The Community Foundation of St. Clair County has announced its strategic focus areas for the next three years, following an informative evaluation and feedback process. The plan, which runs through the end of 2027, reaffirms the Foundation’s commitment to addressing regional opportunities and challenges.

“We work on three-year cycles of strategic focus areas,” said Patti Manley, Board Chair of the Community Foundation. “As a place-based funder, we strive to stay grounded in the unique needs and opportunities within our region.”

While much of the Foundation’s core focus areas will remain consistent, Manley emphasized its dedication to supporting donors and fund holders in achieving their philanthropic goals. A significant initiative is the expansion of efforts to grow philanthropy in rural and smaller communities across St. Clair County.

“Rural philanthropy is an area of growing interest for us,” said Jackie Hanton, the Foundation’s Vice President. “For several years now, we’ve connected donors to opportunities to work with Yale Schools and in the Yale community to accomplish some great things with philanthropic dollars. Yale will be our first official rural focus area to grow our engagement and connections with residents.”

To support efforts around rural work, the Foundation has added Natacha Hayden to its team. Previously with the Port Huron Downtown Development Authority, Hayden will work closely with Hanton and lead efforts in western St. Clair County.

“Many small communities are often overlooked for state and federal funding,” Hanton explained. “By helping them build their own sources of philanthropic dollars, it will help give them leverage and hopefully inspire more engagement in local programs, projects, and organizations. People love giving back to their hometowns, and we’re here to help make that happen.”

The Foundation’s reputation for placemaking projects continues, with plans to focus on anchor projects and placemaking opportunities along St. Clair County’s coastline corridor, which aligns with the Bridge to Bay Trail.

“A lot of our region’s growth and prosperity stems from the unique, beautiful communities along our coast,” said Manley. “We aim to be more proactive in identifying anchor projects like the new Marine City Marina and the Boardwalk Theater in St. Clair.”

This effort includes continued support for completing the Bridge to Bay Trail, an ambitious project stretching from Algonac to Lakeport State Park. The Foundation has been a key stakeholder in closing the trail’s gaps since 2017.

In addressing basic needs, the Foundation plans to mobilize more donors and endowment funds to support single-purpose nonprofits tackling food shortages and housing challenges. Last year, funding from the DTE Energy Foundation helped the Foundation increase support for smaller food banks and pantries. In 2025, the Foundation hopes to continue to grow this area of grant funding while also being mindful of the capacity and infrastructure needs of those small organizations.

“Many smaller food banks operate on modest budgets,” said Hanton. “Sometimes, unrestricted funding for essentials like new equipment or holiday meals can make a big difference.”

The Foundation will also continue its innovative and industry leading approach to scholarships and post-secondary success. Since 2017, it has prioritized student success by offering multi-year renewable scholarships, emergency needs funding, and support for life needs that can hinder college or trade certification completion.

“We’re very excited for the next three years,” said Manley. “Our donors and endowed funds have been incredibly responsive to the region’s growing and changing needs and opportunities.”

For more information on the Community Foundation’s strategic focus areas, visit www.StClairFoundation.org.