The Community Foundation of Marquette County, including five affiliate funds for Negaunee, Big Bay, Greater Ishpeming, Marquette, and Gwinn Area, is proud to announce the successful distribution of $120,000 in grants through its annual competitive grant program. The Community Foundation has awarded $12.8 million in grants benefiting communities in Marquette County since it was founded in 1988.
This grant distribution is a significant milestone for the Community Foundation and a testament to its ongoing commitment to fostering innovation, collaboration, and meaningful impact. After a rigorous review process, the selection committees carefully evaluated each proposal based on the strength of the projects, their alignment with the organization’s mission, and their potential to address critical challenges faced by our communities.
“We are thrilled to announce the distribution of grants to these remarkable recipients,” said Zosia Eppensteiner, CEO. “Each grantee has shown remarkable dedication, creativity, and a strong vision for making a positive difference.”
The grant recipients represent a diverse range of organizations driving positive change in our communities across a wide spectrum of community needs including childcare, workforce development, arts and culture, public spaces and many others. The projects range from cold food storage at Partridge Creek Farm, to feminine hygiene products for schools through The Queen’s Heart of Marquette, as well as caregiver and senior support groups with the Caregivers Incentive Project. Because of this grant funding, Negaunee Highschool Band Backers will be able to replace marching band uniforms, and Citizens for a Safe and Clean Lake Superior will work with Big Bay Stewardship Council and Powell Township to create pocket parks in Big Bay.
Cait Sternberg with the Citizens for a Safe and Clean Lake Superior commented: “This grant will allow us to purchase benches, planters, and native wildflowers for pocket parks in Big Bay. The pocket parks will provide safe & beautiful green spaces for residents and tourists to funding, pass time, and enjoy the tranquility of Big Bay. We are excited to see folks sitting on locally-made benches while enjoying music at Draver Park, or pausing their walk to take a look at native wildflowers. CSCLS’s projects are supporting the ongoing efforts of Powell Township and the Big Bay Stewardship Council to beautify the community in a sustainable way.”
Grant distribution events have been held for the Gwinn, Ishpeming, and Negaunee affiliates to celebrate grantee and donor impact on the residents of Marquette County.
The Marquette grant distribution event will be held on Tuesday, June 6 from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. at Presque Isle Park Pavilion.
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