The Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation is beginning the new year with an announcement that demonstrates their commitment to the people of Isabella County.
The organization announced three separate programs consisting of scholarships for students; grants for charitable organizations, schools, and units of government; and a leadership lab for leaders of area charitable organizations.
There are more than 100 scholarships available to local students, with a little bit of something for everyone. While most scholarships are for students completing their senior year of high school or GED this spring, there are also a dozen or so scholarships for students already enrolled or planning to re-enroll in higher education.
"Scholarships vary in funding amounts. The minimum is $500 and there are a variety of types," says Jaimie Capen-Cascaddan, program officer for the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation.
"There are scholarships for business or accounting, or for non-traditional students returning to college."
Local charitable organizations, schools, and units of government are encouraged to apply for the Community Foundation’s latest round of grants. While there are no set guidelines or requirements, the Foundation says that they are most interested in applicants addressing issues identified in the latest Community Needs Assessment. Those would be ideas that address a lack of jobs with living wages, and crime, violence, and bullying.
The Community Foundation has also partnered with the Frey Foundation and NorthSky Nonprofit Network on the 2020 Leadership Learning Lab. The Lab is available to the leaders of local charitable organizations, teaching them new skills for connecting with other non-profits and empowering each other.
"We’re constantly seeking out ways to enhance the quality of life for all the citizens of Isabella County," Capen-Cascaddan says.
"With these three programs, we’re able to do that."
Visit the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation online to learn more about the application process for each.
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