William Bonifas Fine Arts Center receives Grant from The Community Foundation For Delta County

Community Foundation for Delta County Executive Director, Mrs. Cheryl Andzejewski, presents a check from the Community Foundation for Delta County April Grants round for $2,000.00 to the William Bonifas Fine Arts Center Executive Director, Ms. Irina Bruno.

Ms. Bruno stated, “The William Bonifas Fine Arts Center is grateful to the community foundation and their Grants Committee for their generosity in awarding the grant application we submitted for our Class and Event Renovation Project. The funds will be used to assist in replacing and adding to our equipment we constantly use for our classes and programming as we serve the community youth and adults. The funds we received will be specifically used to purchase new folding tables and chairs.”

Mrs. Andzejewski stated, “The Community Foundation for Delta County Grants Committee is pleased to be in a position to award the William Bonifas Fine Arts Center funds. The opportunities offered to individuals and families to learn, create and enjoy themselves through a wide variety of classes and programs is wonderful. Being able to help insure that their essential needs of tables and chairs are meet, helps them run their classes and programs more efficiently.”

Bayside Soccer Nets a spring grant from the Community Foundation for Delta County

Mrs. Cheryl Andzejewski, Executive Director of the Community Foundation for Delta County, presents Bayside Soccer Board Member and Coach, Mr. Brett Dieter and its President and Coach, Mr. Glenn Gregg a check from the Community Foundation for Delta County April Grants Round.

 Mr. Dieter commented, “I was so excited when Amy Bayside Soccer Treasurer, informed me that we were awarded the grant we applied for from the Community Foundation for Delta County, to help purchase protective netting for our soccer fields.”  

 “We are so grateful to the community foundation for their generosity.  Our fields have a lot of action on them and the protective netting is definitely showing its wear and tear and needs replacement”, stated Mr. Gregg.  He continued, “Bayside Soccer offers programs with many age group divisions and a variety of skill levels.  We have Recreational Soccer Teams; a Junior Varsity Academy; a Junior Varsity Team and a Bayside High School Club.  All are co-ed and focus on positive coaching, player development, teamwork and having fun.” 

  Ms. Tana Porath, Bayside Soccer Director (not pictured) commented, “Bayside Soccer is celebrating 25 years of this great sport that offers great experiences not only to the players but also their families.  I have watched our program grow stronger and better year after year.”  

 “When the Community Foundation for Delta County Grants Committee went over Bayside Soccer’s grant application, they knew they wanted to help.  They have a wonderful program that promotes youth and family involvement,” commented Mrs. Andzejewski. She continued, “The Community Foundation for Delta County and I wish the Bayside Soccer organization and players a safe, fun-filled and successful season.” 

Community Foundation for Delta County Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) Makes Grants

The Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) of the Community Foundation for Delta County announces the recipients of their April 2021 grant round. 

The following organizations receiving grants are:

• Bark River Baseball Boosters-BR Baseball Boosters Club

• Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bay Area - Mentoring Activities for Matched and Unmatched Youth

• Delta County College Access Network (DCCAN) - Post High School Planning Opportunities

• Delta Regional Child Advocacy Center – center needs, emergency relief for families and education material

• Delta Schoolcraft ISD Learning Center – Accessible Community Playground Shelter

• Escanaba Junior High School – Personal Living Class

• Escanaba Library Lego Club - Education, Imagination, Sharing and Building

• Gladstone BraveBots 4391- BraveBots 4391 Laptop need

• Junior Market Livestock Committee – Lori Branstrom Memorial Classic Beef Exposition at the U. P. State Fairground

• Northern Lights-YMCA - Strong Kids Campaign

• Welcome Newborns Program - Child Abuse Prevention and Safe Sleep Project

              Community Foundation for Delta County Executive Director, Mrs. Cheryl Andzejewski stated, “The foundation’s Youth Advisory Committee is made up of a bunch of very impressive young adults that want to help make a difference.  They give-up of their time to make our community and its residents a better place to learn, play and live.” 

 Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) Co-Chair Mrs. Diana Clark announced the Fall 2021 grant round will “open” on Monday, August 30, 2021 and all grant requests and requirements must be received by 3:30 P.M. (EST) on Friday, October 1, 2021 in order to be considered.

