Betsie Valley District Library Announces Challenge Grant

Challenge Grant to Benefit Betsie Valley District Library Endowment
 

Thompsonville, MI. – For a limited time, supporters of the Betsie Valley District Library can double their gift and help sustain library services thanks to a community challenge announced today by the Friends of the Betsie Valley District Library.

The Friends awarded a challenge grant in the amount of $5,000 to the newly established Betsie Valley District Library Endowment Fund, managed by the Manistee County Community Foundation.  Each donation to the Fund that is received between now and the end of the calendar year will be matched, dollar for dollar, up to the $5,000 maximum. 

The generous challenge was made on the heels of a previous gift from the Friends in the amount of $5,000 to establish the endowment fund late last year.  Driven by a passion for the critical role that the Library serves in their rural community and in an effort to ensure continued services despite funding cuts through the State of Michigan, the Friends established the Betsie Valley District Library Endowment Fund at the Manistee County Community Foundation in 2009.
 
“Through our challenge grant we’re encouraging members of our community and library patrons to help us grow the endowment over the next few months. Our board and membership is proud of the important step we have taken to help sustain Library services.  By establishing the endowment fund we have begun to build a permanent and lasting source of support that will provide funding for Library programs and services for current and future generations,” offered Diane Wilbur, President of the Friends of the Betsie Valley District Library.  “The Manistee County Community Foundation manages the administration and investment of the endowment fund, freeing up our time to focus on our mission” Wilbur added.

The Manistee County Community Foundation is proud to include the Betsie Valley District Library Endowment as one of over 45 endowed funds it currently manages.  “We applaud the efforts of the Friends of the Betsie Valley District Library to uphold Library services to residents and visitors of the Village of Thompsonville and surrounding area,” said Laura Heintzelman, Foundation executive director.  “Thanks to their foresight and leadership a new vehicle for philanthropy has been established that can offer a variety of benefits and options for Library donors.  For example, donors to the endowment are eligible for the State of Michigan Community Foundation Tax Credit in addition to a federal income tax deduction.  The fund also provides an opportunity for donors to make planned and legacy gifts in support of the Library.” 

Gifts to the fund may be made online at the Manistee County Community Foundation website at www.manisteefoundation.org or made payable to the Betsie Valley District Library Endowment Fund and mailed to the Manistee County Community Foundation, 332 First Street, Suite 104, Manistee, MI, 49660. 

In addition to providing books, magazines, audio books, and movies, The Betsie Valley District Library provides use of computers with internet access, wireless internet access, inter-library loan, Project Read tutors, beginning computer classes, and children’s programming.  The Library is located in Thompsonville, Michigan, and serves Cleon and Springdale Townships in Manistee County and Colfax and Weldon Townships in Benzie County. 

The Friends of the Betsie Valley District Library, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, was created to sustain and support the good works of the Betsie Valley District Library. The Friends provide financial support and countless volunteer hours, as well as the donation of patron computers with desks, staff computers, children's and adult magazine subscriptions, a DVD player, a projector and projector screen, a sound system, and GED Prep manuals and CDs for library patrons.
          
The Manistee County Community Foundation builds community endowment, makes grants, and serves in community leadership roles to affect positive change.  As one of 65 community foundations in Michigan and more than 700 that exist throughout the United States, the goal of the Manistee County Community Foundation is to enhance the quality of life in Manistee County, now and forever.  To learn more about the benefits of giving through the Manistee County Community Foundation visit www.manisteefoundation.org, or contact the Manistee County Community Foundation at (231) 723-7269.

Mini-Grant RFP

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION ACCEPTS PROPOSALS FOR MINI GRANTS

The Manistee County Community Foundation will accept proposals for mini-grants that address identified community needs through Friday, April 16, 2010 at 5:00 p.m.  The majority of grant awards are anticipated to be in the range of $500 -$1,000.  However, grants in excess of this amount may be considered on a limited basis.  It is anticipated that a minimum of $2,500 up to a maximum of $10,000 will be available to support mini-grant projects during 2010. 

Because the Youth Advisory Committee Fund is one of the Funds managed by the Foundation that is considering proposals, projects that involve and/or help further priority needs of our County’s youth may receive preference for funding.  However, other Funds managed by the Foundation also anticipate awarding grants during this cycle; therefore, projects having a focus outside of, or in addition to youth needs, will also be considered. 

