The South Haven Area Community Foundation has awarded $98,700 to 24 local nonprofits to help support educational, cultural, art, and youth programs and projects servicing the South Haven area. The Foundation also awareded $50,900 in scholarships to graduating South Haven High School Students. And, its South Haven High School student affiliate, Youth Advisory Council, awarded $3,600 additional grant funding to support youth, educational and SHPS initiatives.
The Foundation has now surpassed the $1 million mark in total awards and scholarships granted, a significant milestone and accomplishment for the small, all-volunteer-led organization.
“Hitting $1 million in total granted funds is a major achievement and has been a long-term goal brought to fruition by our board’s vision, dedication, leadership, and the unwavering support of our community,” says Roger Beglin, President. “In the last several years, the Foundation has taken several strategic steps which have allowed us to award more funding to more organizations resulting in bigger impacts for our communities. We are very proud of the work we’ve accomplished, and we couldn’t have done it without the support of our donors.”
This year’s recipients include Junior Achievement of Southwest Michigan, Hope Parent Resource Center, Bangor Public Schools Trap Team, The Mitten Children Museum, Al-Van Humane Society, South Haven Speakers Series, Foundry Hall, We Care Community Resource Center, Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan, Beautify Pullman, South Haven Scott Club, Liberty Hyde Bailey Museum, Youth Development Co./PAL, Our Town Players, South Haven Center for the Arts, SH Ambassadors Program/Education, Caring Connection, South Haven Steelheaders, The Primal Outfitters, Collective Mess, Hospice Care SW MI Centrica, South Haven Performance Series, and South Haven Memorial Library.
The South Haven High School Youth Advisory Council awarded four grants to SHPS district applicants. The grants will fund the following South Haven Public School programs: Intro to Business, Sewing Club, Diversity Club and the HS Art Department.
Each January, The Foundation requests grant proposals from the area’s nonprofit organizations concentrating on art, culture, education, recreation, information and community health with the goal of enriching and improving the lives of area residents. To date, it has awarded over $1,000,000 to local organizations and scholarship recipients.
Grant awards are made available by donations made to the South Haven Area Community Foundation endowment fund. In addition to grant distribution, The Foundation administers endowment funds and donor advised funds for many local nonprofits and scholarship organizations. Those interested in starting an endowment fund, donor advised fund or making donations to existing funds can contact the South Haven Area Community Foundation at execdirector@southhavencf.org. or visit www.southhavencf.org for more information.
