Saginaw Community Foundation

Join us on Sat., Sept. 14 from 5-11 P.M. for our 40th Anniversary Gala Celebration, presented by Garber Automotive Group at HORIZONS Conference Center! Doors open at 5:00 with an hour-long complementary cocktail hour, brief opening program remarks, plated dinner, a gala celebration program, and dancing with live entertainment to wrap-up the night.

Our program will feature special guest speakers from the Junior League of the Great Lakes Bay Region and Lucy Allen-Smith (SCF’s first president & CEO), a $40,000 Community Improvement Initiative grant recipient announcement, community awards presentations including the Frank N. Andersen Spirit of Philanthropy Award, the Mridha Foundation Teacher of the Year Award, the Joseph W. Madison Youth Award, and the SCF Volunteer of the Year Award. We’ll also recognize our outgoing board members.

Tickets are on sale now: $50 for one, $75 for two, or a table of eight for $300. Visit saginawfoundation.org/gala to purchase tickets. RSVP by Sept. 3.

Congratulations to Buena Vista Charter Township and the City of Saginaw for being awarded a combined $1,753,800 in grant funding through the Council of Michigan Foundations/Michigan Department of Natural Resources Spark grant.

Buena Vista Charter Township will receive $891,300 to revitalize Kueffner Park and the City of Saginaw will receive $862,500 to enhance the Iron Belle Trail.

Saginaw Community Foundation is excited about these transformational projects and is honored to partner with Buena Vista Charter Township and the City of Saginaw to ensure parks and recreation opportunities are accessible to all area residents.

Learn more:
https://www.michiganfoundations.org/policy/dnr-spark-grants-program-partnership

Join us along with The Breaking Bread Village, TOMORROW, Wed., July 24, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. at Curtiss Hall (Saginaw Valley State University) for The Heartbeat: A conversation about history, culture, legacy, and vision.

Register for the FREE event here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/925482702677?aff=oddtdtcreator

Join us along with The Breaking Bread Village on Wed., July 24, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. at Curtiss Hall (Saginaw Valley State University) for The Heartbeat: A conversation about history, culture, legacy, and vision. It will be an evening filled with insightful discussions, engaging conversations, good food, live music, laughter, and love.

Register for the event here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/925482702677?aff=oddtdtcreator

STARS and Saginaw Community Foundation will be providing bus passes for anyone who'd like to attend and needs help getting there. If you'd like to reserve a bus pass, please call the SCF at (989) 755-0545.

Our summer office hours have changed. Now through Aug. 30, our office is open Mon. – Thurs. 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. and closed on Fridays with our staff working remote from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. If you need to reach a member of our staff on Fridays, please call our office number at (989) 755-0545. Visit saginawfoundation.org/staffdirectory/ to view our staff directory with phone extensions and email contact information.

Our office will be closed on Thurs.., July 4 and Fri.., July 5 in observance of Independence Day.

We are excited to announce that we have a newly redesigned website with a fresh updated look and feel. Check it out at saginawfoundation.org.

Join us along with The Breaking Bread Village on Wed., July 24, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. at Curtiss Hall (Saginaw Valley State University) for The Heartbeat: A conversation about history, culture, legacy, and vision. It will be an evening filled with insightful discussions, engaging conversations, good food, live music, laughter, and love. Come early at 6 p.m. and enjoy live entertainment, mingle, and "break bread." We will be serving a taste of soul and delicious sweets. This event will create space to journey through Saginaw's rich history, celebrate the culture, and reimagine the vision of what's to come as we delve into the heartbeat of Saginaw, Michigan.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to connect with family, friends, and possibly make new connections. You will be a part of something special.

Register for the event here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/925482702677?aff=oddtdtcreator

STARS and Saginaw Community Foundation will be providing bus passes for anyone who'd like to attend and needs help getting there. If you'd like to reserve a bus pass, please call the SCF at (989) 755-0545.

Last evening, we held our 37th Annual Excellence in Education Event, where we celebrated our 2024 Scholarship Recipients at the Temple Theatre. This year’s event featured open house style format with donor/student meet-and-greet, games and activities, and a fun scavenger hunt for students. This year, we awarded 665 scholarships to 389 students for a total of $838,750. Congratulations students!

These scholarship awards are made possible by our amazing donors. To them we extend our deepest appreciation as they make the dream of higher education come true for so many students across Saginaw County, parts of Michigan, and even parts across the country. Currently, we oversee 254 individual scholarship funds and many of those funds produce multiple awards each year.

Congratulations Saginaw Spirit! Memorial Cup Champions!

FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER ❤️💙

Summer office hours are here at Saginaw Community Foundation.