 If you are interested in finding out how you can help the Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) continue to have a positive impact making your community a better place to learn, play and live, please contact the community foundation by calling 906-786-6654 or email at office@cfup.org

Community Foundation for Delta County Gives Out More Grants

Mr. Robert Van Damme, Board Chair and Mr. Will Carne, Sr., Grants Committee Chair, of the Community Foundation for Delta County jointly announced the foundation’s April Grant round recipients.

The following organizations receiving grants are:

· Bark River Baseball Boosters-BR Baseball Boosters Club

· Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bay Area - Mentoring Program

· Camp New Day UP - Scholarships for children of the incarcerated

· City of Escanaba- Ludington Tennis Courts

· City of Gladstone – Kayak and Paddle rack

· Delta County Animal Shelter – Grooming Room improvements

· Delta County Drug/Sobriety Court – Drug Testing protocols

· Delta County Regional Child Advocacy Center – center needs, emergency relief for families and education material

· Escanaba Rotary Trust Fund for Children with Special Needs – Camp Harstad Summer Camp Program

· Gary Abrahamson Jr. Memory Care Center- Memory Care Program and Services

· Northern Lights YMCA - Strong Kids Campaign

· Rock Little League- Rock Little League Improvements

· Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital – Rehabilitation Services update of treatment tables

· Soccer Association for Youth DBA Bayside Soccer – Protective netting for soccer fields

· Take The Challenge – Using music, art and storytelling to improve the quality of life for older adults

· Welcome Newborns – Child Abuse Prevention and Safe Sleep Project

· William Bonifas Fine Arts Center – Class and event renovation: table and chairs

Community Foundation Board Chair Mr. Robert Van Damme stated, “It is a privilege and honor to be part of an organization that is able to provide grants to a multitude of Delta County organizations that help make our area a better place for all.”

“It is very rewarding to know what we do as a community foundation has such a positive impact for our residents,” stated the foundation’s Grants Committee Chair, Mr. Will Carne, Sr.

Mrs. Cheryl Andzejewski, Executive Director of the Community Foundation for Delta County stated, “The community foundation is able to provide funds to these entities only through the wonderful generosity of our donors who care about their community.”

If you are interested in finding out how you can start a fund, or make a donation, and have a positive impact making our community a better place to learn, play and live, please contact the community foundation by calling 906-786-6654 or email at office@cfup.org

Community Foundation for Delta County

For good. For ever.

2021 Spring Grant Round Announcements

UPPER PENINSULA SUSTAINABLE FOREST & WILDLIFE FUND

and the

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF THE UPPER PENINSULA

Mr. Charlie Becker, Board Member of the Upper Peninsula Sustainable Forest and Wildlife Fund (UPSF & W) Grants Committee, announced today the recipients of their April 2021 Grant Round and two pro-active grants awarded.

Those receiving grants are:

· Delta Animal Shelter – Trail Improvements – trail mix gravel for walking trail

· Hiawathaland Camp Corporation – Camp Hiawatha Ecology Building – to help in building a new Ecology Center Building in a location better suited for ecological teaching

· Upper Peninsula Trapper Association, Inc. – Candy Bar Project – to help in sustaining a source of income to support and boost Youth Programs

Those receiving pro-active grants are:

· DeYoung Family Zoo- Food for the zoo animals

· Delta Conservation District – 2021 Halloween Spooktacular –family event at Pioneer Trail Park

Committee Member Mr. Charlie Becker stated, “Our committee is grateful for the foresight of the former Mead Corporation for their desire to have a partnership with their employees; sportsmen and sportswomen and the youth of the Upper Peninsula. We are proud to be a committee under the auspices of the Community Foundation of the Upper Peninsula.” He continued, “It is our mission to foster a better understanding of our forests and wildlife as well as assist U. P. residents, including our youth, to become more active and enjoy the outdoors as much as is possible.”

Community Foundation of the Upper Peninsula President, Mrs. Cheryl Andzejewski stated, “The foundation feels privileged to hold the Upper Peninsula Sustainable Forest and Wildlife Fund and are proud of all the good they do in the U. P.” She continued, “They truly care about the residents of the Upper Peninsula and in educating and offering healthy outdoor activities for individuals and families to enjoy.”

