2025 Youth Grant Cycle Funding Announced

Grant cycles for each fiscal year are kicked off with the Youth Grant Cycle, which is open for applications during the month of January and is awarded to those projects and programs that support young people and families in Branch County and Colon. Once the grant application process closes on January 31st, YAC members review the applications in February and bring their recommendations for funding recipients to the Branch County Community Foundation board in March.

The organizations that received funding included:

• Branch County Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence

• Branch County Head Start

• Branch ISD CORE

• Branch ISD-Early Education

• Coldwater Band Boosters

• Branch County Night to Shine

• Oasis of Love Family Church

• Peer to Peer Branch ISD

Project and program information:

BCCADSV: Safety and Empowerment for Youth

Branch County Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence has over 20 years of experience in programs designed to empower and educate youth. BCCADSV partners with the school districts of Bronson, Coldwater, and Quincy to provide a safe space for pre-teen and teenage female students to gain knowledge in healthy relationships, social connections, healthy living, emotional well-being and so much more. These funds from YAC will help support these programs by supplying general supplies, tools, and equipment.

Branch County Head Start: Weekend Food and Wellness Provision Project

Student homelessness has been on the rise in Branch County, for many this means an increased chance of not knowing where their next meal is coming from during the weekend when school is not in session. Grades K-12 have been supported by BCCADSV, who are now partnering with Branch County Head Start in making sure Pre-K aged students receive simple meals and snacks for every weekend throughout the school year. This grant from YAC will help provide non-perishable food on the weekends to our homeless, Pre-K age students in Branch County.  This grant was originally partially funded by YAC, but with collaboration between a Donor Advised Fund at BCCF, the Scott Brayton Memorial Fund contributed the remainder of the funding so this pilot program could start fully funded for the year!

Branch ISD: Families: The CORE of Learning

The Branch ISD has been utilizing CORE Vocabulary within the school setting for 10 years. Within the last five years, BISD introduced CORE Vocabulary to EMS Agencies in Branch County. This program is designed to allow access and awareness to AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication.) AAC is a communication tool for those with limited verbal communication, and those who are non-verbal. BISD holds three CORE events throughout the year, bringing students together to socialize and have fun with peers and adults within the community, while utilizing the AAC devices. These events allow students to gain social skills and confidence outside of the academic setting and lessen loneliness.  The YAC funds will help CORE events continue, allowing our limited communicating students to gain confidence with their peers and community members.

Branch ISD-Early Education: Harmony Gardens Music Therapy

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The Branch ISD-Early Education Services is committed to the success of children of all ages and offers a range of early childhood development programs. Research has shown that music therapy enhances mood, attention, and behavior, enhancing the ability to learn and helps provide positive social interactions. Early education students aged 2-5 will be the focus of the Harmony Gardens Music Therapy program, working with a certified music therapist to promote social-emotional skills, language development, and cognitive growth through structured music activities. Youth mental health is a focus for YAC after the most recent Needs Assessment, and these funds will help support the introduction of the music therapy program to benefit our early learners in Branch County!  This grant was only partially funded by YAC, and with the help of the Scott Brayton Donor Advised Fund, they were able to secure more funding to start this important program.

Coldwater Band Boosters: Instrument Updates

For many years, the Coldwater High School band has seen much success, creating high quality music and consistently receiving excellent ratings at district state level festivals. Many CHS band members have gone on to prestigious college level programs and have experienced musical performances throughout the country. Band has created a safe and welcoming space for everyone beginning in the 5th grade and continuing through 12th grade, creating bonds and skills to last a lifetime. With that, school instruments are used for many years, some even decades, and need replacements. The tuba is one of the most important instruments during concert band season, as it is used for fellow instruments in the band to match their tone to create quality sound. Funds from the Youth Advisory Council grant will contribute to the purchase of a new tuba for the CHS band.

Branch County Night to Shine: Night to Shine

Branch County Night to Shine has been active for five years, organized by the Tim Tebow Foundation and brought to life locally through hundreds of volunteers to create a night of inclusivity to people with developmental disabilities. The night is filled with a free catered meal, games, karaoke, a photo booth, sensory room and respite room. Every Honored Guest is paired with a “buddy” who provides them with conversation throughout the evening and guides them through the planned activities. A requirement by the Tim Tebow Foundation for this event is a free meal for all guests; the funds from the Youth Advisory Council grant will provide a catered meal for all Honored Guests. Night to Shine creates memories and opportunities for our neighbors with disabilities, and an experience the volunteers will never forget.    

Oasis of Love Family Church: Pay it Forward Food Distribution

The Pay it Forward Food Distribution, located at the Oasis of Love Family Church in Coldwater, has partnered with the South Michigan Food Bank over the past five years to provide fresh food monthly to low-income families in the area facing food insecurity. With the help of over 20 volunteers and neighbors at the Fountain of Salvation Hispanic Church, there are currently 125 families who receive fresh food through the program every month, among many other necessities. Having adequate food in the home creates a less stressful environment and promotes success in children who will no longer go to school hungry. Grant funding from YAC will be used to purchase food to distribute from the South Michigan Food Bank.

Peer to Peer Branch ISD: Inclusive Peer Support and Anti-Bullying Program for all Students, with a Focus on Students with Special Healthcare Needs

Peer to Peer is a new program in Branch County, designed to provide a safe and dedicated space for meaningful connection, leadership development, and support for 8th grade students with special needs. This program is sponsored by the State of Michigan with a step-by-step process already in place and will be instructed at the local level by certified educators. Youth mental health is at the top of the Youth Advisory Council focus, and funding the Peer to Peer program will offer inclusion, partnership, and promote positive mental health in our youth. Grant funds will support the start-up of Peer to Peer in Branch County, including BATA bus transportation tickets for participating students, office materials, and more.