Because of generous donors, who made gifts or pledges exceeding $410,000 to the 2016 Lenawee Cares campaign. Lenawee Community Foundation is collecting the pledges throughout 2017, is starting to get these funds to local nonprofits, where the greatest good can be achieved.
$316,000 is going directly to grants and designations to local agencies, while $34,500 is being placed in a permanent endowment from which grants will be paid from the earnings forever.
The grants process was objective, data-driven, and carried out by a dedicated group of individuals, who serve on the Lenawee Cares Advisory Board. Following are the grants plus designations, which were approved by the Foundation Board of Directors:
- Over $25,000 – Catholic Charities (mental health and substance abuse counseling), Community Action Agency (complete approach to self-sufficiency), and HOPE Community Center (exercise and nutrition program).
- $15,000-24,999 – Adrian Community Preschool (three-year-old program), Boys & Girls Club (youth program), Catherine Cobb Safe House (domestic violence program), and Communities in Schools of the Tecumseh Area (student-driven mental health initiative).
- $10,000-$14,999 – Habitat for Humanity (housing classes and case management), Hospice of Lenawee (hospice care), Housing Help of Lenawee (housing first program), Legal Services of South Central Michigan (mediation/eviction diversion program), and the YMCA (preschool).
- $5,000-9,999 – Associated Charities (clothing and household goods), Child Care Network (family support program), Daily Bread (meals), Goodwill Industries of SE Michigan (programs for persons with barriers to employment), Lenawee County Humane Society (animal support), Region 2 Area Agency on Aging (home assessments for seniors), St. Mary’s of Good Counsel (food pantry and dire needs program), and Salvation Army (fresh food initiative).
- $3,000-4,999 – Adrian REA Literacy Center (conversation skills program), Croswell Opera House (performing arts), Neighbors of Hope (food, shelter, and addiction programs), ProMedica (Veggie Mobile), and Share the Warmth (homeless shelter).
- There are numerous smaller distributions, as well as funding to be awarded to area community programs.
Additionally, the Foundation holds other funds that will generate $385,000 in health and human service grants, so more than $700,000 will go to local nonprofits in 2017 to serve people in need.
We are blessed to be part of a community where so many people exemplify Lenawee Cares! If you’d like information or wish to share your time, talent, or treasure, please contact Lenawee Community Foundation.
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Sue Hammersmith, President & CEO of the Lenawee Community Foundation, assists individuals, corporations, and organizations in fulfilling their charitable goals for our community. Services include: planned giving; information about charities and places to volunteer; and presentations about philanthropy. If you have questions or would like assistance, contact the Lenawee Community Foundation at (517) 423-1729 or sue@lenaweecf.com.