Starting this Friday, May 31, we will be open Mon. – Thurs., 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Fri., 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Beginning in July and running through August, our office will be open Mon. – Thurs., 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. and will be closed on Fridays. Staff will be working remote on Fridays in July and August from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. and can be reached via email. A directory of staff emails can be found at saginawfoundation.org/staff.

Our office will be closed on Mon., May 27 in observance of Memorial Day.

We are happy to announce the addition of Cecelia Hopkins to the staff here at Saginaw Community Foundation as our new Program Associate. Cecelia will be assisting our scholarship and competitive grants program areas as well as managing FORCE, our youth advisory committee.

A lifelong resident of Saginaw, Cecelia was a member of FORCE here at SCF from 2014-18. She later attended Saginaw Valley State University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and creative writing. Recently, Cecelia earned a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Kentucky.

Before joining the staff at SCF, Cecelia held a one-year position at the Community Foundation for Oceana County in Pentwater, Mich. as an AmeriCorps member.

Welcome, Cecelia, to Saginaw Community Foundation!

Upcoming Saginaw Community Foundation office hours:

Thurs., May 23: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. (staff attending a community event in the afternoon)

Fri., May 24: Office Closed for SCF Event

We thought our front windows needed a little decoration. And what better way than to cheer on the Saginaw Spirit as they begin their quest for the CHL Memorial Cup this Friday. Go Spirit!

Last Friday, the staff here at Saginaw Community Foundation spent some time cleaning up the grounds around our building in preparation for the Memorial Cup hockey tournament that begins next week in Downtown Saginaw. After the clean-up, we painted rocks for placement in our Adopt-a-Garden at the Saginaw Children's Zoo.

Saginaw Community Foundation is a proud partner of the 2024 for the Great Lakes Bay Region, a grant program incorporated with the Dow Championship, an LPGA golf tournament, in Midland this coming June 24-30.

More than 95 nonprofits in the region applied for the program this year. Seven charities were selected from each of the region’s four counties – Saginaw, Bay, Midland, and Isabella – and eight regional nonprofits were also selected. Nonprofit organizations were selected based on their organization’s impact to the region in any of five categories: science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education; sustainability; inclusion, diversity and equity (ID&E); community resiliency; and/or innovation.

These seven Saginaw County nonprofit organizations were selected:

Saginaw STEM (STEM)
Michigan Forensic Examiners (innovation)
Child and Family Services of Saginaw (ID&E)
CAN (Child Abuse and Neglect) Council (innovation)
Saginaw County Community Action Committee, Inc. (community resiliency)
SVRC Industries' Empowered Voices (ID&E)
Mustard Seed Shelter (ID&E)

Learn more about the grant program and the event:

Dow Championship announces 36 nonprofit beneficiaries Several Midland County organizations are among the 36 nonprofits selected by the Dow Championship to participate in the charitable program

We’ve been busy compiling the scores from our amazing team of volunteer scholarship application reviewers and results will be finalized soon. If you applied for a scholarship from Saginaw Community Foundation, we will begin sending notifications on May 1 to applicants who will be receiving scholarship awards. A notification will be sent via text message to the phone number provided by the student during the application process. The text message will instruct students to check the email that was used during their application for details. The text message will be coming from phone number (855) 738-0782. This is a legitimate message coming from Saginaw Community Foundation and not a fraudulent text message.

Please note that we will begin notifying students in batches as we complete final scoring if they are receiving one or more scholarship awards from Saginaw Community Foundation.

If you are awarded a scholarship, we hope you can join us for our Excellence in Education Scholarship Recipient Celebration at the Temple Theatre in Saginaw on Wednesday, June 5 from 5 – 7:30 p.m. Students will have an opportunity to meet with some of our scholarship donors, enjoy refreshments, and even win prizes. RSVP details will be included in your email and text message notification.

We are looking back at past SCF Board of Directors' Community Improvement Initiative Grant recipients from the past 12 years.

From 2017: Kingdom Builder’s Ministries of Michigan, Construction Trades & Agriculture

Check out the video below and witness how the Community Improvement Initiative Grant can change lives.

https://youtu.be/6OrZzRICWjo

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Applications are now being accepted for our Board of Directors' Community Improvement Initiative Grant. $40,000 will be awarded to a single project in July 2024. The project must be completed by July 2025. Now is the time to make the change you want to see in Saginaw County come to life. Deadline to apply is May 1.

Learn more about this grant opportunity and how to apply: saginawfoundation.org/site/grants/grant-programs/community-improvement-initiative/

2017 SCF CII Grant Recipient – Kingdom Builder's Ministry In 2017, Kingdom Builder's Ministry received a $25,000 Community Improvement Initiative grant from Saginaw Community Foundation. In this video, you will see ...

