Strengthening Branch County & Colon: 2026 Community Good Grant Recipients Announced
The Branch County Community Foundation is proud to support a variety of projects that strengthen communities, expand opportunities, and improve quality of life across Branch County & Colon. This funding cycle reflects the incredible work being done by local nonprofits, schools, and community organizations. The Branch County Community Foundation is investing $51,733.87 in programs across Branch County & Colon to make our communities stronger! We had 12 funds contribute, including the Forever Fund, Colon Foundation Fund, Kevin and Patti Miller Fund, Early Childhood Investment Fund, Healthy Seniors Fund, Healthy Youth Fund, Homelessness Prevention Fund, Quincy Rotary Fund, Ralph and Rosella McLaughlin Fund, Rice Family Fund for Understanding, Scott Brayton Memorial Fund, and the Stanley G. Godfrey Endowment for the Arts Fund.
Strengthening Community Services & Basic Needs
Several funded projects focus on meeting essential community needs. The Coach Eby Youth & Family Center will complete a commercial kitchen upgrade that will enhance meal preparation, improve food safety, and expand the center’s capacity to serve residents through holiday meals, community dinners, and emergency shelter operations.
Jacob’s Well Ministries received support to assist individuals and families facing housing instability. By helping residents maintain or secure safe, permanent housing, the organization continues its important role in addressing homelessness and supporting long-term sufficiency.
The South Michigan Food Bank will strengthen its Mobile Market program, bringing nutritious food directly to underserved communities through Branch County. The program helps reduce barriers to food access and ensures families can obtain healthy groceries close to home.
Investing in Youth Development
Many of the supported projects focus on helping young people learn, grow, and thrive.
The Coldwater Community Center will expand youth development through the reactivation of the Youth Advisory Board, leading multicultural events, and expanding programs that create welcoming spaces for youth and families. The programs focus on celebrating diversity and bringing community members together.
Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan will provide volunteer support and financial assistance for local girls & families. These Girl Scouts help young people build confidence, develop skills, and discover new interests.
Community Unlimited will improve playground safety at the Union City Great Start Readiness Program preschool. Safe and accessible outdoor play spaces are critical for children’s physical activities, social development, and early learning experiences.
The NIKA Club of Quincy will host its annual reception honoring Quincy High School senior girls. The event celebrates student accomplishments, encourages future success, and provides a supportive environment that promotes youth confidence and well-being.
Quincy Middle School will expand its March is Reading Month activities, creating an engaging, nature-inspired reading experience designed to foster a lifelong love of literacy among students.
The Friends of the Quincy Library will continue supporting the Summer Reading Program by providing backpacks and school supplies to student participants who complete the program, encouraging reading while helping youth prepare for the school year.
Supporting Public Safety and Community Well-Being
The Colon Community Fire & Rescue radio project will improve communication between first responders by ensuring radios are properly programmed and tested on official county frequencies. Enhanced communication strengthens emergency response efforts and supports public safety throughout the community.
The Humane Society of Branch County will address critical facility needs by replacing aging roofs on both its dog and cat housing facilities. The project will help protect animals in the shelter’s care while preserving a safe and functional environment for staff, volunteers, and visitors.
Preserving Arts, Culture, and History
Community investment also plays an important role in enriching cultural and educational opportunities.
The Union City Community Chorale will purchase new sheet music to support its spring and fall concerts and provide accessible musical opportunities for area residents. Open to participants from high school through adulthood, the group helps foster connection, creativity, and community engagement through the arts.
The Union City Society for Historic Preservation will produce a documentary exploring the history of the Underground Railroad in Union City and Branch County. The project will preserve important local stories and increase awareness of the individual communities who contributed to this significant chapter of regional history.
The projects demonstrate the power of local organizations working to meet community needs, inspire youth, preserve history, support public safety, and improve quality of life throughout Branch County & Colon. The Branch County Community Foundation is honored to partner with these organizations and invest in initiatives that create lasting impact for residents today and for generations to come.
If you are interested in learning more or supporting our funds to increase our grant making, contact the Branch County Community Foundation today!
