&Purpose &Purpose
Grand Blanc Community Fund Empowers Local Youth Through Arts Grant, Surpasses $1 Million in Grantmaking
The Grand Blanc Community Fund recently hit an exciting milestone — surpassing $1 million in grantmaking since 1989. This achievement reflects the Fund’s unwavering commitment to supporting initiatives that empower residents and enhance the well-being of the community. One of the key grants that helped the Fund reach this historic moment was awarded to Grand Blanc Youth Arts (GBYA), an organization dedicated to nurturing the creative potential of local youth.
With the support of the Grand Blanc Community Fund, GBYA is expanding its arts programming to offer six unique opportunities for children to explore music, visual arts, and performance. These programs, including the Katsi Marimba Band and the Grand Blanc Children’s Choir, provide a safe, welcoming space for kids to discover and share their artistic talents with the community. Through engaging instruction and public performances, young participants build confidence, express themselves, and develop a sense of belonging.
“Every grant is a testament to the power of partnership,” said Mark Miller, Interim President and CEO. “Our collaboration with Grand Blanc Youth Arts highlights how, together, we can invest in the future of our community
by creating spaces where children can thrive through creativity and connection.”
Since 1989, the Grand Blanc Community Fund has made over $1 million in grants.
The arts programs funded by the Grand Blanc Community Fund do more than teach artistic skills — they inspire young people to take pride in their work, collaborate with peers, and contribute to the cultural vibrancy of Grand Blanc. As GBYA continues to grow, so does the impact of the Fund’s commitment to ensuring that all children have access to opportunities that help them reach their full potential.
This grant to GBYA represents not only a milestone for the Grand Blanc Community Fund but also a celebration of what is possible when we invest in creativity, opportunity, and the future of our community.
Grand Blanc youth participating in violin classes.
Clio Area Community Fund
Marlene Wilson has devoted decades to supporting the Clio community. She and her late husband, Jim, established the Wilson Family Fund in 1991, allowing her to give back through various local causes. Her philanthropy reflects her love for Clio and aims to improve the community for future generations. Marlene was highlighted in the 2023 Community Foundation Annual Report. Read her story: cfgf.org/marlene
The Clio Area Community Fund considers all grant applications that have proposed benefit on residents and seek to improve quality of life in the City of Clio, Thetford Township, and Vienna Township.
2024 Grantmaking Activity
Clio Area Human Services Fund
Safety Net Store Food Pantry $ 3,700
Youth Health and Fitness Fund
2024 Clio Area 5K Races
Clio Area Schools
$ 2,000
Clio Community Education Theatre and Arts $ 3,500
Clio Area Historical Association, Inc.
Restoration of Depot Garden $ 1,150
Clio Area Fire Authority
Replacing AEDs
Clio Rotary
Clio Rotary Beautification Projects
Clio Center for the Arts
Building Beautification
City of Clio
Amphitheater Stage Replacement
TOTAL
1,800
1,500
3,527
5,000
22,177
ASSOCIATED FUNDS
These funds were established as a legacy to individuals and organizations who have made a significant impact in the community.
Alice L. Boyse Community Fund
Clio Area Youth Initiative Program Fund
Katherine A. Jones Fund
Donald E. and Judy M. Lee Fund
G. Jim and Marlene Wilson Family Fund
Alice L. Boyse Scholarship Fund
Clio Area Education Fund
Clio Area Historical Association Fund of John and Clarice Engelhart
Clio Veterans Memorial Park Endowment Fund
Latture Family Fund
Grantmaking 1991-2024 $ 212,058
100 Total Grants
Scan to learn more about the Clio Area Community Fund! Or visit cfgf.org/clio
Marlene Wilson at Clio Cast and Crew.
Davison Community Fund
The Davison Fund awarded $1,250 to Davison High School to create an outdoor learning space that fosters a love for nature and hands-on education. Students and staff planted vibrant native plant and vegetable gardens that attract pollinators, supporting both the ecosystem and the garden’s growth. Art Teacher Ryan Kelsey and Science Teacher Pam Ruggiero use this space for Place-Based Learning, reaching nearly 1,800 students, many of whom may not have access to backyard gardens or fresh produce. During a recent visit, Davison Fund members heard from students and staff about the program’s positive impact and their plans to expand this educational opportunity district-wide.
2024 Grantmaking Activity
ASSOCIATED FUNDS
These funds were established as a legacy to individuals and organizations who have made a significant impact in the community.
