Community Foundation for Muskegon County

2024 Annual Gathering
2024-10-11 15:00 - 18:00 (America/Detroit) | Frauenthal Center, 425 W. Western, Muskegon, Michigan
Join us in building a strong community. All are welcome to this FREE event featuring our Community Impact Award presentation and speaker, Charles Marohn, Jr., founder of Strong Towns and author of Strong Towns: A Bottom-Up Revolution to Rebuild American Prosperity.
Doors Open: 3:00 p.m.
Welcome & Award Presentation: 3:30 p.m.
Speaker: 4:00 p.m.
Book Signing: 5:00 p.m.
Free food, drinks, & cash bar available.
2024 COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD recipients Dr. Dick & Lynn Kamps, Founders of Step Up Muskegon.

Teacher Mini-Grant Applications DUE
2024-10-24 | MI
Our Youth Advisory Council (YAC) invites school district employees to apply for mini-grants to help them out in the classroom. Whether it’s a new idea or that little extra you need to make your lesson plans great, you can brighten your classroom with help from the YAC. Grants can be up to $500 for specific projects or programs including program enhancement that meets curriculum guidelines, expanding an already existing unit, student awards, special events, professional development, artists in residence, and parent involvement programs.

Graphic Design Workshop: Design with Ease Using Canva
2024-10-30 09:00 - 12:00 | Frauenthal Center, 425 W. Western, Muskegon, Michigan
Join us for a FREE in-person Canva crash course presented by Cooper Sorvig and Katrina Friese from Lake FX Media. Learn the basics. Bring a computer, tablet, or device of your choice.

Gain better understanding of the tools and applications Canva offers
Learn how to design assets for an effective marketing campaign

Space is limited. Register by October 25th to save your spot!

Annual Appeal Workshop (RSVP by Nov. 1st)
2024-11-06 12:00 - 13:00 | Hilt Building, 427 W. Western Avenue, Muskegon, MI, 49440, United States
Led by the Community Foundation’s Development Team, sharpen your skills in building a year-end appeal. Bring your current or past annual appeals for this in-person training. You will have the opportunity to get ideas from your colleagues based on the information presented.
Space is limited. Register by November 1st to save your spot!
*Lunch will be provided – Please ensure that you register and add guest information to your ticket.
Email any dietary restrictions to receptionist@muskegonfoundation.org

Faith Partners Luncheon (RSVP by Nov. 11)
2024-11-18 12:00 - 13:30 | Kingdom Embassy Covenant Church, 3025 Glenside Blvd., Muskegon, MI, 49441, United States
If you are a local Muskegon County House of Worship, join us for fellowship and conversation at Kingdom Embassy Church. Pastor Arthur and Ardena Duren will highlight their church’s educational programs and the efforts they have found to be most impactful. If you would like more information on how to become a faith partner, contact Amy Moore at amy@muskegonfoundation.org.
Register by November 11 to save your seat!
Lunch will be provided. Please email dietary restrictions to receptionist@muskegonfoundation.org

Presentación de Becas - Webinario
2024-12-07 11:00 - 12:30 | MI
¡Atención Clase 2025 y familias!
Únanse a nuestro Webinario de Becas en Español este sábado 7 de diciembre a las 11 AM. Diana Giles, Oficial de Inversión Comunitaria, estará compartiendo todo lo que necesitas saber sobre el proceso de solicitud de becas y responderá tus preguntas.
La Fundación Comunitaria del Condado de Muskegon administra uno de los programas de becas más grandes de la región, otorgando más de un millón de dólares anualmente en más de 500 becas nuevas y renovadas. ¡No te pierdas la oportunidad de aprender cómo aprovechar este programa!
Únete por Zoom:
Haga clic aquí para unirse: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86774174197
ID de reunión: 867 7417 4197
¡Prepárate para asegurar tu futuro educativo!

