Through the generosity of local community members and with grants received, the Branch County Community Foundation has been able to award $100,000 so far this year to area organizations and to local students for scholarships. A total of ten local organizations received grants totaling $27,000. Scholarships were given to 40 students totaling $45,000 to assist with furthering their education.

Earlier in the year, area organizations and students were given the opportunity to request and apply for funds from the Branch County Community Foundation. With theses funds local organizations will be able to upgrade materials, introduce support programs, promote literacy programs, provide books for kids, and make critical repairs to a local historic structure. In exchange for the grant money, the organizations must demonstrate how the funding as positively affected the community.

Local students that benefited from the scholarships at the end of the school year demonstrated a passion for their schooling. With the rising cost of attending college, students and alumni from five area high schools were in recipients of scholarships from 21 funds. “As a Foundation, we are excited to be able to facilitate local giving. The scholarships and grants we provide keep necessary programs running and help local students obtain an education that might not otherwise receive,” said Colleen Knight, executive director at the Branch County Community Foundation.

Grants have also been awarded this year from donor-advised and agency funds in the amount of $22,000. Fund representatives recommend grants which may be awarded based on the decision of the Foundation Board of Directors. Donors typically recommend funds for local organizations, but funds can also support world-wide efforts.

For more information about donating to the Foundation or starting a new fund visit the Branch County Community Foundation website at www.BRCOFoundation.org or call 517-278-4517.

The Branch County Community Foundation is a non-profit organization and a nationally accredited and state-certified community grantmaking foundation that serves communities in Branch County and Colon, Michigan by supporting charitable giving, building permanent endowments, and connecting community resources.

Pictured is Colleen Knight, executive director of the Branch County Community Foundation holding a check for $100,000 for funds that have been given in scholarships and grants to Branch County in the past year.