“Bee” sure to stop by Saginaw Community Foundation’s Adopt-a-Garden at the Saginaw Children's Zoo this season. SCF’s director of donor services and special initiatives Brian Jackson and his wife Lisa spent time this past weekend refreshing the garden with a bee theme. We think it looks absolutely “bee”-utiful! Thanks Brian and Lisa!

“We need to know how to work together. We need to look beyond the negativity that we see across the country and be the bigger person, be the bigger community, and show that with a little extra care, concern and support for one another, we can be successful as a community,” Reneé Johnston, president and CEO, Saginaw Community Foundation.

SCF’s internal equity journey helped inform and catalyze a coordinated county-wide approach to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging and justice (DEIBJ). In January 2024, we introduced the Community Engagement Inclusion Council (CEIC), created by community leaders from education, business, healthcare and nonprofits, to create a brighter, more inclusive and equitable future for all in Saginaw County.

Read more about the CEIC and SCF’s equity journey in the 2023 Council of Michigan Foundations' Annual Report:

Saginaw Community Foundation Feature - Council of Michigan Foundations - 2023 Annual Report Community Feature Saginaw Community Foundation Community Feature – Saginaw Community Foundation County-wide Coalition Catalyzing Action on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging and Justice The official launch of Saginaw’s Community Engagement and Inclusion Council in January 2024. Reneé Johns...

Time is running out to apply for our Board of Directors' Community Improvement Initiative Grant. Applications are due by May 1.

In recognition of Saginaw Community Foundation's 40th Anniversary in 2024, up to $40,000 will be awarded to a single project in July 2024. The project must be completed by July 2025.

The projects submitted must create indelible, measurable impacts in the immediate and broader community; be supported and planned by a broad range of users; and have a clear, well-laid plan for success and sustainability.

While this program is open to all applications that address community needs, a priority will be given to projects with a focus on diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and/or justice.

Learn more about this grant opportunity and how to apply: saginawfoundation.org/site/grants/grant-programs/community-improvement-initiative/

We are looking back at past SCF Board of Directors' Community Improvement Initiative Grant recipients from the past 12 years.

From 2018: Saginaw County Community Action Committee Minor Home Repairs Program

On June 11, 2018, Saginaw Community Foundation awarded its annual Community Improvement Initiative grant to the Saginaw County Community Action Committee, Inc. The $25,000 grant will be used for a new project: Minor Home Repairs Program in the City of Saginaw. In partnership with the Unity in the Community Neighborhood Association, this project will be focused on addressing blight and other needs of the neighborhood, focusing first on Ledyard and Hammel Streets in Phase One and South 21st and 22nd Streets in Phase Two. These streets were chosen as they have the most homeowners with the greatest overall need.

The project will include interior and exterior painting, window repairs, lead remediation, improving accessibility such as ramps and handicap railing, fixing outdoor lighting and addressing other safety and code violations. The Minor Home Repairs Program will relieve some of the burden for neighborhood residents who may not be able to afford housing repairs.

One of the unique aspects of this project is it is the only project working with an established neighborhood association in the City of Saginaw to empower the residents to take control of their neighborhood.

Saginaw County Community Action Committee, Inc. was able to match the $25,000 Community Improvement Initiative grant and was granted an additional $5,000 for a total of $30,000.

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Applications are now being accepted for our Board of Directors' Community Improvement Initiative Grant. $40,000 will be awarded to a single project in July 2024. The project must be completed by July 2025. Now is the time to make the change you want to see in Saginaw County come to life. Deadline to apply is May 1.

Learn more about this grant opportunity and how to apply: saginawfoundation.org/site/grants/grant-programs/community-improvement-initiative/

It’s official. Our Bus Tour of Impact and Canadian Hockey League Memorial Cup Tournament Game One event is SOLD OUT!

Thank you to everyone who purchased a ticket to this event. We will be in touch in the coming weeks with all of our ticket holders with the exact location to board the bus to start the tour on May 24.

Looking for a volunteer opportunity? BWell Saginaw needs BWell Race Ambassadors. See below for details ...

Whether you’re a runner or a walker, there are many perks of a BWell Ambassador. As an Ambassador you will be our number one-fans, our inspiration spreaders and local motivators. No matter if you’re a daily runner, first time 5K’er or seasoned marathoner, we want to work with you. In order to make this mutually wonderful for you and for the race, we do have some expectations of our BWell Ambassadors. In return you will be a part of a network of awesome running fans, get cool race swag, a free entry, and discounts to the BWell race!

Check out our BWell Ambassador page for additional information:
https://bwellsaginaw.org/bwell-ambassador/

To apply: https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/7769143/2024-BWell-Race-Ambassador

Applications accepted through May 15

Ambassadors will be notified May 20

We are looking back at past SCF Board of Directors' Community Improvement Initiative Grant recipients from the past 12 years.