Advocacy Workshop with Michigan League for Public Policy
2025-01-15 15:00 - 17:00 | United Way of the Lakeshore, 31 E. Clay Ave., Muskegon, MI, 49442, United States
FREE Advocacy Workshop on Wednesday, January 15 from 3-5PM with the Community Foundation featuring Amari Fuller with the Michigan League for Public Policy!
Please join us for this interactive workshop! Some key takeaways will include:
– What is advocacy, why is it important?
– Lobbying as a 501c3 – What you need to know to engage in lobbying as a nonprofit
– Advocacy strategies/engaging elected officials – How to engage in advocacy for your organization’s priorities
Register by January 8 to save your spot!

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging Skills Training
2025-02-04 | Muskegon Community College, 221 Quarterline Rd., Muskegon, MI, 49442, United States
Registration Now Open for MCC’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Series!
Join us for a four-part series Muskegon Community College’s DEI experts created to help nonprofit organizations develop essential Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) skills. This program costs $100 per person and includes engaging course materials and an MCC Certificate of Completion. Sessions will take place from 5:30–8:00 PM on February 11 & 25 and March 11 & 25 at MCC, with free dinner and beverages available at 5:00 PM.
Space is limited to 30 participants, so register soon to support your organization’s commitment to inclusivity and belonging! Financial assistance is available—The Community Foundation offers scholarships to help cover costs and overcome barriers to DEIB education. Contact MCC DEI at mccdei@muskegoncc.edu for scholarship information.
Register through MCC HERE by 5PM on Tuesday, February 4, 2025.

Faith Partners Luncheon RSVP by FEB. 10, 2025
2025-02-17 12:00 | First Presbyterian Church of Muskegon, 2577 Wickham Dr., Muskegon, MI, 49441, United States
Featured Presentation: The Ready for School Initiative, a local collaborative comprised of members from the MAISD, WGVU, United Way, Read Muskegon, MADL, and many others working to help families enroll their children in school on time and connect them to resources that will support them.
Please reserve your seat by February 10, 2025. Lunch will be provided.
The Faith Partner Initiative began in 2021 through a convening of local area houses of worship. We reviewed countywide data and decided to work collaboratively toward the Community Foundation’s focus on advancing educational attainment, specifically lifelong literacy and educational equity.

Strategic Grants- Meet & Greet with Community Investment
2025-03-12 11:30 - 13:30 | Coffee Factory, 1402 Hudson St., Muskegon, MI, 49441, United States
Join our Community Investment team for a Meet & Greet with Janelle Mair, Martha Brown, & Amy Moore. They’ll be at The Coffee Factory to chat about Strategic Grant opportunities and answer all your questions.
Come for the free coffee, stay for the conversation! See you there!

Will & Estate Planning with Mateskon Law
2025-03-19 12:00 - 17:00 | Patricia B Johnson Board Room, 425 W Western Ave Ste 200, Muskegon, MI, 49440, United States
Join us for one of two sessions with Community Foundation Development staff and Attorney Andrew Mateskon – Mateskon Law. Andrew is a local expert and estate planning attorney who will share important information about planning for the future!
12PM Lunch & Learn
5PM Cheese & Chat

12th Annual Business Expo - White Lake
2025-03-22 08:00 - 12:30 | Whitehall High School, 3100 W. White Lake Dr., Whitehall, MI, 49461, United States
Enjoy a delicious pancake breakfast with the Montague-Whitehall Rotary Club, connect with local businesses, and stop by to chat with our Community Foundation staff! We’re excited to meet you, hear your ideas, and explore ways to support growth and success in the White Lake area.

Faith Partners - Grantmaking Basics & Grant Opportunities
2025-05-19 12:00 - 13:30 | St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church, 1200 Seminole Rd, Muskegon, MI, 49441, United States
FAITH PARTNERS
Please join us on Monday, May 19th, as our Community Investment team will present important information on the Basics of Grantmaking and an overview of Faith Partners grant opportunities.

