In 1998, the Community Foundation was surprised and honored to learn that it had been left $1.8 million as the result of a Charitable Remainder Trust established by Alta Daetz. Ms. Daetz was a second-grade teacher in Muskegon Public Schools for many years, living in Jefferson Towers until shortly before her death.

Carl Orton lived a quiet, honorable life. Material things didn’t matter to him: he never owned property, had few possessions, no phone or TV.

Ken Kolberg’s friends and family celebrated his 100th birthday with a party, and a purpose: supporting education! Instead of the usual wrapped presents, gifts were directed to the Ken & Clara Kolberg Family Scholarship Fund!

Joey Hekkema loved being a drummer in the Mona Shores Marching Band. When he passed away six years ago, his family and friends created the Joey Hekkema Memorial Fund to help other Mona Shores band students.

The Community Foundation, the Muskegon Museum of Art, the Downtown Arts Committee, and the City of Muskegon are collaborating on the commission of a 16-foot monumental black granite sculpture, entitled "All My Relations," by Michigan Anishinaabe artist, Jason Quigno.

Gilana Shira Alpert had a zest for life. When she unexpectedly passed away in 2007, Gilana’s family established a fund at the Community Foundation to honor her memory.

The Margaret Shaw Memorial Fund was created by the Paine family, owners of Metalworks Inc. in Ludington, in honor of Sidney Shaw's wife, Margaret, who passed away in 2004. The Shaw family grew the fund over the years and, when Sidney retired, decided to begin actively developing it. 

A little over a year ago, the M.A.R.S Rovers FIRST Robotics team captured hearts at the Community Foundation’s Annual Gathering and went home with the $10,000 “Celebrate Community” prize. Now they're working around the community volunteering and giving back.

For 18 years, the Community Foundation for Muskegon County has presented the annual Patricia B. Johnson Community Leadership Award to recognize a dynamic individual, couple, or organization with visionary leadership and a strong spirit of innovation.

Love YOUR community? A lot of people do! Read about the winners of our mini-grant contest! #InclusionInAction