When people invest in the places they call home, the impact can last for generations.

Since 1994, donors have helped the Community Foundation of St. Clair County award more than $8.3 million in grants through community funds, supporting projects and programs that have strengthened neighborhoods, enriched lives and improved the quality of life across the county.

“Community funds represent local philanthropy at its very best,” said Will Oldford, chair of both the Community Foundation board and St. Clair Endowment (Community) Funds Committee. “They empower people to invest in their community’s future, with grantmaking guided by residents of those communities and shaped by local needs and opportunities.”

The first community fund established at the Community Foundation was the Citizens for St. Clair Fund followed by Port Huron Community Fund a couple of months later thanks to a challenge grant offered by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. This opportunity allowed community foundations to receive up to $1 million for a youth advisory council fund if the community could raise $2 million for other endowment funds.

That effort laid the foundation for a model of local philanthropy that continues to grow today. Since then, the Algonac/Clay Community Fund and Marysville Community Fund have been established as well as a handful of funds that make up the St. Clair Endowment Funds, ensuring local charitable dollars remain invested in the communities where they are given. Yale, Port Huron Township and Marine City are the latest areas looking to join the roster of community funds.

For Port Huron Township, the timing is notably meaningful. Robert Lewandowski, supervisor for the township, hopes to officially launch the Port Huron Township Community Fund in 2027 as part of the township’s 200^th birthday celebration – a milestone that offers residents an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy for generations.

A permanent community fund can support projects as community needs evolve, including park and playground improvements, recreation programs for all ages, senior services, beautification efforts, educational and cultural opportunities, community events and festivals, and other initiatives that enhance everyday life.

“The best thing about a collective giving fund like a community fund is you don’t need to make a large donation to make a lasting difference,” Lewandowski said. “Every dollar counts. Every gift matters. Every donor becomes part of the story.”

This is especially true right now for the Port Huron Township Community Fund as it has a dollar-for-dollar matching opportunity up to $25,000 allowing every contribution to have twice the impact.

“The park your children enjoy today could be made better because of your gift,” Lewandowski said. “The family event your grandchildren attend years from now could be possible because neighbors cared enough to invest in their community. The improvements that make Port Huron Township a better place to live can start with people just like you.”

Community funds are designed to endure. Unlike one-time fundraising campaigns, these permanent endowments continue generating support year after year, creating a reliable source of funding for local priorities long into the future.

For donors looking to make a difference close to home, there may be no more direct way to invest in the future of their community. Whether the gift is large or small, each donation becomes part of something much bigger – a permanent legacy of generosity that will continue improving lives for generations to come.

“As the Community Foundation’s network of community funds continues to grow, one thing remains clear,” Oldford said. “When neighbors come together to invest in their hometowns, everyone benefits.”

Interested in supporting your community? Make a gift to your community’s fund through our Giving Hub and help create a lasting impact.