Graff Family Foundation Fund
Justin M. Jury Fund
Hunter Miller Memorial Fund
Jim and Lynn Peters Fund for the Davison Community
Sherri E. Stephens Fund
Rev. P.T. Wachterhauser and Beth Bravender Fund
Jack Abernathy Regional Park Fund
2009-2024 $ 85,174 63 Total Grants
The Davison Community Fund considers all applications that focus on improving quality of life for residents in the Davison area (City of Davison, Davison Township, and Richfield Township); and/or on the strategic priorities of youth, literacy, basic needs (food, clothing, and shelter); and mental health.
Scan to learn more about the Davison Community Fund! Or visit cfgf.org/davison
Davison Community Fund committee members visiting Cardinal Gardens with Davison High School staff.
2024 Grantmaking Activity
Fenton Community Fund
Supported by a $2,000 grant from the Fenton Community Fund, the Fenton Community Orchestra’s Summer Strings program continues to thrive. Led by conductor Jane Ball, Summer Strings extends the Simply Strings Orchestra’s season by providing musicians with summer performance opportunities and fostering musical growth through monthly beginner sessions, a cello choir, and quartets.
The Fenton Community Fund considers all applications that impact residents of Fenton, Lake Fenton, and Linden School Districts.
Priority to projects that provide opportunities for children and families, especially recreational or arts and cultural activities and programs that enhance the natural environment including trails.
ASSOCIATED FUNDS
These funds were established as a legacy to individuals and organizations who have made a significant impact in the community.
Franklin D. Adams Fund
Richard A. Beardsley Memorial Fund
William and Alberta Close Memorial Fund
Florence Michelson Fund
South Lakes Youth Initiative Program Fund
Kim and Ginger Virkler Community Trails Fund
Fenton Community Cultural Center Fund
Fenton Historical Society Endowment Fund
Lake Fenton Community Schools Foundation Fund
Loose Senior Center Endowment Fund
Winegarden Family Endowment Fund
William and Alberta Close Endowment Fund for the Loose Senior Center
Fenton Area Public Schools Education Foundation Fund
Jason E. King Thinking of Other First Fund
James T. Botticelli Scholarship Fund
Fenton High School Alumni Association
Horace W. Hitchcock Memorial Fund
Popa Family Endowment Fund
Fenton Community Orchestra Summer Strings
Flushing Area Community Fund
Over the years, the Flushing Community Fund has granted $9,000 to support Flushing School District’s Raider Robotics program. This funding has enabled the team to purchase critical components for their competition robots, allowing students to learn and practice advanced programming, design, and mechanical skills. The team’s recent achievements include ranking in the top 150 teams at the Michigan State Robotics Championship and winning the Autonomous Award at Kettering University.
2024 Grantmaking Activity
Flushing Fund Advisory Committee members received an award for their support of the Raider Robotics program.
The Flushing Area Community Fund considers all applications that have a broad impact on residents of the Flushing Community Schools District and help to improve quality of life in the Flushing area.
ASSOCIATED FUNDS
These funds were established as a legacy to individuals and organizations who have made a significant impact in the community.
Don Rock Fund
Raymond J. Kelley, III and Kathleen B. Kelly Fund
Flushing Urgent Relief Fund
Shirley R. Hartkopf Fund
Joe Daily Fund
Flushing Christian Outreach Center Fund
Flushing Historical Society Endowment Fund
Mary J. Turcke Endowment Fund for the Flushing Area Historical Society
Grantmaking 2008-2024
$ 85,435
57 Total Grants
Scan to learn more about the Flushing Area Community Fund! Or visit cfgf.org/flushing
Cornwell Park Fund
Moms Who Care of Flushing High School Endowment Fund
Rotary Club of Flushing Fund
Edgar L. Cornwell Scholarship Endowment Fund
Flushing High School Alumni Association Scholarship Fund
Roberta Reed McWilliams Scholarship Endowment Fund
Rotary Club of Flushing Scholarship Fund
Grand Blanc Community Fund
We thank Grand Blanc Community Fund Advisory Committee members Kamal Gupta, Delore Hurley, Dean Keipert, and Janette Sullivant for their many years of service and leadership on the Grand Blanc Community Fund.
The Grand Blanc Community Fund prioritizes funding in the following areas: basic needs of food, clothing, shelter; opportunities for youth to include college age youth, that are structured and unstructured; recreational opportunities especially outdoor resources; health including access to healthy food, good nutrition, and health resources; literacy; and senior living.
ASSOCIATED FUNDS
These funds were established as a legacy to individuals and organizations who have made a significant impact in the community.
