Building Bridges Across Borders: A New Fund Creates Opportunities for Global Connection
Join us in celebrating the launch of the John and Martha Kaczynski Bay City–Ansbach Sister City Fund, honoring the 65th anniversary of the sister-city relationship between Bay City, Michigan, and Ansbach, Germany.
Inspiring Generosity
Generosity changes everything. It creates hope and possibility. It unites people. It celebrates our shared needs and desires.
At Bay Area Community Foundation, we are passionate about connecting people who want to make a difference with organizations that are creating change. We serve as a catalyst for charitable giving in Bay and Arenac counties.
Leadership
Community foundations are the area’s leaders in philanthropy. We look to the long-term growth in Bay and Arenac counties to ensure there are always funds available to respond to pressing needs and take initiative for new opportunities. For nearly 40 years, we have been supporting the philanthropic goals of our donors and the work of our local nonprofits. We don’t know what future needs may be, but one thing is for sure: the Bay Area Community Foundation will be here. We are better together.
Making an Impact
Bay Area Community Foundation offers several opportunities for grant funding for your registered 501(c)(3) organization or government entity in Bay and Arenac counties. Each year, we award over $2 million to nonprofits in Bay and Arenac counties to help create change and make the community thrive. We award hundreds of scholarships each year to help our local students achieve their academic dreams and promote education in our area.
Recent Stories
Building Bridges Across Borders: A New Fund Creates Opportunities for Global Connection
Join us in celebrating the launch of the John and Martha Kaczynski Bay City–Ansbach Sister City Fund, honoring the 65th anniversary of the sister-city relationship between Bay City, Michigan, and Ansbach, Germany.
Press Release – Bay Area Community Foundation receives $20,000 Grant to Support Community Foundation Access and Opportunity Grant Program
“We are excited to once again partner with the United Way of Bay County as we work together to provide this opportunity to the education sector. Following the success of the pilot program, Lifted Voices: Navigating the Challenges Facing ALICE Youth, we will once again primarily focus on the education sector for training in the program.” Shawna Walraven, President & CEO, Bay Area Community Foundation.
Press Release – Bay Area Community Foundation Expands Bay Commitment Scholarship to Provide More Flexible, Long-Term Support for First-Generation Students
Beginning with the 2026 scholarship cycle, the Bay Commitment Scholarship will continue to provide an initial $2,000.00 scholarship, but the award will now be renewable for up to four years. The scholarship now has a value totaling up to $4,250.00.
Press Release – Bay Area Community Foundation to Honor Michael Hanisko and Ellen Charlebois at 2026 Faces of Philanthropy Celebration
During the biennial event, Ellen Charlebois and Michael Hanisko will receive the Peggy Rowley Community Enrichment Award, the Foundation’s highest recognition honoring individuals whose commitment to serving others has strengthened the Bay County community.
Giving Thanks to our Sponsors
Community Partners
I am proud to serve my community through my role at BACF. As a Program Officer, I collaborate with nonprofit, government, church, and school partners in Bay and Arenac counties to navigate our grant opportunities and find the right funding alignment. From project conception to post-award, I am your main contact for all things grants. Connecting organizations and donors who share the same vision and passion is at the heart of my work.