Nonprofit Financial Oversight - RSVP by June 11th
2025-06-17 11:30 | Hilt Building, 427 W. Western Avenue, Muskegon, MI, 49440, United States
Led by the Lakeshore Nonprofit Alliance, this workshop is designed for anyone needing a basic understanding of nonprofit financial statements, particularly supporting board members and treasurers in their roles. It will provide a comprehensive overview of the key financial functions of a nonprofit, covering essential topics for effective internal operations and long-term sustainability. Topics include a basic financial overview, restricted funding, diversifying revenue streams, cash flow management, and budgeting. Additionally, the workshop will address external reporting requirements such as working with your auditor, successfully completing an audit, filing 990 returns, and maintaining tax-exempt status.
Attendees may include CFOs, controllers, CEOs/Executive Directors, Finance and Operations staff, or Nonprofit Board or Committee Members.
Space is limited. Register by June 11 to save your spot! This training will be held on June 17, with two sessions available: from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM and from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

Faith Partners: "Taking Care of Business"
2025-07-21 12:00 - 13:30 | Lake Harbor United Methodist, 4861 Henry St., Muskegon, 49441, United States
Faith Partners “Taking Care of Business” – Monday, July 21
Noon-1:30 (lunch provided) at Lake Harbor United Methodist (4861 Henry St.)
Designed for faith leaders in Muskegon County, these quarterly luncheons provide an opportunity for local houses of worship to
connect with local efforts working toward supporting youth and families through education-focused efforts. The July meeting will
equip faith leaders with resources to share with members important information about advanced health directives, funeral preparation
services, and utilizing FreeWill, a will-planning tool made available for all in the community by the Community Foundation.
Led by Pastor Mary Ivanov and the Community Foundation’s Development team. Click here to learn more about the Faith Partner Initiative.
Register by July 14 to save your spot!

Grantmaking Basics
2025-07-24 12:00 - 13:30 | Pioneer Resources, 1145 Wesley Ave., Muskegon, MI, 49442, United States
Grantmaking Basics- Thursday, July 24
Noon-1:30 (lunch provided) at Pioneer Resources (1145 Wesley Ave.)
Led by the Community Investment team, this interactive workshop is designed to inform participants on grantmaking basics and details on applying for a grant, preparing a budget, and incorporating program evaluation components. Participants will complete the workshop with a better understanding of the basic components of a grant application, standard terms used in the field of philanthropy, and tools needed to complete a program/project budget.
Register by July 17 to save your spot!

Human Resources Roundtable
2025-07-31 13:00 - 15:00 | Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce, 380 W. Western Ave., Muskegon, MI, 49440, United States
HR Roundtable – Thursday, July 31
1PM-3PM at the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce
Lisa Sabourin, Executive Vice President for ASE | West Michigan, will give a brief highlight of HR top issues for
2025 and lead the discussion on hot topics including:

Compliance: ESTA, other leave rules, recordkeeping, etc.
Recruitment/selection: Best practices for the hiring process and building a talent pool
Retention: Strategies and perks that make people stick
Development: Ensure your people have the right skills and opportunity for development
Technology/AI – Navigating these new tools

Register by July 28 to save your spot!

Board Leadership Training - RSVP by August 1st
2025-08-05 15:00 - 17:00 | Goodwill Industries, 271 E. Apple Ave., Muskegon, 49442, United States
Board Leadership
Tuesdays, August 5 & August 12
3:00-5:00 PM at Goodwill Industries – 271 E. Apple Ave. Muskegon
Led by the Lakeshore Nonprofit Alliance, this two-part, four–hour workshop is designed for first-time or seasoned nonprofit board members. Participants will complete the workshop with a better understanding of what is expected of board members and how the most effective boards support strategic nonprofit leadership.
Attendees may include new or seasoned Nonprofit Board or Committee Members. Registration priority will be given to nonprofit leaders serving Muskegon County.

