Community Foundation for Oceana County

09/01/2026

✏️🍎School is back in session, and Teacher Mini-Grants are officially open!🎉

The Oceana Community Foundation's Youth Advisory Council (YAC) is inviting Oceana County teachers and counselors to apply for grants of up to $250 to bring creative ideas, engaging projects, and meaningful learning experiences to students.

From STEM activities and literacy projects to art, music, sensory supports, and everything in between, these grants help turn great ideas into reality.

What makes this program extra special? Our YAC, made up of student representatives and adult advisors from five Oceana County schools, helps direct more than $30,000 each year toward programs that benefit local youth. Supporting teachers and classrooms is one of their favorite ways to make a difference!

🗓️ Applications are open through September 30 🔗 https://oceanafoundation.org/grants/teacher-mini-grants/

📣 Help us spread the word! Tag a teacher, share this post, or send it to the educators in your life. We want to make sure every Oceana County teacher, and counselor knows about this opportunity.

Hart Public Schools
Hesperia Community Schools
New Era Christian School
Oceana Christian School
Pentwater Public School
Shelby Public Schools
Walkerville Public Schools

08/25/2026

Want to make a lasting difference in someone's life? 💙 We're proud to support this program and encourage community members to explore becoming an English Language Learning tutor. No teaching experience is required, and training is provided. Join the October 13 tutor training and help build a more welcoming and connected Oceana County. Learn more: readmuskegon.org/volunteer

We are looking for volunteers in Oceana County to help language learners build their English skills! Are you interested? Sign up today at readmuskegon.org/volunteer and join us for Tutor Training on October 13 from 5:30 - 8:00 at New Era Christian Reformed Church!

08/17/2026

The Foundation is pleased to be a lead sponsor for this pitch contest. Supporting economic vitality in our region helps us all to thrive 👌

5x5 NORTH PITCH COMPETITION – TAKE YOUR BUSINESS IDEA FOR A SPIN!
A fast-paced, community-driven pitch competition with roots in West Michigan’s entrepreneurial ecosystem is coming to Hart this summer. The Start Garden 5x5 Pitch Night will take place Tuesday, Aug. 25 at 5 p.m. at Birch & Blossom, showcasing local entrepreneurs and giving them a platform to bring ideas to life.

The event is presented in partnership with Start Garden and hosted by the Chamber Alliance of Mason County, Lake County Economic Development Alliance, Oceana County Economic Alliance, Newaygo County Economic Development Partnership, and The Right Place. Inspired by the original 5x5 Night concept, often described as a “Shark Tank”-style competition, five entrepreneurs will each have five minutes and five slides to pitch their idea before a panel of judges and a live audience for a chance to win a $5,000 seed investment.

Thank you to Birch & Blossom, Community Foundation for Oceana County, ITC Holdings Corp., Safe Harbor Credit Union, Lake-Osceola State Bank and all of our sponsors and partners who have helped make this event possible.

08/16/2026

🌟 Welcome to the Complete Your Degree Program, Jaren! 🌟
Many in our community know Jaren S. as the assistant volleyball coach at Hart High School, where she mentors and inspires student athletes. But she also has a passion for the culinary arts!
We're excited to welcome Jaren to the Complete Your Degree (CYD) Program as she pursues her educational goals at Baker College. She is also our first CYD student attending , marking an exciting milestone for the program.
This spring, the Oceana Community Foundation partnered with Baker College, joining West Shore Community College and Muskegon Community College as official CYD partner schools. We're thrilled to see this partnership already helping local students move closer to their career goals.
The Complete Your Degree Program provides personalized support and resources to help Oceana County residents earn degrees and certificates that create new opportunities for themselves and their families.
Please join us in congratulating Jaren as she begins this exciting new chapter. We can't wait to see where her hard work and culinary passion take her! 🎉

08/13/2026

👏 Let's give a warm welcome to Zach Z. as a new participant in the Complete Your Degree Program!
As a husband, caregiver, and full-time nursing student at West Shore Community College , Zach is balancing a busy schedule while working toward his future goals. His passion for caring for others already shines through his work, and he has been recognized by faculty as an excellent student. We are excited to support him as he takes the next steps toward a nursing career.
At Oceana Community Foundation, we know that many adult learners are juggling work, family responsibilities, and school all at once. That's why the Complete Your Degree Program provides individualized support, resources, and encouragement to help Oceana County residents earn degrees and certificates that can create new opportunities for themselves and their families.
We're honored to support Zach as he takes the next steps toward a career in nursing and look forward to celebrating his successes along the way. 💙
Join us in welcoming Zach and wishing him success on this exciting journey! 👏💙