Community Foundation of the Upper Peninsula

For good. For ever.

Thank you to Scholarship Donors Past and Present

For good. For ever. -Community Foundation for Delta County

Community Foundtion For Delta County Makes Robert F. & Annie M. Schmit Annual Gifts

Community Foundation for Delta County Board Chair Mr. Bob VanDamme and Executive Director Mrs.Cheryl Andzejewski jointly announced today the distribution of funds the foundation holds from the Robert F. & Anne M. Schmit Endowment Fund.

Mr. Bob VanDamme said, “Mr. & Mrs. Schmit were very supportive of the community foundation’s efforts to improve the lives of Delta County residents. They wanted to have their gifts to the community continue well into the future and were well aware that our foundation is For good. For ever.”

The foundation’s Executive Director, Mrs. Cheryl Andzejewski. said, “Mr. & Mrs. Schmit’s generosity and love of community is very evident in the number of local charities they annually gift support to”. She continued, “Those who knew the Schmit’s knew they were truly wonderful and caring people.”

Local entities receiving Robert F. & Anne M. Schmit funds from the community

foundation are:

Holy Name Catholic School Scholarship Foundation Fund

St. Joseph/St. Patrick Church

Knights of Columbus #640

The Society of the Propagation of the Faith

Feed-The-Kids Backpack Program

Bay de Noc Community College, Escanaba

William Bonifas Fine Arts Center

Legacy Supporter

Delta County Cancer Alliance, Inc.

Society of St. Vincent De Paul, Escanaba

Delta County Historical Society

Mrs. Andzejewski continued, “The foundation feels privileged to hold the Robert F. & Anne M. Schmit Endowment Fund and their entrusting us to follow their philanthropic wishes”.

If you’re interested in finding out how you can start a fund and give to places dear to your heart, now and into the future, please contact the community foundation by calling 906- 786-6654. We would love to talk with you or set up an appointment to see you at 2420 1 st Avenue South Escanaba, Michigan.

We are a 501 (c)(3) organization and proud to be certified by National Standards.

For good. For ever.

Dr. Mary L. Cretens Fund Awards Annual Gifts

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION FOR DELTA COUNTY

NEW RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March, 2021

DR. MARY L. CRETENS FUND AWARDS ANNUAL GIFTS

Community Foundation for Delta County Board Chair Mr. Bob VanDamme and Executive Director Mrs. Cheryl Andzejewski jointly announced today the distribution of funds the foundation holds from the Dr. Mary L. Cretens Endowed Fund.

Mr. VanDamme stated, “Dr. Cretens was known and respected as an outstanding healthcare physician, educator and person.’’ He continued, “Her vision to have a positive impact and make a difference long after her passing is inspirational.”

“Dr. Cretens insight for the future of community, people and animals is amazing, stated Mrs. Andzejewski. “This year the community foundation will be distributing annual gifts totaling just over $350,000.00 from the Dr. Mary L. Cretens Endowed Fund. Her fund has had and will continue to have an enormous impact on so many,” stated Ms. Andzejewski.

Entities receiving Dr. Mary L. Cretens funds from the community foundation are:

Gladstone Senior Citizens Nonprofit Corporation

Friends of the Gladstone Area Public Library

William Bonifas Fine Arts Center

All Saints Church, Gladstone

City of Gladstone

Bay de Noc Community College, Escanaba

University of Michigan-School of Public Health, Ann Arbor

University of Michigan-Medical School, Ann Arbor

Dr. Mary L. Cretens Memorial Scholarship Fund, Delta County

Delta Menominee Public Health Department, Escanaba

Legacy Fund - Supporter

World Wildlife Fund

The Nature Conservancy, Marquette

Delta County Animal Shelter

If you are interested in finding out how you can start a fund and give to places dear to your heart, please contact the community foundation by calling 906-786-6654. We would love to talk with you, set up a Zoom Meeting or meet you in person at 2420 1st Avenue South Escanaba, Michigan.

