Branch County Community Foundation Announces 2025 Community Good Grant Recipients

The Branch County Community Foundation (BCCF) is thrilled to announce the recipients of the 2025 Community Good Grant Cycle! This year, BCCF is proud to award a total of $57,340 to support impactful initiatives throughout Branch County and Colon.

These grants were made possible through the generosity of nine different funds at the Community Foundation, with the majority of funding coming from our Forever Fund, BCCF’s unrestricted fund that allows us to respond flexibly to the changing needs of our community.

“This year, our board’s funding priorities helped guide us in investing in programs that directly strengthen our community through access to childcare, workforce development supports, and opportunities for our English learners,” said Erica Heminger, Executive Director of BCCF. “The projects we’ve funded reflect not only these priorities but also the broad and creative ways our local organizations work to enhance the quality of life for all who call Branch County and Colon home.”

From workforce support and childcare expansion to educational enrichment, public safety, and cultural preservation, this year’s grants represent the diversity of needs and opportunities across our region. Each funded project adds meaningful value to our community—strengthening connections, fostering resilience, and ensuring that everyone has a chance to thrive.

We are honored to support the following organizations and initiatives in 2025:

Colon Community Fire and Rescue – Handheld Co-Oximeter Monitor RAD 57

Enhancing firefighter health and safety through equipment that accurately detects elevated carbon monoxide levels following exposure to hazardous environments.

Colon Community Schools – Student Enrichment and Engagement

Reinforcing desirable behaviors such as respect, responsibility, and kindness to help create a positive and supportive school environment.

Leonidas School – Leonidas Christmas Program

Supporting the purchase of scripts, costumes, and production equipment for student plays that promote creativity and community engagement.

Union City Society of Historical Preservation – Walsh and Engle Carriage House

Constructing a historically accurate buggy house to preserve an 1890s doctor’s buggy built in Union City.

NIKA Club of Quincy – Quincy High School Girls Senior Tea

Hosting the annual Quincy High School Girls Senior Tea Reception, celebrating tradition and community connection.

Branch District Library – Playaway Launchpad Expansion

Expanding digital learning options with interactive tools to support foreign language learning for all ages.

South Michigan Food Bank – Fueling Well-Being: Fresh Food Access Through Mobile Markets

Providing fresh produce and nutritious pantry staples through Mobile Markets that bring healthy food directly into neighborhoods where it is most needed.

W.E. Upjohn Institute – Employer Resource Network

Offering critical support services to employees at participating companies to improve workforce retention and stability.

KCC Lifelong Learning – Conversational English for Community Living

Enhancing English language proficiency for limited English-speaking residents, with a focus on effective communication in healthcare settings.

Child Care Network – Family Support Program

Expanding access to affordable childcare in Branch County by offering need-based childcare scholarships for local families.

Children’s Museum of Branch County – Museums4All

Providing discounted admission for Bridge Card holders to ensure access to educational experiences for all families.

Coldwater Community Center at the Beech House – Program Expansion and Pilot Program

Expanding current offerings and launching new community programs in response to local demand.

Coldwater Fire Department – Replacement of Lucas 2 Chest Compression Device

Replacing a critical life-saving device that delivers consistent, high-quality CPR to cardiac arrest patients.

Michigan Works! Southwest / W.E. Upjohn Institute – Access to Employment

Removing barriers through supportive services that help community members obtain and retain meaningful employment.

Branch County Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence (BCCADSV) – Art for Wellness

Creating trauma-informed art spaces that promote healing and wellness through hands-on ceramic creation and decoration.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to our donors and supporters for making this grant cycle possible. Your generosity continues to drive growth, connection, and positive change throughout Branch County and Colon.

Stay tuned for updates on these projects throughout the year. We look forward to celebrating their success and the impact they’ll make in our community!

For more information about the Community Foundation and how you can support future initiatives, please visit www.BrCoFoundation.org or contact us at 517-278-4517 or info@BrCoFoundation.org.