December 2025 Newsletter
First, I want to thank you for the generous donations that are truly making a positive impact in the Cadillac Area by supporting local non-profits.
With your support we are able to work with organizations to improve the quality of life for our children, seniors, and community members. Since 1988 the Cadillac Area Community Foundation has granted over TEN MILLION DOLLARS to change lives in our community. We support numerous local initiatives to promote health, education and economic development. Our ongoing commitment ensures that we continue to make a meaningful difference, fostering a stronger and more vibrant community for everyone.
Our trustees serve as committed fiduciaries, diligently overseeing the stewardship of our funds. Their dedication is driven by a shared commitment to advancing the Foundation’s charitable mission, ensuring that resources are responsibly managed and effectively used to create lasting positive changes within our community. Alongside our staff, our trustees work collaboratively to address community challenges.
As the philanthropic hub of our community, we are often at the forefront of discussions at community meetings addressing key issues such as housing, childcare and mental health initiatives.
That is why your gift each year is so important—because it helps us improve lives and build a stronger, healthier community.
Thank you for being a vital part of our community’s progress.
| Trustee Grants | |
|---|---|
| Wexford Missaukee Career Technical Center | Tools for Trade |
| Hospice of Michigan | Care for veterans |
| Manchin Library | New building |
| Single MOMM | Classes |
| Love INC | Spot on cooking classes |
| Healing private wounds | Healing Center |
| Corewell | Blue Envelope Program (S.A.F.E) |
| United Way | Dental assistance for veterans |
| Cadillac Symphony | Jeremy Kittle Concert |
| Eagle Village | Children with trauma |
| Up North Arts | Youth Summer program |
| Friends of White Pine Trail | Trail arch |
| Cadillac leadership | Community space |
| Council on aging | Fresh produce |
| Up North Arts | Downtown Mural |
| 2025 Grant Awards: | $129,150.00 |
While supporting vital work in our community, we also provide tools and expertise to help donors maximize their giving capacity. We work closely with donors to identify local needs that align with their passions—whether in education, healthcare, community development or arts and culture.
Additionally, we administer and manage various types of funds—such as designated, field-of interest, and scholarship funds—to support specific causes or address evolving community issues. Our goal is to help donors make a meaningful and lasting impact in areas they care about most.
Our ImpactFinancials as of September 30, 2025Endowed Funds: $23,566,749
Grants Awards in 2025: $847,915
Grant Awards since 1999: $10,376,828
Number of Funds: 85

The Power of Giving Circles
Giving circles are a growing trend in philanthropy, offering
a unique and effective way for individuals to make a
difference in their communities. Collective giving, or a
giving circle, creates a sense of belonging between raising
money your organization’s mission and purpose.
If you would like additional information about our Giving
Circles, please contact CACF .

Cadillac Area Women’s Giving Circle

| Organization | How we helped |
|---|---|
| Habitat for Humanity | Safety Fence |
| Cadillac Volleyball Club | Affordable Access Initiative |
| Eagle Village | Clothing for students events |
| Healing Private Wounds | Jail Outreach |
| Life Resources of Northern Michigan | Cribs and Mattresses |
| Love Inc. | Car Repair Project |
| New Hope Center | Perishable Food Program |
| Single Momm’s | Training Programs |
| 2025 Grants Awards: | $22,200 |
Our Impact

Women’s Giving Circle
Breaking Tradition Scholarship
Awarded to Isabelle Terry for Culinary Arts School
Cadillac Area Men’s Giving Circle

Funding from the Cadillac Area Men’s Giving Circle
Supported the Great Start Collaborative Dad 101 event—a hands-on workshop designed to support and empower fathers on their parenting journey.
| Organization | How we helped |
|---|---|
| Great Start Collaborative | “Dad 101” Program |
| Life Resources | What’s Good About Anger? |
| New Hope Center | Requesting | Bus Tickets |
| Veterans Serving Veterans Food Pantry | Protein items (eggs) for veterans |
| Cadillac Area Habitat for Humanity | Installation of a fence for the safety |
| Eagle Village | Equipment for their weight room |
| Love, INC | Men’s minor car repairs |
| MOST Program/Mentoring of Skilled Trades | Skilled Trade Tools |
| Traverse Bay Children’s Advocacy Center | “Trauma Therapy” for male clients |
| 2025 Grants Awards: | $20, 660 |
Youth Advisory Committee News
We’re so proud of everything our Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) members accomplished this year—and we want to give a special congratulations to our 2025 graduated seniors!
Our YAC is composed of students in grades nine through twelve, is making a meaningful impact on student life by supporting diverse programs that enhance education, safety, and well-being. Despite busy schedules balancing sports and homework, they find time to attend the Governor’s Breakfast and volunteer at various community events. These students hope that through grants, they can
empower youth by improving access to essential resources and fostering growth and confidence.
This year the YAC students awarded a total of $46,000 to 14 nonprofits in the Cadillac Area.
| Organization | How we helped |
|---|---|
| Great Start Collaborative | “Dad 101” Program |
| Life Resources | What’s Good About Anger? |
| New Hope Center | Requesting | Bus Tickets |
| Veterans Serving Veterans Food Pantry | Protein items (eggs) for veterans |
| Cadillac Area Habitat for Humanity | Installation of a fence for the safety |
| Eagle Village | Equipment for their weight room |
| Love, INC | Men’s minor car repairs |
| MOST Program/Mentoring of Skilled Trades | Skilled Trade Tools |
| Traverse Bay Children’s Advocacy Center | “Trauma Therapy” for male clients |
| 2025 Grants Awards: | $20, 660 |

Downtown
Trick or Treating

Youth Advisory Committee
Grads heading
off to exciting new
chapters
We will be excited to hear what they’re up to next!

Youth Advisory Committee
2025 Annual Governors
Breakfast
Students attending breakfast.

Volunteering
Annual Breakfast with Santa
It raised $40,000 for the DollyParton Imagination Library Book Program.






