Nearly $1 million in scholarships is opening doors for 229 area students this year, thanks to the
Grand Haven Area Community Foundation.
This spring, the foundation awarded $907,749 in scholarships to support students from Grand Haven, Allendale, and Coopersville in pursuing their education. Among the recipients, 40 are the first in their families to attend college.
The community came together July 22 for the annual ice cream social, where students, their families and the donors who made the awards possible shared in the celebration.
“The scholarship ice cream social is always a joyous event and one we look forward to every year,” says GHACF President Hadley Streng. “It’s a celebration of not only the bright future ahead for these students, but also a way of honoring those who supported them along the way.”
For students like James Friggins, the support means more than just a check.
“When I found out I was a Community Foundation scholarship recipient, I felt incredibly grateful,” Friggins says. “It shows that people in this community believe in our potential to make a difference. It’s reassuring to know that our goals and aspirations are reachable.”
The scholarships, some renewable, are awarded based on need, academic achievement, and in some cases, whether students are first-generation college-goers. In addition to 22 two-year awards and three four-year awards, renewals for previous recipients were also recognized.
Top grads also honored
The foundation also honored top graduating seniors from Grand Haven, Spring Lake and Western Michigan Christian High Schools at its 39th annual Excellence in Education event. Students graduating in the top 10% of their class were invited to bring educators who influenced them most, highlighting the role of mentorship in achievement.
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GHACFGHACF marked the close of scholarship season with an ice cream social celebrating the 2025 recipients, their families and the fundholders who support them.
A crowd of 71 people — including family members, coaches, counselors, and administrators — gathered at Spring Lake Country Club for the event.
“Education is one of our priority areas, so to steward funds and partner with the community for the Excellence in Education event is always an honor,” Streng says. “It is incredible to witness the value placed on education in our area and the support students receive to work toward their goals.”
By investing in education, GHACF says it is not just celebrating student achievement, but building a stronger, more resilient community.
Founded in 1971, the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation is one of Michigan’s largest philanthropic organizations and consistently ranked among the top 100 nationwide. Beyond scholarships, the foundation supports nonprofits, convenes community leaders and advocates for local solutions.
For more information, visit
ghacf.org.
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