We are a 501 (c) (3) organization and proud to be certified by National Standards.

For good. For ever.

Youth Advisory Committee of Delta County Now Accepting Grant Requests

February 26, 2021

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION FOR DELTA COUNTY

NEW RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) of Delta County Now Accepting Grant Requests

The Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) announced today they are now accepting grant applications for its April 2021, grants round. Eligible non-profit organizations and sub-divisions of government are eligible to submit applications to the YAC for grants”.

Grant applications can be obtained at the community foundation office at

2420 1st Avenue South Escanaba, Michigan 49829, by calling the foundation’s office at 1-906-786-6654, e-mailing a request for a YAC grant application to office@cfup.org or from the foundation’s website at www.cffdc.org.

Those interested in obtaining a grant must have an original and eight (8) copies of the application turned in to the community foundation office by 4:00 p. m. (EST) on Thursday, April 1, 2021 otherwise your request may not be considered.

All those requesting grants from the foundation will be notified in writing, as to whether or not they have been successful in receiving their grant request. Members of the foundation’s YAC grants committee will make their grant recommendations to the full board of trustees of the Community Foundation for Delta County at their regularly scheduled board meeting at the end of April 2021, for their approval.

Community Foundatio for Delta County is accepting Grant Requests

February 26, 2021

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION FOR DELTA COUNTY

NEW RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Community Foundation for Delta County is now accepting Grant Requests

Mr. Bob VanDamme, Board Chair and Mr. Will Carne, Sr., Grants Committee Member of the Community Foundation for Delta County announced today the foundation is now accepting grant applications for its April 2021, grants round. They stated, “Eligible non-profit organizations and sub-divisions of government are eligible to submit applications to the community foundation for grants”.

Grant applications can be obtained at the community foundation office at2420 1st Avenue South, Escanaba, Michigan, by calling the foundation’s office at 1-906-786-6654, e-mailing a request for a CFFDC grant application to office@cfup.org or from the foundation’s website at www.cffdc.org.

Those interested in obtaining a grant must have an original and thirteen (13) copies of the application turned in to the community foundation office by 4:00 p. m. (EST) on Thursday, April 1, 2021 otherwise your request may not be considered.

All those requesting grants from the foundation will be notified in writing, as to whether or not they have been successful in receiving their grant request. Members of the foundation’s grants committee will make their grant recommendations to the full board of trustees of the foundation at their regularly scheduled board meeting at the end of April 2021, for their approval.

U.P. Graduating Seniors of 2021

The Mechanical Industry Fund (MIF)/United Association Educational Scholarship is accepting applications for the 2020-2021 School Year.

The purpose of this Educational Scholarship Fund is to provide scholarships to any graduating student from any Upper Peninsula of Michigan High School, who has maintained a GPA of at least 2.0; and intends to pursue a post high school education either academic or vocational.

UP Authentic Starts Scholarship for Graduating Yoopers!

Mr. Bill Leisenring, founder and CEO of U.P. Authentic has established a scholarship fund for U.P. high school seniors pursuing their college education.

“U.P. Authentic’s mission is to support local artisans and donate 50% of profits to U.P. Charities. The Community Foundation of the Upper Peninsula has been a great partner for us to get this effort launched. With the creation of the U.P. Authentic Scholarship Fund, which will award scholarship(s) of $906.00 to graduating students from the Upper Peninsula. We look forward to further collaboration with the community foundation to support other charities across the Upper Peninsula as U.P. Authentic grows.

As I reflect on my career, I firmly believe that the traits of being a Yooper were very instrumental in my success.”

That is why part of the selection for the U.P. Authentic Scholarship process is an essay -

What the Upper Peninsula means to me and

how I plan on giving back to the Upper Peninsula.

“Graduation seniors of 2021 can obtain a U.P. Authentic Scholarship application and its requirements at their school’s guidance office , “ commented Mr. Carne, Sr., co-chair of the Communiity Foundation of the Upper Penninsula.

If you are interested in finding out more about U.P. Authentic, please visit their web site at www.upauthentic.com.

The Community Foundation of the Upper Peninsula

For good. For ever.