Creasey Family Parks Fund
Helen Dennis Family Fund
Dr. Leonard and Mary Jane Dunworth Fund
Grand Blanc Youth Initiative Program Fund
Kay L. O’Malia Fund
Grand Blanc Educational Foundation Fund for the Grand Blanc Community Schools
Gupta Family Education Fund
Gupta Family Fund for FISH, Inc. of Grand Blanc
Eldon L. Auker Scholarship Fund
Grand Blanc Rotary Scholarship Fund
Grand Blanc Community Fund Advisory Committee members
and Janette
(10 years) were honored for their years of service at Art of Philanthropy. From
1,016,249 220 Total Grants Scan to learn more about the Grand Blanc Community Fund
Or visit cfgf.org/grandblanc
Kamal Gupta (19 years)
Sullivant
left: Kamal Gupta, Sue Peters, Janette Sullivant, Mark Miller.
VOLUNTEERS MAKE THE DIFFERENCE
Local volunteers lead the grantmaking of CFGF’s five community funds by providing their own expertise and knowledge of community needs. Working with Community Foundation professional staff, these leaders have the administrative support, due diligence, and stewardship to create meaningful impact. When you make a gift to a Community Fund, your dollars stay local and support programs and services that you see every day. Thank you for allowing us the privilege of connecting your generosity to community needs.
CLIO AREA COMMUNITY FUND
John Scott Roark, Chair
Cary Engelhart, Past Chair
Patrick McGuire, Trustee Liaison
Brianna Fuller
Suzanne Maxwell
Bob Nelson
Steven Reynolds
DAVISON
COMMUNITY FUND
Casey Reed, Chair
Travis Howell, Vice Chair
Chris Graff, Trustee Liaison
Megan Avery
Jim Cheek
Holly Halabicky
Connie Hill
Jonathon Jury
Matt Karr
Kurtis McMahan
Dave Swartz
Paul Snyder
Granger Stefanko
Dr. Megan Strauchman-Morningstar
Dan Wiechec
FENTON COMMUNITY FUND
David Lossing, Chair
Michele Papatheodore, Vice Chair
Tom Rupp, Past Chair
Ron Stack, Trustee Liaison
Amy Begola
Charles Boike
Brice Carter
Teresa Ciesielski
Linda Hathaway
Greg Krueger
Christine Landaal
Noah Morgan
Dr. Gerianne Mulanix
Patrick Naswell
Jill Norwood
Chad Robinson
Brian Sanderson
John Scott
Bev Tippett
FLUSHING AREA COMMUNITY FUND
Kim Strnad, Chair
Jane O’Dell, Vice Chair
Dawn Hiller, Trustee Liaison
John Boerger*
Elgie Bright
Bill Bueche
Justin Ham
Kari Hartley
Rich Lewis
Fred Thorsby
Community Funds have granted a combined
$1,896,656 in funding to support their communities.
GRAND BLANC COMMUNITY FUND
Jeff Stableford, Chair
Andrea Bergstrom, Vice Chair
Janette Sullivant, Past Chair*
Mark Miller, Trustee Liaison
Donald Becker
Kamal Gupta*
Lauren Holaly-Zembo
Delore Salsbury Hurley*
Dean Keipert*
Ed Lee
Sara Naddeo
Art Reyes
Aimee Schwartz*
Joanie Towarnicky
*Denotes service ends in 2024. With gratitude we recognize community fund volunteers who have given their time, talent, and treasure to serve as community grantmakers and philanthropists.
Community Foundation of Greater Flint
500 S. Saginaw St., Suite 200 Flint, MI 48502
Learn more about our community funds online at www.cfgf.org/givelocal
GIVE WHERE YOU LIVE
The heart of the Community Foundation of Greater Flint beats with the people and trusted relationships we share together. Your gifts enable us to invest in much needed programs and services provided by local nonprofits.
Community funds in Clio, Davison, Fenton, Flushing, and Grand Blanc have made grants for purposeful and necessary work in 2024, meeting critical community needs. This was accomplished through your generosity. Thank you for giving and confidence in our stewardship of your resources.
2025 Grant Proposals
The community funds are seeking grant proposals for 2025. Funding is available for programs and services that benefit residents within the fund’s geographic boundaries. Nonprofit 501(c)3 organizations, local government, churches, and schools are eligible to apply. The next grant application deadline is February 1, 2025. For more information contact Jennifer Farrington, Senior Program Officer, at jfarrington@cfgf.org, or call 810-767-8270 for more information.
CLIO
FLUSHING
DAVISON
GRAND BLANC
FENTON