AUGUST 6-25: MAKE A WILL Month Series
2025-08-25 18:00 - 19:00 | MI
Get help creating a legal will, for FREE!
Join staff from the Community Foundation at various Muskegon Area District Library locations as they walk you through the process of creating a legal will using Free Will, a new software. This is 100% free, and many people finish in just 20 minutes!
AUGUST 6: MADL Montague – CLICK TO REGISTER
AUGUST 14: MADL Muskegon Heights – CLICK TO REGISTER
AUGUST 20: MADL Ravenna – CLICK TO REGISTER
AUGUST 25: MADL Norton Shores – CLICK TO REGISTER

Grants: Beyond the Basics
2025-08-28 12:00 - 13:30 | Pioneer Resources, 1145 Wesley Ave., Muskegon, MI, 49442, United States
Grants Beyond the Basics – Thursday, August 28
Noon-1:30 (lunch provided) at Pioneer Resources
Led by the Community Investment team, this workshop builds upon the Grant Basics workshop to dive deeper into
the characteristics of a strong grant application. Staff will provide an overview of how to develop a program
budget and share details of the Community Foundation’s granting cycle. Participants will complete the workshop
with a better understanding of how to strengthen a grant application, what Community Foundation staff are
looking for when reviewing and making grant award decisions, and tips on measuring impact.
Register by August 21 to save your spot!

Meet & Greet with The Community Foundation
2025-09-10 11:00 - 13:00 | Coffee Factory, 1402 Hudson St., Muskegon, MI, 49441, United States
You’re Invited!
Join Community Foundation staff members from our Community Investment & Development teams. Grab a delicious cup of coffee and chat with our staff. We want to share details of the work we’re doing across Muskegon County and hear about what’s important to you.

How to Tell Your Story with Impact
2025-09-18 12:00 - 13:30 | Goodwill Industries, 271 E. Apple Ave., Muskegon, 49442, United States
Join Randy Boerema and the Lake FX Media team as they discuss crafting an engaging story to connect your organization’s mission to your audience. We’ll explore story elements, review case studies, and discuss how to strategically implement the power of story into your overall campaign objectives.
September 18, 2025
Noon – 1:30PM (lunch included)
Goodwill Industries 271 East Apple Ave.

Professional Advisors: Tax Perspective on the OBBBA
2025-10-01 07:30 - 09:00 | Hilt Building, 427 W. Western Avenue, Muskegon, MI, 49440, United States
Please join the Community Foundation for Muskegon County as we partner again with the Lake Michigan Estate Planning Council to present a Tax Perspective on the OBBBA. We’ll hear from local tax experts Adriane Schrauben from Hungerford and Amy Deming from Brickley DeLong on tax perspectives that we’ll need to know to prepare clients and donors.
Please join us on October 1 from 7:30 to 9 AM (the program starts at 8). As a bonus, this is your chance to check out the newly renovated Hilt Building’s 2nd Floor Reception Gallery. A light breakfast will be available, and of course, coffee or other beverages will get your day going.

Apply for a Scholarship
2025-11-01 - 2026-02-12 | MI

2025 Annual Gathering
2025-11-19 16:30 - 19:00 | Frauenthal Center, 425 W. Western, Muskegon, Michigan
building tomorrow, together
The Community Foundation for Muskegon County invites you to join us for our FREE ANNUAL GATHERING on Wednesday, November 19, 2025.
TIME: 4:30 PM Social with complimentary snacks & soft drinks (cash bar) – 5:30 PM Program
LOCATION: Frauenthal Center (425 W. Western Ave., Downtown Muskegon)
We’ll be honoring our 2025 IMPACT AWARD recipients, Dr. Richard & Nancy Peters. Impact award recipients demonstrate leadership and a commitment to building a vibrant community with great opportunities for all.
The Annual Gathering program also features a panel discussion with local leaders, focusing on building tomorrow, together.
From education, housing, and workforce development to industry and state-level policymaking, our panelists will share insights into the investments transforming our community.
RSVP Here

Start Your New Year with Peace of Mind
2026-01-13 17:30 - 18:30 | Hackley Public Library, 316 W. Webster Ave., Muskegon, MI, 49440-1101, United States
Join us at Hackley Public Library for an overview of FreeWill, an online tool that helps you create important legal documents at no cost.

