Every other Wednesday the Branch County Community Foundation talks with WTVB about all the GOOD happening in our community! Listen to all the segments below.
June 24, 2021- Education Mini Grants
June 9, 2021- BCCF 2021 Scholarships
May 26, 2021 - Youth Advisory Council
May 12, 2021 - BCCF Sponsored Tax Seminar
June 24, 2021- Education Mini Grants
June 9, 2021- BCCF 2021 Scholarships
May 26, 2021 - Youth Advisory Council
May 12, 2021 - BCCF Sponsored Tax Seminar
Below are the latest news releases for the Branch County Community Foundation. Read and subscribe to our latest email newsletters here.
Educational Mini Grant Cycle Success
The Branch County Community Foundation (BCCF) held Educational Mini Grant Cycles in April for Bronson, Coldwater, and Quincy Schools, granting out a total of $13,348.13 for 19 different programs and projects. The Yes for Bronson Fund, the Coldwater Community Schools Enrichment Fund, and the Quincy Educational Endowment fund were all created to support programs and initiatives that promote excellence in education and high achievement with the goal of expanding and diversifying experiences.
In January of 2020, the Yes for Bronson Schools Fund was able to move from a designated fund to an Endowment Fund to be able to provide support for Bronson Schools for years to come. The fund was created to financially supplement Bronson Community Schools and its K-12 students in their preparation for life by improving technology, transportation, and educational facilities in the school district. After a generous donation from the Ratkowski Family Fund in early 2021, the Yes for Bronson Schools Fund held its first mini grant cycle this past April. The committee was excited to award $1,000 out of the fund for Family Art and Literacy Bags in the Elementary Schools!
The Coldwater Community Schools Enrichment Fund offers teachers opportunities to provide additional academic enrichment or enhancement programs to their students. The Enrichment fund awarded grants to projects such as new classroom microscopes, woodworking and 3D printing materials, and Spikeball for gym class. This year, there was additional funding available from a Donor Advised Fund, the Rosenberg Family Endowment Fund. The Rosenberg Family Endowment Fund supported additional funding for percussion instruments to Lakeland Elementary, and also funded a project for new sound system equipment for the Legg Middle School and Coldwater High School Bands. The total amount granted out to Coldwater teachers and staff was $4,176.92 for 9 different projects.
The Quincy Educational Endowment Fund offers teachers an opportunity to provide additional academic enrichment or enhancement programs to their students. This year, the committee was able to fully fund all nine projects that applied for funding, totaling $5,671.21! These projects include flexible seating options for a third-grade classroom, new weighted medicine balls for high school gym classes, new safety goggles and other supplies for a fifth-grade science room, and art display easels for the elementary art class.
Educational Mini Grant Cycles are held once a year from April 1 through April 30. Each fund has its own criteria and selection committee for the mini grant cycle, and donations to the funds are welcomed year-round.
In January of 2020, the Yes for Bronson Schools Fund was able to move from a designated fund to an Endowment Fund to be able to provide support for Bronson Schools for years to come. The fund was created to financially supplement Bronson Community Schools and its K-12 students in their preparation for life by improving technology, transportation, and educational facilities in the school district. After a generous donation from the Ratkowski Family Fund in early 2021, the Yes for Bronson Schools Fund held its first mini grant cycle this past April. The committee was excited to award $1,000 out of the fund for Family Art and Literacy Bags in the Elementary Schools!
The Coldwater Community Schools Enrichment Fund offers teachers opportunities to provide additional academic enrichment or enhancement programs to their students. The Enrichment fund awarded grants to projects such as new classroom microscopes, woodworking and 3D printing materials, and Spikeball for gym class. This year, there was additional funding available from a Donor Advised Fund, the Rosenberg Family Endowment Fund. The Rosenberg Family Endowment Fund supported additional funding for percussion instruments to Lakeland Elementary, and also funded a project for new sound system equipment for the Legg Middle School and Coldwater High School Bands. The total amount granted out to Coldwater teachers and staff was $4,176.92 for 9 different projects.
The Quincy Educational Endowment Fund offers teachers an opportunity to provide additional academic enrichment or enhancement programs to their students. This year, the committee was able to fully fund all nine projects that applied for funding, totaling $5,671.21! These projects include flexible seating options for a third-grade classroom, new weighted medicine balls for high school gym classes, new safety goggles and other supplies for a fifth-grade science room, and art display easels for the elementary art class.
