Donor Stories

Honoring Sharon: A Special Conversation

Honoring Sharon: A Special Conversation

In 2021, the Jumpstart a Heart campaign was organized by the Marquette County Law Enforcement Administrators and Association (MCLEAA) and the Community Foundation of Marquette County to replace the automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) for law enforcement units...

Celebrating the Joy of Clean Laundry

Celebrating the Joy of Clean Laundry

North Star Montessori Academy students, who are enjoying the school'sbrand new laundry room, made a sign to thank the Community Foundationand the donor who sponsored the project. Finding solutions to community needs, whether they’re large or small, usually takes time,...

We Remember: Charles P. “Snook” Smith and June Schaefer

We Remember: Charles P. “Snook” Smith and June Schaefer

The Community Foundation would like to remember Charles P. “Snook” Smith, a longtime Ishpeming resident who passed away on December 27, 2022 at the age of 94. A husband, dad, grandpa and great grandpa, Charles leaves behind “a legacy of songs, stories, memories and...

Year-end charitable giving

As you work with your advisors on year-end planning, consider some of these giving strategies that will allow you to support the Community Foundation and charitable causes important to you while accomplishing tax savings. Claim an Above-the Line Deduction in 2021 For...

Paul F. Blewett Legacy Funds Distribute Over $75,000

Paul F. Blewett Legacy Funds Distribute Over $75,000

The Paul F. Blewett Legacy Funds were established at the Community Foundation of Marquette County in 2010, to provide support to multiple local and regional organizations that Paul cared most about. This year, a total of $ 76,192.65 was distributed. Following the...

Johanna Pohjala Fund for Weavers : Fund Spotlight

Johanna Pohjala Fund for Weavers : Fund Spotlight

A loom made by Matt Riihinen in Negaunee during the winter of 1945-1946. Photo courtesy of Christine Simonen This loom has a fascinating history, and helped inspire the Johanna Pohjala Fund for Weavers, a field of interest fund established at the Community Foundation...

Schenk Scholarship Legacy Fund : Fund Spotlight

Schenk Scholarship Legacy Fund : Fund Spotlight

Schenk Scholarship Legacy Fund : Fund Spotlight The children of Wilbur and Catherine T. Schenk wanted a way to honor their parent’s memories and support the educational pursuits of Forest Park High School’s graduating seniors. Wilbur Schenk was principal, then...

Over $100,000 in Grants to Local Nonprofits Awarded

Over $100,000 in Grants to Local Nonprofits Awarded

The Community Foundation of Marquette County, including four affiliate funds – Negaunee, Greater Ishpeming, Marquette, and Gwinn Area – recently granted over $100,000 as part of the annual competitive grant cycle. Of the total grant funding, over $25,000 was awarded...

Huron Mountain Club Fund Distributes $56,000 to Local Nonprofits

Huron Mountain Club Fund Distributes $56,000 to Local Nonprofits

The Community Foundation of Marquette County, on behalf of the Huron Mountain Club Fund, is pleased to announce $56,000 in grants and awards to nonprofits in Marquette County. Several Big Bay organizations received support as well as other local nonprofits, including...

Paul F. Blewett Legacy Funds Distribute Over $125,000

Paul F. Blewett Legacy Funds Distribute Over $125,000

The Paul F. Blewett Legacy Funds were established at the Community Foundation of Marquette County in 2010, to provide support to multiple local and regional organizations that Paul cared most about. This year, a total of $128,409.37 was distributed. Following the...

2020 Grant Recipients Announced

2020 Grant Recipients Announced

The Community Foundation of Marquette County, including four affiliate funds – Negaunee, Greater Ishpeming, Marquette, and Gwinn Area – granted a total of $58,334 this year in the annual competitive grant cycle. Forty-one percent ($24,000) was awarded to programs that...

Clark Lambros’ Beach Park Fund Donor Story

Clark Lambros’ Beach Park Fund Donor Story

It’s Tuesday afternoon, and Vango’s is alive with friendly conversation and the warm smell of pizza dough. The Marquette restaurant has served as a gathering spot for the community for decades, in large part because of the generous and dedicated work of Michele...

Matt Davidson Donor Story

Matt Davidson Donor Story

On March 1, 2017, the Matt Davidson Memorial Scholarship Fund, a permanent endowment, was established at the Community Foundation of Marquette County with gifts received from family and friends. This fund will be used primarily to provide scholarships to graduating...

Mark Ulrickson Donor Story

Mark Ulrickson Donor Story

A new scholarship fund at the Community Foundation of Marquette County will help local students receive a college education and carry on the legacy of the late Dr. Mark Ulrickson, a Marquette ophthalmologist, Ishpeming native and supporter of the Big Brothers Big...

Pam Benton Memorial

Pam Benton Memorial

Pam served as a Trustee of the Community Foundation since the fall of 2013. She brought to the position her experience and knowledge of philanthropic operations and development and quickly embraced the philanthropic goals of the foundation. “Pam was a dynamic and...