Story originally published in 2017:

“We’re the best kept secret in Saginaw!” exclaims Jim Shafley, pastor and president of Kingdom Builder’s Ministry.

On Saginaw’s East Side, an amazing transformation is happening in one neighborhood. A transformation that is beginning to bear fruit … literally.

Since 2012, Kingdom Builder’s Ministry has been serving young men who are unemployed or underemployed by teaching marketable job skills in construction trades and agriculture. The Ministry buys abandoned houses and remodels them as well as buying vacant lots to create urban farming plots full of apple and peach trees. They also support several honey bee hives.

Kingdom Builder’s Ministry operates out of the Kingdom Center, 346 S. 9th St., Saginaw (site of the former Trinity Lutheran School) purchased in 2014 for $1 from the Saginaw County Land Bank. Kingdom Builders and has worked to renovate the building which serves as its headquarters, sanctuary, classroom instruction space, construction mock-up learning lab, and commercial-grade kitchen for honey processing.

In 2017 at Saginaw Community Foundation’s Annual Celebration in Morley Plaza, Kingdom Builder’s Ministry was announced as the recipient of the 2017 Community Improvement Initiative Grant. The $25,000 grant will be used to support the ongoing efforts of the Ministry and its program. An additional $5,000 was recently earned as a result of Kingdom Builder’s Ministry matching the initial grant amount.

The construction trades program is led by Shafley, a licensed builder and construction project manager. Jim works with up to five individuals teaching full-trades training in vinyl siding/windows and doors, hardwood/tile flooring, trim work, plumbing, HVAC, drywall/painting, building walls/internal framing, installing cabinets and electric.

“Participants in the program are referred to us by the Michigan Department of Corrections and also the City Rescue Mission of Saginaw,” says Shafley. “Individuals that our partner agencies feel would be a good fit are sent our way.”

After classroom instruction and construction lab exercises, the participants head-out into the field to work on the homes purchased by the Ministry for remodeling. Aside from classroom and hands-on learning, life skills are also taught.

“We teach participants how to respond to life with emotions such as humility, compassion and trust,” said Shafley. “So, not only will they learn technical skills, they will also be taught how to best handle tough situations in life.”

Shafley adds that jobs are often lost because a person cannot arrive on time, does not work hard while on the job, or has excessive absences. The tough situations of the participant’s lives have significant impact on these factors. The Ministry teaches them how to respond to life with new emotions and in a rational manner.

“Some of our participants are on parole,” adds Shafley. “We know that returning citizens and ex-offenders have the most challenging times finding employment. Kingdom Builder’s believes that by completing one of our programs, participants will have the skills and knowledge to be gainfully employed.”

Besides construction trade skill instruction, Kingdom Builder’s Ministry also teaches agriculture skills with its apple and peach orchards and honey bee hives. Orchards are located on the corner of Annesley and Hosmer Streets and on Burt Street between S. 13th and S. 14th Streets. Currently, Kingdom Builder’s owns and maintains 31 lots with 17 containing fruit tree plantings.

“This spring, we will be planting 150 trees on newly cleared lots,” said Shafley. “Our goal is to have 700 trees planted within the next four years.”

Plans are in place to begin selling fruit from the orchards and honey processed from the bee hives at the Downtown Saginaw Farmers’ Market located at the new SVRC Marketplace. Fresh baked goods are also in the works.

By June this year, five participants will have successfully completed the program. It’s challenging for both Shafely and the participants.

“Commitment is hard for those that have made poor choices in life and served time in prison,” says Shafely. “Participants say they will be committed but find it hard to remain committed after pledging to do so. We become a positive role model in their lives.”

One of Kingdom Builder’s past participants has moved on to regular employment with a local honey producer. Shafley says: “When this young man arrived, I asked him if he likes heights. He said, ‘no’. Then I asked him if likes bees and he also said, ‘no’. Well, he grew to enjoy the honey and the bees and now he works out in St. Charles. He turned his life around.”

Kingdom Builder’s Ministry emphasizes teaching patience and empathy. Shafely reflects: “Impulsive emotions have ruled their lives. We teach them to control their emotions. We teach them life skills that many of us take for granted.”

“When participants leave our program, they will have been taught strong work ethics, marketable skills, financial management, social skills, responsibility, and accountability,” said Shafley. “We don’t dwell on the past. We focus on the future.”

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Applications are now being accepted for our Board of Directors' Community Improvement Initiative Grant. $40,000 will be awarded to a single project in July 2024. The project must be completed by July 2025. Now is the time to make the change you want to see in Saginaw County come to life. Deadline to apply is May 1.

Learn more about this grant opportunity and how to apply: saginawfoundation.org/site/grants/grant-programs/community-improvement-initiative/