Educational Mini Grant Cycles are held once a year from April 1 through April 30. Each fund has its own criteria and selection committee for the mini grant cycle, and donations to the funds are welcomed year-round.
Making Grants for Positive Social Change
Giving back through grant awards is one of BCCF’s major purposes. We take donor gifts, invest them, and give a portion of the income from our investment to support all kinds of programs and projects that benefit people in our area.
We use written proposal – what we call grant applications – to review requests for funding. Nonprofit organizations, community groups, schools, and local governments can all be partners in our vision of creating positive social change by submitting an application. After staff members review applications for compliance, committees review eligible applications and make recommendations for grants to the BCCF Board of Directors.
Many of the funds we hold are designated for particular organizations, and grants from those funds aren’t open to other organizations.However, BCCF accepts applications twice per year for what we call competitive grant rounds.During the competitive rounds, we are able to match applications to the criteria of our endowments funds that support any project or program that benefits our service area and endowments that support a particular cause – like improving literacy.The competitive round in January seeks applications for projects that are proposed by youth and meet the needs of youth in our service area.In August, we accept applications that will support the well-being of the people and communities we serve.
Generally, requests for funding exceed the amount committees can recommend to the BCCF Board.BCCF uses a variety of tools to fund worthy projects to the fullest extent possible.In addition to submitting applications to more than one fund, matching grants awards are among the most frequently used tools.Matching grants require groups to raise a portion of the money needed for the project in order to receive the grant BCCF awards for that project.This tool powerful.A matching grant gives the organization the ability to let other potential funders know that if they give, BCCF will match their donations.We find that donors love to give when there is a match available because they “double” their donations!
The Community Foundation has given out over $14 million in grants and scholarships since its inception in 1991. Those who have an idea for improving our community can learn more by visiting the Grants page on our website and then contact us to talk about the feasibility of submitting a grant during the next appropriate grant cycle. Call us at 517.278.4517or email info@BrCoFoundation.org.
We use written proposal – what we call grant applications – to review requests for funding. Nonprofit organizations, community groups, schools, and local governments can all be partners in our vision of creating positive social change by submitting an application. After staff members review applications for compliance, committees review eligible applications and make recommendations for grants to the BCCF Board of Directors.
Many of the funds we hold are designated for particular organizations, and grants from those funds aren’t open to other organizations.However, BCCF accepts applications twice per year for what we call competitive grant rounds.During the competitive rounds, we are able to match applications to the criteria of our endowments funds that support any project or program that benefits our service area and endowments that support a particular cause – like improving literacy.The competitive round in January seeks applications for projects that are proposed by youth and meet the needs of youth in our service area.In August, we accept applications that will support the well-being of the people and communities we serve.
Generally, requests for funding exceed the amount committees can recommend to the BCCF Board.BCCF uses a variety of tools to fund worthy projects to the fullest extent possible.In addition to submitting applications to more than one fund, matching grants awards are among the most frequently used tools.Matching grants require groups to raise a portion of the money needed for the project in order to receive the grant BCCF awards for that project.This tool powerful.A matching grant gives the organization the ability to let other potential funders know that if they give, BCCF will match their donations.We find that donors love to give when there is a match available because they “double” their donations!
The Community Foundation has given out over $14 million in grants and scholarships since its inception in 1991. Those who have an idea for improving our community can learn more by visiting the Grants page on our website and then contact us to talk about the feasibility of submitting a grant during the next appropriate grant cycle. Call us at 517.278.4517or email info@BrCoFoundation.org.
Wendorf Family Fund donates $20K to Quincy Community Schools
The Wendorf Family Fund, a fund within the Branch County Community Foundation, has donated $20,000 to Quincy Community Schools for an updated PA system. The installation of the new PA system took place on February 4, 2019. The new PA system is for both the Quincy High School and the Quincy Middle School, and includes bells and a call-back feature in each classroom for security. With this new system QHS/QMS has access to pre-recorded options for lock downs and would all administrators to use cell phones to activate security procedures. The new system also integrates with their current phone system, allowing staff to page or contact classrooms from any phone on their network.
“This a critical security piece for both buildings” said Marc Krammer, Quincy Community Schools Superintendent. “When our old system failed, we discovered it was so old it was no longer being supported. We had no choice but to upgrade”.
