July 2019
Profits Funding Passions ~ Celebrating 30 years of Philanthropy
Thirty one years ago, a small group of community members, who had a vision, met to discuss the possibility of creating a Community Foundation for the greater good of the Cadillac area.
On June 29, 1988, the Articles of Incorporation were filed with the Michigan Department of Commerce, and the first Board of Trustees was formed. On that same date a request for status as a 501 c3 nonprofit was filed with the United States Internal Revenue Service, and the Cadillac Area Community Foundation was officially created!
Almost immediately, the citizens of the community were asked to donate to the Foundation, so that the money could be permanently endowed, and the earnings (PROFITS) from those donations could be reinvested into the community.
A new model for philanthropy was now in business in Cadillac, the aim of which was twofold; to support community needs through grantmaking and scholarship, and to provide a vehicle for donors to support their dreams for the community. That donor support comes in the form of memorial funds, agency funds, the field of interest funds, and donor-advised funds.
Today, the Cadillac Area Community Foundation houses 54 individual Funds and has awarded over $5.6 Million Dollars in Grants and Scholarships over the past 30 years.
These grant awards have improved the quality of life in our Community and supported many scholarships over the years. Without the PASSION of our donors, we would not have the PROFITS for grants or scholarships.
On June 26th we brought together donors, friends, and trustees, to celebrate, share history, and enjoy the newest community venue, “The Market”. With a beautiful evening and wonderful food, over 150 guests joined us in this celebration. What many didn’t know, we planned to surprise three organizations with three special grants totaling $30,000. These three organizations would receive $10,000 each for their work of changing lives every day.
The work they share is humbling and gratifying, and I can’t imagine life for the adults and children without them.
The three grants were awarded to:
Oasis Family Resource Center; an agency committed to using an empowerment-based philosophy in its approach to ending domestic and sexual violence.
The After 26 Project; a local non-profit Café that is giving developmentally disabled adults a purpose.
Healing Private Wounds; an organization that offers many programs to help victims and families heal from the painful trauma of sexual abuse.
There were cheers and tears, the surprise of granting $10,000 to each organization was a glorious end to a beautiful evening. PROFITS from the many generous donors made this possible, and we thank you for your continued support and PASSION for the quality of life in our Community.
Live fully,
Doreen
