Record Funding Given in Community Grants
$100,000+ Will Benefit Community
By Karen Gould

A record amount in funding of more than $100,000 was granted during 2005 by the Mackinac Island Community Foundation to nonprofit projects that will benefit Islanders. Included has been $32,000 toward a new ambulance, with donations made by cottagers and business owners, and some $6,614 in grants this fall to various projects that will get underway this winter and next spring.

For the fall grant cycle, the Foundation also received the highest number of applications, reported Jennifer Bloswick, executive director, who made the grant announcements Sunday, December 4, during the Christmas Bazaar at Community Hall.

“I’m so pleased with the amount of grant making the Foundation is able to do this year,” said Mrs. Bloswick. “There are so many worthwhile programs and services on the Island and it is wonderful that we can help.”

She also noted the Foundation now has an endowment of $4.6 million that will continue to earn money for grants well into the future.

Eight grants were awarded this month, worth $6,614.

•Northern Area Health Education Center will receive $950 to introduce kindergarten through third grade and ninth through 12 grade students to the potential for health careers.

•Mackinac Island Public School will use $1,125 to bring Michilimackinac Rendezvous to the Island to teach students in grades four through six about life in the 1880s.

•The Mackinac Island Fire Department will get $955.78 to help send four firefighters to Indianapolis for annual training.

•The Cemetery Board will receive $1,500 to provide headstones for unmarked graves in Island cemeteries.

•The Ski Club will be given $428 to purchase supplies to maintain snow grooming equipment.

•Mackinac Island Recreational Development received $800 to conduct a cooking class this winter.

•The Mackinac Island Brownie Troop was granted $400 to fund a trip to Cadillac to observe TV 9 & 10 News operations and earn a badge.

•The Mackinac Arts Council will be given $455 to bring musicians to the school for a performance and period of instruction.

The Community Foundation provides grants from earned income on endowed funds. Many of the funds have been created by donors to support programs in specific areas of interest. Applications for the spring round of grants are due April 1.

Foundation officers include Chairman Wesley Maurer, Jr., Vice-chairman R. Daniel Musser III, President Bradley Chambers, Secretary Margaret Doud, and Treasurer Mike Young. The Foundation board of trustees includes Penny Barr, Jack Dehring, Charles Kleber, Kimberly Kolatski, Kathleen Lewand, John Lore, Mary K. McIntire, Walter North, Carol Rearick, and Lorna Straus.