During a meeting with Community Foundation staff, Superintendent Krammer mentioned they needed funding for this unexpected. That gave the Community Foundation the opportunity to do what they do best – connect people who care with causes that matter. Program and Donor Services Officer Erica Heminger reached out to one of the Community Foundation’s donor advisors. After reviewing some additional information and talking with Heminger, the Wendorf Family Fund decided to almost entirely fund the unexpected expense.
“Donor Advised Funds give donors the ability to pursue their philanthropy goals and take advantage of the Community Foundation’s expertise and experience in making the most impact for their gifts”, said Heminger.
Through Donor Advised Funds, donors can work with the Community Foundation to help one or more charitable causes, organizations, and area projects or programs. A Donor Advised Fund within the Community Foundation can be an alternative to starting a private foundation—without the costs and tax issues.
Anyone interested in learning more about Donor Advised Funds or about the Community Foundation in general, may the office at 517.278.4517, email staff at info@BrCoFoundation.org, or stop by our office in downtown Coldwater at 2 W. Chicago St., Suite E-1.
“This a critical security piece for both buildings” said Marc Krammer, Quincy Community Schools Superintendent. “When our old system failed, we discovered it was so old it was no longer being supported. We had no choice but to upgrade”.
During a meeting with Community Foundation staff, Superintendent Krammer mentioned they needed funding for this unexpected. That gave the Community Foundation the opportunity to do what they do best – connect people who care with causes that matter. Program and Donor Services Officer Erica Heminger reached out to one of the Community Foundation’s donor advisors. After reviewing some additional information and talking with Heminger, the Wendorf Family Fund decided to almost entirely fund the unexpected expense.
“Donor Advised Funds give donors the ability to pursue their philanthropy goals and take advantage of the Community Foundation’s expertise and experience in making the most impact for their gifts”, said Heminger.
Through Donor Advised Funds, donors can work with the Community Foundation to help one or more charitable causes, organizations, and area projects or programs. A Donor Advised Fund within the Community Foundation can be an alternative to starting a private foundation—without the costs and tax issues.
Anyone interested in learning more about Donor Advised Funds or about the Community Foundation in general, may the office at 517.278.4517, email staff at info@BrCoFoundation.org, or stop by our office in downtown Coldwater at 2 W. Chicago St., Suite E-1.
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BCCF News SeriesThe Branch County Community Foundation and two local newspapers (The Coldwater Daily Reporter and Union City's Hometown Gazette) have come together to bring a quarterly article series about the Branch County Community Foundation. In between quarterly articles, there will be frequently asked questions each week. Below are the articles and FAQs as they are published.
Article 1- Who is BCCF? FAQ's Article 2- Unrestricted Donations FAQ's Article 3 - Donor Advised Funds FAQ's Article 4 - Legacy Giving FAQs |
Why Colon, Why Branch County?
Many donors wonder why they send their gifts to the Branch County Community Foundation when they live in the Colon area. Many other donors wonder why the Branch County Community Foundation serves an area that is in St. Joseph County. It’s a long a beautiful relationship which continues to benefit both Branch County and the Colon area.
Creation of Branch County Community Foundation
In 1991, five Branch County Rotaries met in an historic luncheon to create the Community Foundation. Many of the early board members had strong relationships to the Colon area, and Branch County was able to create a fund within the existing Colon Foundation allowing the Branch County Community Foundation to receive donations while they could establish their non-profit status and become certified as a Community Foundation. The Branch County Community Foundation was established as a stand-alone organization in late 1992.
Kellogg and Council of Michigan Foundations Youth Project Match
Through the Council of Michigan Foundations (CMF) and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation’s Youth Project, donations to funds within community foundations throughout the state of Michigan would receive a 50% match to create funds for youth activities. The Branch County Community Foundation received the first matching grant in 1995 and established the Youth Advisory Council (YAC) to oversee the grantmaking process for the newly created Youth Fund and to encourage youth volunteerism and philanthropy.