08/04/2026

🌟 We’ve got a new look! 🌟
The Oceana Community Foundation launched a fresh new website with our community in mind and we can't wait for you to check it out.
Our new site makes it easier to:
💙 Donate online directly to the fund or cause you want to support
🎓 Apply for scholarships
🌱 Submit grant applications
📰 Catch up on the latest Foundation news and updates
📱 Browse from your phone, tablet, or computer with an improved experience
Whether you're giving back, applying for funding, or just seeing what's happening in our community, everything is now easier to find and access.
Take a look and let us know what you think!
https://www.oceanafoundation.org

07/31/2026

Our Fall Community Grant Round is now open!
Planning to apply? Join us for a free grant workshop designed to help you navigate the application process, strengthen your proposal, and get your questions answered before applying.

On August 6 from 9:00-10:00 AM at the Hart Community Center, Community Impact Officer Hannah Naples will provide a step-by-step overview of the grant process, share tips for developing a strong proposal, and offer time for questions and discussion.

Whether you're a nonprofit, government agency, church, or school district, this workshop is a great chance to gain insight before applying.

😊 Please RSVP so we know how many tables to set up: https://forms.office.com/r/1pTWJQXVpg

Important Dates
📅 August 14: Application of Intent Due
📅 August 31: Full Grant Application Due
📅 Week of October 12: Award Notifications

Learn more: https://oceanafoundation.org/grants/applying-for-a-grant/

07/29/2026

Congratulations, Sidney!

Please join us in celebrating Complete Your Degree scholar, Sidney on her graduation from West Shore Community College with a degree in Early Childhood Education!
Sidney has balanced the demands of family life as a wife and mother to four busy boys while staying focused on her educational goals. She knows that pursuing higher education is not only an investment in her future, but also an opportunity to set a positive example for her children. Through her dedication and hard work, she has shown them the value of learning, commitment, and pursuing their goals with confidence.
The Complete Your Degree (CYD) program supports Oceana County adults who want to earn a college degree or certificate. Whether returning to school after
time away or starting for the first time, participants receive personalized guidance, resources, and encouragement to help them navigate the process and
reach their educational goals.
We are incredibly proud of all that Sidney has accomplished and are honored to have been part of her educational journey.
Congratulations, Sidney! We can't wait to see what you do next!💙🎉

If you would like more information about the Complete Your Degree program or would like to support students like Sidney, visit our website OceanaFoundation.org.

07/22/2026

🎉 A warm welcome to Aaron!
We're excited to welcome Aaron to the Complete Your Degree (CYD) program!

Between working full time, raising a family, and attending Muskegon Community College, Aaron has a lot on his plate, but he's making the decision to invest in himself and his future. That kind of commitment doesn't go unnoticed.

At CYD, we know that today's college students often balance school with careers, family responsibilities, and countless other demands.

The CYD program supports Oceana County adults who want to earn a college degree or certificate. Whether returning to school after time away or starting for the first time, participants receive personalized guidance, resources, and encouragement to help them navigate the process and reach their educational goals.

Aaron's journey is a great reminder that educational goals can be pursued at any stage of life. We're proud to be part of his story and look forward to cheering him on as he works toward his goals. Welcome, Aaron! 🎓💙

07/21/2026

Please help get the word out. 💙

Made possible through our Urgent Needs Fund. 💚

One week from today, we’ll be at Walkerville Public Schools with Feeding America West Michigan serving families across our community.

We’re still looking for a few more volunteers to help unload and distribute food. These events run smoothly because of people willing to give a couple of hours back to their community.

This distribution is supported by the Urgent Needs Fund of the Community Foundation for Oceana County helping strengthen food access throughout Oceana County.

Interested in joining us?
Volunteer here: https://volunteer.unitedwaylakeshore.org/need/detail/?need_id=1224277
Together, we’re building a more resilient Oceana County.