By Krystal Moralee

This year, three local communities will see $600,000 in rural recreation projects come to life — all because of local vision paired with a little support and guidance.

For many small and rural communities, the greatest challenge to improving public recreational spaces isn’t a lack of ideas. It’s the complexity of securing funding to bring those ideas to life. Yet the growing relationships between rural communities and the Community Foundation are proving those complexities can be overcome.

The Community Foundation didn’t want good ideas to sit on a shelf. Instead, they connected Emmett, Grant, and Ira Townships with two experts — grant writer Kim Harmer and recreation specialist Nancy Winzer — who understood exactly how to guide communities through the detailed Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Recreation Passport grant process.

“We know our communities have powerful ideas,” said Kim Harmer, grant writer and consultant for the Community Foundation. “With a little coaching, funding becomes possible to bring those ideas to life.”

That’s exactly what happened. Each project grew out of the townships’ five-year recreation plans — roadmaps created with input from local residents — and was strengthened through expert guidance and collaboration.

In Grant Township, the DNR awarded a $100,000 grant toward the development of a new splash pad, matched by $100,000 in local funding for a total project investment of $200,000. Designed as a family-friendly gathering place, the splash pad will offer residents a new space to cool off and connect on warm summer days.

In Emmett Township, a $75,000 DNR grant, paired with a $25,000 local match, will support a $100,000 project that includes a half multi-use court and an accessible play feature. The project builds on recent park improvements and emphasizes inclusive recreation opportunities for residents of all ages and abilities.

Ira Township received the largest award: a $150,000 DNR grant toward a $300,000 project that will feature a green treehouse and a nature trail. The township raised $125,000 locally and received an additional $25,000 challenge grant from the Community Foundation — designed to strengthen the local match and increase competitiveness in the DNR application process.

“This would not have been possible without the resources from the Community Foundation Capacity Building program and their knowledgeable consulting team,” shared Cindy Babisz, Ira Township Parks and Recreation Director.

When the Community Foundation talks about its Capacity Building program, it means working side-by-side with rural and small town communities — providing resources, expert support, and connections that help turn local ideas into fundable projects.

Over the past several years, the Community Foundation has partnered with Emmett, Grant, and Ira Townships through this program, alongside consultants Harmer and Winzer, helping each community translate residents’ wishes into strong, competitive grant applications.

“This is a model we see real value in continuing. As a funder, one of our roles is to help communities access resources they might not otherwise be able to pursue on their own,” said Natacha Hayden, Program Officer for Community Impact. “Investing in experts who can help our rural and small towns handle the documentation necessary to apply for funding from the state, through things like the DNR passport grants, helps unlock larger sources of support to leverage our grantmaking.”

Construction is expected to begin later this year, with all projects completed by late 2027. These investments build on improvements already visible in the townships — including a new kayak launch in Ira Township, a multi-use court in Grant Township, and a pavilion and trail in Emmett Township.

For the Community Foundation, these wins demonstrate what is possible when local ideas are paired with expert guidance. By helping townships navigate complex grant systems, community dreams become real places where people can gather, play, and connect for years to come.

To support rural communities as they continue to build parks, trails, and gathering spaces, email Natacha Hayden at natacha@stclairfoundation.org to learn how you can get involved.