“We’re pleased to be able to offer this opportunity to organizations that serve the people of Manistee County, particularly at this time when organizations are facing increased demand for their services,” said Laura Heintzelman, Foundation Executive Director.  “Recognizing that mini-grants may not fund entire projects, we hope organizations can use our funds to leverage support from other sources to make their projects a reality.  We encourage interested applicants to first visit our web site at www.manisteefoundation.org and click on ‘Receive’ to learn more about the Request for Mini-Grant Proposals and then contact the Foundation office with any questions.”

Eligibility.  Nonprofit organizations that have 501c3 status, schools, and local units of government are eligible to apply.  Applicants must also serve Manistee County residents.

Application Process.  Applicants should apply using the Foundation’s Mini-Grant Application Form and attachments.  One copy of the entire application and attachments must be received no later than Friday, April 16, 2010 at5:00 p.m.   Applications received after this time will not be considered.

Timing of Awards.  It is anticipated that decisions about awards will be made between May – June 2010 and processed following the applicant’s submittal of final application requirements and acceptance of grant award and requirements. 

Evaluation Process. Proposals will be considered by various advisory committees including the Manistee County Youth Advisory Committee and donor advisors.  All recommendations for grants must be approved by the Manistee County Community Foundation Board of Directors.  A sample of the proposal rating criteria form is included in this packet.

Reporting.  Agencies receiving funding will be required to submit an interim and final grant report. 

Envision Manistee County.  The Manistee County Community Foundation uses the Envision Manistee County Report and other community needs assessments and planning processes to inform its grantmaking.  Visit http://www.manisteefoundation.org/learn/community-leadership to view the Envision Manistee County report for assistance with completing the Mini-Grant Application. 

As one of 65 community foundations in Michigan and more than 700 that exist throughout the United States, the goal of the Manistee County Community Foundation is to improve and protect the quality of life in our communities.  To learn more about the Manistee County Community Foundation, contact Laura Heintzelman, executive director, at (231) 723-7269 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ,or visit www.manisteefoundation.org.

Click here to view the Mini-Grant RFP packet.

Click here to view Mini-Grant Budget Form.

Veterans Fund Currently Accepting Grant Applications

The Manistee County Veterans Endowment Fund is currently accepting grant applications.

    Click here for eligibility criteria and grant guidelines.

    Click here for grant application form.

    For assistance with the application contact:
    Beth A. Yeack, Veterans Counselor
    (231) 398-3587
    This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Youth Rock to Raise Funds

YOUTH ROCK TO RAISE FUNDS FOR REGRANTING

Onething that students from every corner of Manistee Countycan agree upon is the need for increased support of our County’s youth.  An inspired group of local students aredetermined to do their part to make that happen.

TheYouth Advisory Committee (YAC) of the Manistee County Community Foundation, uniquelycomprised of high school students from every grade level and school district inthe county, serves as the advisory body that recommends grants out of the YACEndowment Fund managed by the Foundation. This is ManisteeCounty’s own local panelof experts regarding youth issues, who provide an ongoing source of support forprograms and services for our County’s youth. To complement the incomegenerated by the endowment fund for grantmaking, this year the YAC has decided totake a creative approach in order to raise additional funds to support areayouth.

On Saturday, March 13, 2010,the YAC will hold a “Rock a Thon” fundraiser, rocking continuously in rockingchairs from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. at the Casman Academy Gym. The purpose of thisrocking adventure is to raise funds for their grantmaking in support of nonprofitorganizations, schools, and local units of government that meet the needs ofyouth in ManisteeCounty.  Members of the public are encouraged to stopby to cheer them on and to make a donation in support of their efforts.

YACmembers serve important roles in our community, as they give a voice to theneeds and issues that face our county’s youth. In addition to makingrecommendations for grants from the YAC Endowment Fund managed by the CommunityFoundation, a YAC member is elected each year as a Youth Representative on theManistee County Community Foundation Board of Directors. As one of 86 YouthAdvisory Committees across Michigan,Manistee County YAC members are part of a large network of youth leaders. Throughtheir generosity and leadership, they are active participants and promoters of philanthropy– donations of time, talent, and treasure for community good – working tobuild a stronger and more caring community.

The Youth Advisory Committeeurges members of the community to consider making a donation to the YAC Fund insupport of area youth.  Donations are taxdeductible and may be made payable to the YAC Fund and directed to the ManisteeCounty Community Foundation at 332First Street, Suite 104, Manistee,Michigan, 49660.  Donations may also be made online atwww.manisteefoundation.org.  For additionalinformation contact YAC advisor Kathy Schoenberger at (231) 723-3595 or Foundation executive director Laura Heintzelman at (231) 723-7269.