The Community Foundation has awarded 600 grants and scholarships totaling more than $2.4 million so far this year.
“It’s been a busy first six months of the year,” said the Foundation Boad Chair Patti Manley. “And a large percentage of our funding has been in support of our two focus areas of Community & Economic Prosperity and College, Career and Life Success.”
However, Foundation funding for projects and programs related to Arts & Culture have already topped $300,000, including a $10,000 grant to support the NAACP’s Southside Music Festival on Aug. 31.
The Southside Music Festival and Field Day will take place at Lincoln Park in Port Huron. Musical acts will include smooth jazz artist Tom Braxton, GopherBroke Band, guitarist Tony Jefferson and The Shade Band.
“We’ve supported the NAACP in bringing talented musicians into town for the past few years now,” said Tom Walker, chair of the Foundation’s Arts Committee. “The Southside Music Festival also happens alongside Field Day, so it’s a fun-filled day of music, games and raffles for the whole family.”
Support for free community music didn’t stop there. The St. Clair Chamber also received $20,000 for Rockin’ the Plaza from the St. Clair Endowment Funds Committee. This series brings in bands to play in the St. Clair Plaza courtyard from spring through fall.
“It has brought many people to our community that were then prompted to explore the local restaurants and retailers,” said Bryan Ulatowski, president of the St. Clair Chamber.
The Community Foundation’s Grants and Equity & Inclusion committees also celebrated arts and culture by supporting the traditional Pow Wow happening at the Fort Gratiot Light Station on Aug. 17 from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. with grand entry at noon.
The pow wow will bring indigenous tribe members from all over the state and Canada to celebrate their culture through music and movement. While this event is focused on the respectful appreciation of indigenous culture, pow wow organizers encourage the general public to attend and learn about their culture and participate in dances.
A sampling of other funding includes:
- Support for students to attend PHHS Band Camp
- $10,000 for artwork at the Capac Pocket Park
- $30,000 for the Blue Water River Walk, which is also celebrating it’s 10 year anniversary
- $10,290 for the Belle River Fishing Pier in Marine City
- $25,000 for SC4’s STEM Fest
- More than $106,000 for SONS youth programming
The Community Foundation has a wide range of grantmaking funds and committees, and requests for funding are accepted throughout the year. More information on seeking grants can be found here and a full list of 2024 grants can be viewed here.