Manistee County Community Foundation

08/27/2026

🌼 MCCF awarded $12,113 to the Manistee Downtown Development Authority to help pilot a native planting project with SEEDS EcoCorps among select locations of the Manistee Riverwalk. SEEDS EcoCorps will be providing routine maintenance among these select garden beds, as well as putting together a cohesive management plan for future caretakers of these gardens, with native plants made a top priority.

We thank Andrew Stafford of Downtown Manistee and Hayley Wolgamott of SEEDS for their time!

08/18/2026

Here's a helpful half-pager to remind you about our Fall Grant Cycle... there is still time to apply!

Is your nonprofit considering a future project, but lacking the funds to get it off the ground? The MCCF Grant Program may help. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations, school districts, and units of government, including federally recognized tribes.

Applications for the 2026 MCCF Fall Grant Cycle are due September 15, 2026. A Grant Inquiry Form is requested two weeks in advance of the deadline.

Funding decisions are made November 15, 2026. Proposed projects may not begin prior to this date.

Take the next step by visiting https://manisteefoundation.org/grant-opportunities/ or by contacting our Grants Team at [email protected].

08/18/2026

Was your organization negatively impacted by the major flooding that brought damage across Manistee County in April 2026? You may be eligible for disaster loan support. ❤️‍🩹

The U.S. Small Business Administration's Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience is offering low-interest loans to support organizations that suffered property damage or cannot meet financial obligations after flooding and other natural disasters that took place between April 10 and April 21.

The deadline to apply for a loan to help with physical damage is August 31, 2026. The deadline to apply for a loan to help with economic injury is March 30, 2027.

Attached to this post is a flyer and detailed fact sheet with more information.

Check eligibility and apply for a disaster loan at https://www.sba.gov/disaster/ or call 1-800-659-2955.

08/17/2026

We are delighted to have joined in celebration of the Copemish-Thompsonville trail extension! 🚴‍♀️

For more details, check out this article from Manistee News Advocate: https://www.manisteenews.com/news/article/copemish-thompsonville-trail-extension-22388994.php?link_source=ta_first_comment&taid=6a8328fe2feea100016f476b

07/30/2026

Seeking support for a charitable project in Manistee County... but lack the sufficient funding? The Manistee County Community Foundation Grant Program may be a viable opportunity for support.

Applications for the 2026 MCCF Fall Grant Cycle are due September 15, 2026. A Grant Inquiry Form is the first step and is requested two weeks in advance, by September 1, 2026.

Projects must be located in Manistee County, unless pre-approved by the Community Foundation, and benefit residents of Manistee County.

The Manistee County Community Foundation is the only entity serving Manistee County that impacts all aspects of life. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations, school districts, and units of government, including federally recognized tribes.

Learn if you're eligible at: https://manisteefoundation.org/grant-opportunities/

07/22/2026

Today, the cast iron fountain at the west end of River Street in Manistee is being disassembled and transported to Alabama for refurbishment by Robinson Iron Corporation, the original manufacturer. The fountain will return to Manistee later this year.

The fountain is owned by the City of Manistee and located on the Manistee County Community Foundation’s property. It was originally placed in 2001 as part of the streetscape project at that time.

The removal of the fountain enables the demolition of the current fountain base so that a new and larger pool can be constructed in roughly the same location. Additional improvements include a complete rebuild of the inner workings of the fountain, additional nozzles, decorative lighting, and other enhancements to be completed by Tridonn Construction Co. and commercial water fountain design and engineering group, Chicago Fountain, later this summer.

The exterior refurbishment is funded by the City of Manistee which includes work to remove and transport the fountain, cleaning, repair, and recoating of the cast iron surface. Construction of the new fountain base and other interior enhancements will be funded by the MCCF as part of plans to renovate its property.

Stay tuned for updates by MCCF as the fountain restoration continues and for additional details about the MCCF’s renovation of its property adjacent to the River Street Plaza, currently under construction in Downtown Manistee.

For updates about the City of Manistee and the Manistee DDA Streetscape Project, visit Downtown Manistee or manisteedowntown.com. To learn more about the Manistee County Community Foundation, visit manisteefoundation.org.

07/16/2026

Exciting things coming to Downtown Manistee ! 👀

We love seeing our grants in action. Earlier this year, MCCF awarded a $250,000 grant to the City of Manistee from the Minger Family Endowment Fund to support a curbless plaza on River Street. The River Street Plaza will serve as a new community gathering space and expand access to recreation to the adjacent Municipal Marina Park and Riverwalk below.

At the time of writing this post, the transformation of this space is well underway. Here, we snapped some shots of the brick pavers being placed.

We are grateful for the opportunity to join the City of Manistee and the Manistee Downtown Development Authority in this effort and are excited for future updates!

For more information about the River Street Plaza, follow Downtown Manistee for the latest updates.

07/08/2026

We are excited to announce two additions to the MCCF Board of Directors: Pamela Lynch and Stephen Paine!

Pamela Lynch is the owner of Coastal Woods Vision in Manistee. Growing up in Brethren, she remains dedicated to serving her home county through her optometry practice and interest in child care, education, and family support. Lynch served as a board member for Sandcastle’s Children Museum in Ludington for several years and is a current member of Women Who Care of Manistee County and Mason County. Lynch has two active children, a daughter and son, and they reside in Ludington, near the school district where her husband is employed.

Steve Paine and his family have lived in Manistee and the surrounding communities since 1966. Paine returned to the MCCF Board, having also served about 20 years ago, and shared the following: “Serving on the Community Foundation Board keeps me in touch with the needs of Manistee County. The growth of the foundation since my initial involvement has been wonderful to witness. I look forward to seeing the continued positive growth of the community and the Foundation into the future.” Paine brings a regional perspective, living in Thompsonville and working in Ludington. He is particularly interested in recreation, education, the environment, and addressing homelessness in the community.

View the complete list of MCCF Board of Directors: https://manisteefoundation.org/board-of-directors/

07/06/2026

In case you missed it, the next MCCF Grant Program Workshop is coming up soon!

Whether you are new to the application process and want to learn more about the MCCF Grant Program or are in need of a refresher, this is an excellent opportunity for any Manistee County organization looking to leverage grant support.

RSVP today: https://forms.gle/XrRZLYFqpUpqG7zL8

Are you looking to leverage grant support for projects or services within Manistee County?

This summer, we are offering two informational workshops to learn about the MCCF Grant Program and how to apply.

Register today: https://forms.gle/3mRcEPnqzubJhei56

Workshop objectives include reviewing Grant Program steps, tips for what to include in your application, and varied ways grant funding can support a project.

The same content will be provided at both sessions:
July 15 and July 21, 2026, from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM
400 River Street, Suite 50, Manistee MI, 49660

Questions? Email the MCCF Grants Team at [email protected] or call 231-723-7269.

07/06/2026

Happy Summer from the Manistee County Community Foundation! (As well as from Yakie, our Youth Advisory Council Ambassador, currently soaking up some sun on the beach.) 😎

From Independence Day through Labor Day, the MCCF follows SUMMER HOURS.

During Summer Hours, our office is open between 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM Monday through Thursday, and closed on Friday, unless scheduled by appointment.

We return to normal office hours beginning Tuesday, September 8, 2026.

Additionally, please be aware that road construction is scheduled to begin this week on River Street near and in front of our office. At this time, we expect our office and lower parking lot to remain accessible through July 23 and we will provide future updates.

Wishing you an excellent rest of your summer. ☀️