Colon and Branch County Unite Again
About that same time in 1995, a gift was given to the Colon Community Schools to be used as an endowment fund for scholarships for Colon graduates. Realizing that the Colon School Board was not in the business of managing endowments, it was suggested that the Colon School Board turn the money over to the Colon Foundation in order to receive the matching W.K Kellogg Foundation grant funds toward a YAC fund. However the grant required that the community foundation’s director work at least 20 hours per week. Colon Foundation could not fulfil that requirement. The Colon Foundation knew Branch County had a full-time director and presentedthe Branch County Community Foundation with the idea of creating funds for the Colon area. When the Boards of Colon Schools, Branch County Community Foundation, and Colon Foundation agreed the Colon Foundation became a component fund of the Branch County Community Foundation.
The partnership allowed donations to the Colon funds to be eligible for the Kellogg match, increasing the Youth Fund and expanding its scope to Colon. And that year, in large part because of the partnership with the Colon Foundation, Community Foundation assets reached over $1,000,000, growing the collective investment power. On November 22, 1995, the Colon Express quoted then Branch County Community Foundation Executive Director Coco Cook as saying “residents of Branch County and Colon will benefit from a new partnership…[as] the Colon Foundation has become a geographic component fund of the Branch County Community Foundation.” Grants and scholarships were being awarded regularly and the Youth Advisory Council (YAC) had 47 members – the second largest in the state!
Continuing Strong Ties
As of the end of fiscal year 2018, assets in the Community Foundation have grown to $7 million dollars in over 130 funds. Together these funds have awarded over $14 million dollars in grants and scholarships to assist organizations and students in our entire service area. By holding different funds with different focuses, donors have the opportunity to give to specific funds benefiting a cause, a city or village, a project, a specific organization, or to help grow unrestricted funds for both Colon and Branch County. Together we continue to build stronger communities in both Branch County and the Colon area!
Creation of Branch County Community Foundation
In 1991, five Branch County Rotaries met in an historic luncheon to create the Community Foundation. Many of the early board members had strong relationships to the Colon area, and Branch County was able to create a fund within the existing Colon Foundation allowing the Branch County Community Foundation to receive donations while they could establish their non-profit status and become certified as a Community Foundation. The Branch County Community Foundation was established as a stand-alone organization in late 1992.
Kellogg and Council of Michigan Foundations Youth Project Match
Through the Council of Michigan Foundations (CMF) and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation’s Youth Project, donations to funds within community foundations throughout the state of Michigan would receive a 50% match to create funds for youth activities. The Branch County Community Foundation received the first matching grant in 1995 and established the Youth Advisory Council (YAC) to oversee the grantmaking process for the newly created Youth Fund and to encourage youth volunteerism and philanthropy.
Colon and Branch County Unite Again
About that same time in 1995, a gift was given to the Colon Community Schools to be used as an endowment fund for scholarships for Colon graduates. Realizing that the Colon School Board was not in the business of managing endowments, it was suggested that the Colon School Board turn the money over to the Colon Foundation in order to receive the matching W.K Kellogg Foundation grant funds toward a YAC fund. However the grant required that the community foundation’s director work at least 20 hours per week. Colon Foundation could not fulfil that requirement. The Colon Foundation knew Branch County had a full-time director and presentedthe Branch County Community Foundation with the idea of creating funds for the Colon area. When the Boards of Colon Schools, Branch County Community Foundation, and Colon Foundation agreed the Colon Foundation became a component fund of the Branch County Community Foundation.
The partnership allowed donations to the Colon funds to be eligible for the Kellogg match, increasing the Youth Fund and expanding its scope to Colon. And that year, in large part because of the partnership with the Colon Foundation, Community Foundation assets reached over $1,000,000, growing the collective investment power. On November 22, 1995, the Colon Express quoted then Branch County Community Foundation Executive Director Coco Cook as saying “residents of Branch County and Colon will benefit from a new partnership…[as] the Colon Foundation has become a geographic component fund of the Branch County Community Foundation.” Grants and scholarships were being awarded regularly and the Youth Advisory Council (YAC) had 47 members – the second largest in the state!
Continuing Strong Ties
As of the end of fiscal year 2018, assets in the Community Foundation have grown to $7 million dollars in over 130 funds. Together these funds have awarded over $14 million dollars in grants and scholarships to assist organizations and students in our entire service area. By holding different funds with different focuses, donors have the opportunity to give to specific funds benefiting a cause, a city or village, a project, a specific organization, or to help grow unrestricted funds for both Colon and Branch County. Together we continue to build stronger communities in both Branch County and the Colon area!
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