Our Stories
Donor Stories
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
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
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...
John D. Voelker Foundation Partners With CFMC to Establish the Native American Law School Scholarship Endowment Fund
Pictured Above: John D. Voelker fly fishing at his beloved Frenchman’s Pond. Photo: Sunday Magazine of the Detroit News (June 18, 1967) The Community Foundation of Marquette County (CFMC) is very pleased to announce the John D. Voelker Foundation Native American Law...
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
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...
Grantee Stories
2023 Catalyst Award Recipients Announced
This year CFMC celebrated their 35th year of impact as a foundation providing vital support to programs, projects, and initiatives across the entire county. Each year as a part of the celebration, the foundation recognizes individuals, businesses, and service organizations who go above and beyond to make a difference in their community and inspire others to do the same.
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
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,...
What Will Waino Bring?
Waino Liuha receives an award from United Way of Marquette CountyCampaign Co-Chair Walt Lindala, in 2006. When you ask people in the community what they remember about Waino Liuha, they light up. Waino may have passed in 2013, but his spirit is still alive,...
Ray Leverton: A Lifetime of Service
Ray Leverton with Jason Chapman, Ishpeming City Council member, displaying the tribute from the State of Michigan recognizing Ray for his lifelong service to the community. Photo courtesy of the City of Ishpeming Ishpeming lost one of its dearest community members on...
Six Feet Over Recognizes Suicide Survivors Fund as Model
Katie Hardy, executive director, Six Feet Over; Zosia Eppensteiner, CEO, CFMC;and Dave Aro, who established the Marquette County Suicide Survivors Support Fund. Six Feet Over, a nonprofit based in Detroit that provides suicide support and prevention services, recently...
Youth Advisory Committee Stories
2023 Catalyst Award Recipients Announced
This year CFMC celebrated their 35th year of impact as a foundation providing vital support to programs, projects, and initiatives across the entire county. Each year as a part of the celebration, the foundation recognizes individuals, businesses, and service organizations who go above and beyond to make a difference in their community and inspire others to do the same.
Youth Advisory Committees Organize Volunteer Projects, Support Local Nonprofits with Grants
The Youth Advisory Committees (YAC) of the Community Foundation of Marquette County are proud to announce the distribution of 18 grants to nonprofits to support youth programming. There are three YAC groups in the county, including the Ishpeming, Marquette, and Negaunee areas, with members from local middle and high schools. Despite the restrictions and hurdles presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, the groups have volunteered on several community projects and continue supporting local nonprofits...
YAC Packs
Members of the Ishpeming Youth Advisory Committee help pack 150 hygiene packs for the local Ishpeming & NICE Community Schools.