Education Mini Grants

Education Mini Grants is sponsored by Bay Area Community Foundation. Provides funding for innovative classroom projects in Bay and Arenac County K-12 schools.

News - Bay Area Community Foundation Skip to content Category: News Stronger Together, Connected for Good: Celebrating Ellen Charlebois and Michael Hanisko Two lives rooted in giving. One shared commitment to community.

Meet Ellen Charlebois and Michael Hanisko, this year’s 2026 Peggy Rowley Community Enrichment Award recipients, and discover the people, experiences and acts of service that have shaped their lasting impact on our community.

Building Bridges Across Borders: A New Fund Creates Opportunities for Global Connection Join us in celebrating the launch of the John and Martha Kaczynski Bay City–Ansbach Sister City Fund, honoring the 65th anniversary of the sister-city relationship between Bay City, Michigan, and Ansbach, Germany.

Press Release – Bay Area Community Foundation receives $20,000 Grant to Support Community Foundation Access and Opportunity Grant Program “We are excited to once again partner with the United Way of Bay County as we work together to provide this opportunity to the education sector.

Following the success of the pilot program, Lifted Voices: Navigating the Challenges Facing ALICE Youth, we will once again primarily focus on the education sector for training in the program. ” Shawna Walraven, President & CEO, Bay Area Community Foundation.

Press Release – Bay Area Community Foundation Expands Bay Commitment Scholarship to Provide More Flexible, Long-Term Support for First-Generation Students Beginning with the 2026 scholarship cycle, the Bay Commitment Scholarship will continue to provide an initial $2,000. 00 scholarship, but the award will now be renewable for up to four years. The scholarship now has a value totaling up to $4,250.

00. Press Release – Bay Area Community Foundation to Honor Michael Hanisko and Ellen Charlebois at 2026 Faces of Philanthropy Celebration During the biennial event, Ellen Charlebois and Michael Hanisko will receive the Peggy Rowley Community Enrichment Award, the Foundation’s highest recognition honoring individuals whose commitment to serving others has strengthened the Bay County community.

Press Release – Bay Area Community Foundation Opens Bay County Opioid Remediation Grant Program The grant program supports nonprofit organizations addressing Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) and co-occurring Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health (SUD/MH) conditions through evidence-based or evidence-informed programs and strategies in Bay County.

Eligible programs may support treatment, prevention, and other approved opioid remediation activities. Building a Permanent Resource for the LGBTQ+ Community Join us in celebrating the launch of the Great Lakes Bay LGBTQ+ Community Fund and a special Pride Month matching opportunity.

Press Release – Give Local Bay 2026 Surpasses $219,000 Raised and Celebrates Record Community Participation “This year’s Give Local Bay campaign demonstrated the incredible generosity and compassion that define our community,” said Shawna Walraven, President and CEO of the Bay Area Community Foundation.

“ Press Release – Give Local Bay Announces Record-Breaking Growth and Expands Community Impact Heading into 2026 Campaign As planning for the 2026 campaign continues, early indicators point to another strong year of engagement. A record of 70 registrants for the 2026 campaign marks the highest level of participation to date and representing 15 cause areas across Bay and Arenac Counties. Celebrating the 2026 Bay Commitment Scholars!

The Bay Area Community Foundation was proud to celebrate 73 outstanding students this week as they each received a $2,000 Bay Commitment Scholarship. 989. 893.

4438 or email below Donor Relations and Communications Officer At BACF, I am fortunate to contribute to our mission in meaningful and impactful ways. As your main contact for donor-advised funds, I help ensure that each donor’s unique passions are brought to life through their giving—whether this be through designated or agency funds.

It is an honor to connect with generous community members, and I am always available to discuss how you can create a lasting impact in our community. In addition, I oversee all of BACF’s communications, bringing ideas to life through engaging stories and visuals.

While upholding our brand identity, I strive to highlight the remarkable individuals in our community and the collaborative efforts that make Bay and Arenac counties exceptional places to live, work, and thrive. As a lifelong Bay County resident, I am deeply connected to our people and community.

I cherish the opportunity to build meaningful relationships and am committed to enhancing the quality of life for everyone in Bay and Arenac counties, ensuring a bright future for generations to come. Agency & Designated Funds Give Local Bay and BACF Events Things I Do In My Free Time: You’ll often find me at a local coffee shop in Downtown Bay City and frequenting the area’s local arts and music scene.

I also love hiking and exploring parks both in our area and throughout northern Michigan. 989. 893.

4438 or email below I am proud to serve my community through my role at BACF. As a Program Officer, I collaborate with nonprofit, government, church, and school partners in Bay and Arenac counties to navigate our grant opportunities and find the right funding alignment. From project conception to post-award, I am your main contact for all things grants.

Connecting organizations and donors who share the same vision and passion is at the heart of my work. I am dedicated to supporting the organizations that work tirelessly to improve our community.

Additionally, I provide capacity-building opportunities by hosting educational workshops, managing Catchafire—a volunteer platform connecting organizations with professional services at no cost—and offering technical assistance and resources to build strength in our nonprofit community.

Navigating the Competitive Grant Process Finding Funding Alignment Building Organizational Capacity Things I Do In My Free Time: Outside of work, you might catch me on the trail with my dog! I love backpacking, hiking, hunting, and kayaking all over Michigan. I’m also an avid reader, so you might find me at a local library or bookshop.

989. 893. 4438 or email below As the Administrative Officer at BACF, my responsibilities include maintaining our comprehensive database, accurately documenting gifts, and collaborating with building vendors to maintain the historic Pere Marquette Depot.

I am committed to establishing well-documented processes that contribute to the ongoing success of BACF. My deep appreciation for the Pere Marquette Depot drives me to preserve this historic landmark as a source of price for our community, ensuring its legacy for future generations.

Making a Gift to One of Our Many Funds Updating Your Contact Information Identifying the Most Helpful Staff Member or Resource Answering General Questions about BACF Providing Information About the Pere Marquette Depot and 1904 Room Event Space 989. 893.

4438 or email below Program and Finance Associate As the Program and Finance Associate at BACF, I support our Scholarship Program and partner with the Director of Finance on financial reporting. I also assist in the management of the Pere Marquette Depot and the 1904 Room event space. I am honored to play a role in helping individuals achieve their dreams and reach their full potential.

I am passionate about making a positive impact and am always ready to lend a helping hand to ensure the success of our programs and the betterment of our community.

Scholarship Applications and Award Process Information about the Pere Marquette Depot and 1904 Room Event Space Coordination with Scholarship Committees General Support for BACF Programs and Initiatives Things I Do In My Free Time: I enjoy spending time with family and friends, exploring Michigan’s beautiful landscapes, camping under the stars, and bike riding through scenic trails.