July 2026 Newsletter
From the Desk of the Executive Director
We want to sincerely thank the many individuals and organizations that generously donated to the Emergency Disaster Response Fund.
On the morning of Monday, April 17, the community and schools gathered at the Civic Center to hear Governor Whitmer speak. As we listened to her address, homes in Cadillac were filling with water.
Recognizing the urgent need, we launched the Emergency Disaster Response Fund through a collaborative effort between the Cadillac Area Community Foundation and Rotary Charities. This rapid response enabled us to quickly build capacity to support disaster relief initiatives and assist those affected. The Fund provided a centralized platform for donors to contribute to disaster response efforts and established a vital support mechanism to address urgent needs in our community.
The community truly stepped up. Donations from generous individuals, churches, and organizations directed resources to help those in need. With $98,234 raised and in partnership with Love Inc. and Salvation Army, we provided $10,000 to help ten families stay in hotels, ensuring displaced residents had a safe place to stay. We also supplied water pumps, hoses, fans, protective equipment, and dumpsters throughout the flood zone. You might not think dumpsters are essential, but as families clean out their basements and homes, dumpsters lined the streets to manage debris. Items such as water heaters, furnaces, family pictures, and furniture were safely disposed of. We spent $64,500 on dumpsters to assist families in their recovery.
We are deeply thankful for Christian Aid Ministries and Team Rubicon for their assistance in gutting flood-damaged homes. We also commend the citizens who jumped into action and formed an Emergency Disaster Response Committee to keep residents informed and connected with vital resources. Thank you all for your support and resilience during this challenging time.
Doreen Lanc – Executive Director
Our ImpactMaking a Difference in Our CommunityEvery week, Cadillac Area Habitat for Humanity, Wexford Council on Aging,and Missaukee Council on Aging receive calls from individuals facingmobility challenges that prevent safe entry or exit from their homes. Thanksto generous grants from Cadillac Rotary Charities, Cadillac Area CommunityFoundation, Missaukee Area Community Foundation, Cadillac Men’s andWomen’s Giving Circles, and the Fremont Area Community Foundation, wehave been able to purchase ramps to enhance independence and helpresidents stay in their homes.This July, we proudly installed our first two ramps, making life a little easierand safer for those we serve. These efforts are a testament to the power ofcommunity support and collaboration.Together, we are building a more accessible and inclusive community.
Our Impact2026Scholarships Awarded:
$249,553
Cadillac Area Women’s Circle Awarded:
$20,200
Cadillac Men’s Giving Circle Awarded:
$16,989
Financials as of June 30, 2026Endowed Funds:
$25,840,428
Number of Funds: 97
New Operational ManagerMeet Marci Hensley
The Cadillac Area Community Foundation is pleased to announce Marci Hensley has joined the Foundation as the Operations Manager. This new expanded administrative role is designed to support the organization’s continued growth and impact in the Cadillac area. Cadillac Area Community
Foundation Executive Director Doreen Lanc and the Board of Trustees welcomed Marci on Monday, May 4, 2026.
Marci brings enthusiasm, energy, and a strong commitment to building efficient and effective day-to-day operations. She is excited to step into this new role and help shape its development while supporting the CACF’s mission and donor relations behind the scenes. A resident of Cadillac for nearly five years, Marci has become deeply connected to the community. Marci is especially enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute in ways that help the CACF run smoothly while advancing initiatives that create meaningful, lasting impact. She is proud to be part of an organization dedicated to the region and looks forward to continuing to invest in the community she proudly calls home.
The Cadillac Area Community Foundation celebrated 38 Years in June!
| New Funds in 2026: |
|---|
| New Hope Center Endowed Agency Fund |
| Foster-Gray Lake City Area Schools Scholarship Fund |
| Mike Oatley – 1975/76 Forever Basketball Team Scholarship Fund |
| Viking Spirit Scholarship Fund joined the CAPS Alumni Fund to be the CAPS Alumni Viking Spirit Scholarship Fund |
| Community Support Non-Endowed Field of Interest Fund |
| Cadillac Kiwanis Club Non-Endowed Donor-Advised Fund |
| M.R. Ball “OH YEA” Field of Interest Fund |
| Victoria L. Brehm Fund Scholarship Agreement |
| Emergency Disaster Response Fund |
| Wexford Ice Skating Enterprises (Cadillac Area Hockey Association) Endowed Agency Fund |
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 .