By Keely Baribeau
The Community Foundation of St. Clair County continues to expand its focus on the smaller and more rural communities in St. Clair County, with an initial emphasis in Yale.
“We want to grow local philanthropy in western St. Clair County,” said the Foundation’s Board Chair, Patti Manley. “The larger coastal communities in our region have benefited from a strong history of giving, and now we want to help these smaller communities reap the same rewards,” she added.
In 2023 the Foundation received support from the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation as well as local donors, to begin providing fully paid consultants to work with several rural communities on their recreation plans, amenities and assets.
At the start of 2025 the Foundation expanded their focus on rural philanthropy by adding Natacha Hayden to their staff to help lead this more intentional focus area. Working with their two consultants, the Foundation is now providing support to eleven communities. This initiative helps address the challenges of staffing and financial support in smaller communities, especially with their outdoor amenities and recreation projects.
“It is difficult for smaller, more rural communities to have the resources to leverage state and federal dollars to be able to do local projects and programs,” explained Manley. “We’re fortunate to be in a position to offer help and resources.”
Natacha Hayden explained that the ultimate goal is to help the rural communities get their projects off the ground by building their capacity. “Their local projects vary from nature trails to play equipment to multi-use parks, courts, paddle launches and more.”
Kurt Sutton is the Superintendent of Yale Schools and has been a friend and partner with the Community Foundation for several years on other grant programs which support the school district. “We look forward to increased opportunities that will be offered as part of the Community Foundation’s rural focus over the next several years,” expressed Sutton. “By prioritizing rural initiatives, there will be more meaningful connections between individuals and organizations that share a vision of creating pathways to success for students, families and the broader community.”
“We hear that our rural communities often feel overlooked by grant makers and funders,” said Natacha Hayden. “They rarely qualify for competitive funds and often do not have the staff resources needed to process grant applications. We hope we can change that.”
The Foundation plans to bring its long track record of placemaking projects to these smaller communities. “Placemaking, such as parks and courtyards, can be very impactful to the economy of an area. They are also great places for young and old to enjoy time together outdoors,” said Manley.
She added that the Foundation’s new three-year strategic plan specifically highlights this work, and specifically a new program called Heart & Soul which the Foundation will bring to Yale in 2025.
Jackie Hanton is the Vice President of the Community Foundation and has worked with donors over the last few years to increase philanthropy in Yale. “The Community Heart & Soul focuses on building stronger and more vibrant communities across the country. It is a model used in other states and invites local residents and stakeholders to engage and identify what they would like to see in their community and ultimately become an active participant on how to achieve those wishes.”
Hanton added that the ultimate goal for Yale is to create their own community endowment fund, which will be governed by local residents and stakeholders. The Foundation has other such community funds in Algonac and Clay, St. Clair and Marysville. “People love to give back to their hometowns and this program will help foster and grow that sense of giving,” said Hanton.
Help the Foundation Make a Lasting Difference
The partnership between the Community Foundation and these rural communities is more than just a funding initiative. It’s an investment in the future of a smaller communities in St. Clair County. To learn how you, your family or business can collaborate with the Community Foundation in Yale or other communities, contact Jackie Hanton or Natacha Hayden at www.StClairFoundation.Org