Committee Grants Workshop (virtual)
2026-01-14 12:00 - 13:30 | MI
Local Nonprofits: Want to Strengthen Your Next Grant Application?
Join the Community Foundation for Muskegon County for a Committee Grants Virtual Workshop to learn more about our Committee Grants process, including eligibility, timelines, and tips for submitting a strong request.
📅 Wednesday, January 14🕛 12:00 PM💻 Via Zoom
This session is ideal for organizations interested in applying for Committee Grants or those new to our process. No registration required.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89147978108
Meeting ID: 891 4797 8108

the January Series 2026 (1/19/26 - 1/30/26)
2026-01-30 12:30 | The Beardsley Theather, 425 W. Western Ave., Muskegon, MI, 49440, United States
The award-winning January Series of Calvin University is one of the leading lecture and cultural arts series in the country. By promoting education, civic engagement, and open inquiry, we’re growing a community of lifelong learners who seek to be active participants in creating a better, more inspired, more inclusive world.
Join us in the Beardsley Theater, inside the Frauenthal Center, for these engaging, live presentations.
Monday through Friday at 12:30 PM
January 19-23, 2026
January 26-30, 2026

JAN 19 – Monday REV. NAOMI TUTU: Our Shared Humanity: Creating Understanding Through the Principles of MLK
JAN 20 – Tuesday KAITLIN CURTICE: Journeying with Story
JAN 21 – Wednesday MAJORA CARTER: Developing Healthy, Equitable Cities for All
JAN 22 – Thursday DR.VIVEK MURPHY: Human Connection in a Sometimes Lonely World
JAN 23 – Friday HARRY SMITH: Less is More. More or Less.
JAN 26 – Monday DAVID BROOKS: The Path to Cultural Repair
JAN 27 – Tuesday DR. SAMANTHA NUTT: Conflicted? The World of War
JAN 28 – Wednesday WU MAN: The Pipa- A Musical Bridge Between Cultures
JAN 29 – Thursday TOM MEDEMA: America at 250: How Our National Parks Inspire a More Perfect Union
JAN 30 – Friday SABRINA LITTLE: Sports as a Laboratory for Virtue

Future Ready Fridays - Session 1: Estate Planning with Kevin Huss
2026-02-06 12:30 - 14:00 | Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce, 380 W. Western Ave., Muskegon, MI, 49440, United States
Kick off the new year with peace of mind. Join us for Future Ready Fridays, a three-part planning series designed to help you care for yourself and your loved ones.
Session 1: Estate PlanningLed by local attorney Kevin Huss of Lumbertown Law, PLLC, this session will cover key estate planning considerations and practical steps you can take with confidence. Lunch will be provided.
📅 February 6, 2026🕛 12:30–2:00 PM📍 Muskegon Chamber of Commerce – Training Room🔗 RSVP here

Future Ready Fridays - Session 2: Financial Planning with Sheli Vanderlinde
2026-02-13 12:00 - 13:30 | Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce, 380 W. Western Ave., Muskegon, MI, 49440, United States
Kick off the new year with peace of mind. Join us for Future Ready Fridays, a three-part planning series designed to help you care for yourself and your loved ones.
Session 2: Financial PlanningLed by local attorney Sheli Vanderlinde of Morgan Stanley LLC, this session will cover financial planning considerations and the importance of planning. Lunch will be provided.
📅 February 13, 2026🕛 12:00–1:30 PM📍 Muskegon Chamber of Commerce – Training Room🔗 RSVP here