Mr. Bill Leisenring, CEO of U.P. Authentic presents Mr. Will Carne, Sr., Co-Chair of the Community Foundation of the Upper Peninsula with a check for the new U.P. Authentic Scholarship held at the community foundation.

Calling all U.P. High School Seniors!

Here are the qualifications for the U.P. Authentic Scholarship:

The sole purpose of this Educational Scholarship Fund shall be to provide an annual scholarship(s) to an Upper Peninsula High School graduate who plans to continue his/her education at an institution of higher learning, who has maintained, a GPA of at least 3.2 or higher.

An essay of no more than 500 words on the topic :

What the Upper Peninsula

means to me and

How I plan on giving back to the Upper Peninsula.

An essay, application and transcript must be returned to your school’s guidance office or school main office prior to their established deadline.

Good Luck U.P. Seniors!

Quinn Powell Accepted to Wake Forest School of Medicine

The Dr. Mary L. Cretens Medical Scholarship is a scholarship fund set up so that an awardee can reapply for it year after year, as long as the specific guidelines and requirements are followed and met.

  ”The community foundation board of trustees and staff were so happy to hear that Quinn was selected to continue her education to obtain her doctoral degree thru Wake Forest Medical School, one of the most competitive medical schools in the Nation. They usually receive over 10,000 applications per year and have an acceptance rate of less than 3%. Miss Powell receiving a coveted spot in the 2024 matriculating class of only 145 medical students,” Mrs. Andzejewski commented.

 We asked Quinn to tell us about her journey and what winning the Dr. Mary L. Cretens Scholarship meant to her.

   “I started medical school at the University of Michigan prior to transferring to Wake Forest School of Medicine in Winston-Salem in North Carolina in July of 2020. I hope to attain my MD Degree and give back to the community.” She continued, I couldn’t have achieved where I’m at today without the help of the Dr. Mary L. Cretens Medical Scholarship Fund and the Community Foundation of the Upper Peninsula.”   Their financial support as well as their encouragement throughout my undergraduate studies and now in my final steps of medical school. Without their involvement, and others within Delta County, the cost and financial burden of obtaining my degree and attending medical school would be prohibitive.”

 “I am so humbled and thankful for all of the support, well wishes and belief in me that I have received, and continue to receive, from the Community Foundation of the Upper Peninsula Board of Trustees, staff and Dr. Mary L. Cretens Scholarship Committee.”

 “I have a few more years to go before I receive my medical degree and actually become a doctor, but I know with the support of the Upper Peninsula community I will achieve my dream. I’d like to thank the Community Foundation of the Upper Peninsula, all of their supporters who help make dreams like mine happen, especially the late Dr. Mary L. Cretens.”

  We have always been impressed with Miss Powell, and  we look forward to congratulating her on receiving her doctoral degree in 2024.

This  is a fund held at the Community Foundation for Delta County, an affilliate of the Community Foundation of the Upper Peninsula.

 For good. For ever.

Upper Peninsula Sustainable Forest and Wildlife Fund Grant Applications Available For April Round

Mr. Greg Sudderth, Chair of the Grants Committee of the Upper Peninsula Sustainable Forest and Wildlife Fund (UPSF & W), announced that it would be accepting grant applications for the April round of grants for 2021 .  He went onto explain, “Eligible non-profit organizations and sub-divisions of government are eligible to submit applications to the community foundation for grants that meet the guidelines of the UPSF & W Fund.”

              Grant applications can be obtained in several ways:

 Drop off or Mail to:          Community Foundation of the Upper Peninsula,

     2420 First Avenue South, Escanaba, MI 49829

Web site: www.cfup.org

 Email:               office@cfup.org

  Call:                1-906-789-5972

Those interested in obtaining a grant must have an original and three (3) copies turned into the community foundation office prior to 4:00 P.M. (EST) on Thursday, April 1st, 2021.

           Members of the UPSF & W Committee will make their grant recommendations to the full board of trustees of the foundation at their regularly scheduled board meeting at the end of April 2021, for their approval.

  All those requesting grants will be notified in writing of denial or approval of grant monies for their organization after the board meeting.

This is a fund of The Community Foundation of the Upper Peninsula

 For good. For ever.