For Lakeshore Advantage, building a resilient economy means more than job creation—it’s about regional collaboration, workforce development, and creating opportunities that reach every corner of the community.
That vision got a big boost this month thanks to a $200,000 grant from the
Grand Haven Area Community Foundation (GHACF).
Awarded over three years, the grant will support
Powering Our Future, Lakeshore Advantage’s campaign to grow the regional economy by expanding workforce initiatives, supporting local businesses, and increasing engagement in underrepresented areas, especially Northwest Ottawa County.
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Jennifer Owens is CEO of Lakeshore Advantage.
Jennifer Owens, president of Lakeshore Advantage, thanked the foundation for its backing.
“Their support underscores the importance of regional collaboration in building a vibrant economy,” she says. “This gift helps us take bold steps forward – supporting local businesses, strengthening our workforce, and creating opportunities that ensure the next generation can thrive right here in Ottawa County.”
The campaign includes increasing staff capacity, attending community events, using surveys to inform strategy, and strengthening partnerships with schools and higher education institutions to better align training with high-demand careers. It also supports entrepreneurial programs for youth and efforts to enhance the region’s appeal for young professionals through infrastructure and policy changes.
Hadley Streng, president of GHACF, says the foundation is proud to support the campaign’s forward-thinking approach.
“By positioning our region as a top destination for new businesses, Lakeshore Advantage is helping us with our goal of making this community an excellent place to live, work, and play,” Streng says. “To be able to support economic growth while also supporting our community’s youth makes this investment one of impact and vision.”
The grant is part of GHACF’s latest round of Community Impact Grants, which totals $775,864. They support nine projects that address pressing local needs, including education, housing, literacy, and public infrastructure.
Addressing needs across the region
In addition to the Lakeshore Advantage grant, GHACF awarded funding to the following initiatives:
The Salvation Army of Grand Haven received $250,000 for New Beginnings, an emergency housing development. The project includes six temporary homes designed to provide families experiencing homelessness with safe, stable, and family-centered living spaces. The goal is to create a sense of normalcy, improve school attendance, support children’s mental health, and strengthen long-term well-being.
Read Muskegon was granted $150,000 to transform a building in Muskegon Heights into a literacy hub. The center will serve over 800 individuals annually with 1-on-1 tutoring rooms, family learning spaces, access to technology, child care, financial literacy programs, and workforce development in collaboration with local employers.
Gracious Grounds received $85,000 to launch a Resident Engagement Department at its new Ability Way housing complex. The department will help residents with intellectual disabilities build life skills, access employment opportunities, and maintain meaningful daily routines, ensuring long-term housing success and personal growth.
Girl Scouts of Michigan Shore to Shore was awarded $20,000 to complete the Girl Scout DreamLab, a multi-use, state-of-the-art center in Grand Rapids. Designed to promote leadership and personal development, the DreamLab offers expanded access to mental health, workforce development, and STEM programming in a safe and inclusive environment.
Grand Haven Area Public Schools received $14,250 to support pre-K teacher certification in nature-based education. As Mary A. White Elementary transitions into the Mary A. White Early Learning Center, this professional development program, delivered by the Outdoor Discovery Center, will prepare educators to integrate outdoor learning strategies across the curriculum.
Grand Haven Charter Township was granted $36,766 to relocate the JoJo Jogging Trail at Schmidt Heritage Park. The realignment will address street parking concerns by diverting the trail away from Ferris Street and around the Schmidt Heritage Barn property. The project includes trail removal, grading, fence modifications, and irrigation system updates.
The
city of Grand Haven received up to $15,848 to add ADA-compliant picnic tables and shade coverings to the newly renovated Riverview Deck along South Harbor Drive. The upgraded deck, converted from wood to composite materials, is intended to improve functionality, reduce maintenance, and increase accessibility.
Arbor Circle received $4,000 to help with the 2025 Ottawa County Youth Assessment Survey. This survey is done every two years and collects information about the health, behavior, and needs of local youth. The results help community leaders and groups create programs to support young people.