships, and local initiatives to address community needs, support nonprofits, and enhance the wellbeing of Lenawee County. More than just an organization, the Lenawee Community Foundation is an opportunity for individuals, families, and businesses to leverage the power of collective giving to make sure their community stays strong and supported for years to come.

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For more information, please contact: Kirsten Stiver, (517) 263-4696, kirsten@lenaweecf.com.

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