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Community Leadership During Crisis

When we announced in December that our slogan for the upcoming year was going to be, “Be Bold,” we had no idea what 2020 had in store for us.

We’ve seen our community shuttered as we work to contain the spread of COVID-19. We’ve watched our neighbors in Arenac, Midland, and Saginaw face devastating flooding. And this past month has been fraught with tensions over racial justice, tensions that have led to violence in communities across the nation.

We must be bold in facing these uncertainties, challenges, and social issues. As a community foundation, we are meeting these challenges head-on with community as our focus. These matters will not be solved overnight. Their impact will be long-term, and we must prepare for an extended response.

To that end, the Community Foundation has been taking several actions toward community healing since mid-March:

  • Alongside other community partners, we formed a COVID-19 Community Response Coalition that meets weekly.
  • We have raised more than $100,000 for the COVID-19 Community Response Fund and have awarded grants to keep our neighbors safe and fed.
  • So far, grants from the COVID-19 Community REsponse Fund have supported emergency food programs and outreach services through Dow Bay Area Family YMCA, Golden Horizons, CAN Council of the Great Lakes Bay Region, Hidden Harvest, Salvation Army, Safe Harbor Kitchen, Food of Faith, Pinconning Emergency Food Pantry, Mid Michigan Community Action, 211 Northeast Michigan, and Bay Future.
  • We launched our Impact Investing Initiative and are offering a Nonprofit Operating Support Loan Program to help nonprofits continue their vital work.
  • We have been offering support and training for nonprofits through monthly town hall meetings which began in March.
  • The Arenac County Flood Relief Fund was established to support relief efforts after the May 2020 flooding, and the Arenac Community Funds Committee awarded a $10,000 grant to support this fund.
  • We have worked to maintain a sense of normalcy for our community with $466,000 in scholarships awarded on schedule and celebrated online.
  • In a capacity-building effort for our nonprofits, we are financing Catchafire services for our partners to emerge from this crisis more resilient.
  • We have offered mini grant opportunities to help nonprofits offset costs of creating a safe environment for programming during COVID.
  • With the second cycle of grant funding, nonprofits can apply for operational support to respond to emerging and continuing needs.

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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.

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Nicole Horn

989.893.4438 or email below 

Donor Relations and Communications Officer

At BACF, I am fortunate to contribute to our mission in meaningful and impactful ways. As your main contact for donor-advised funds, I help ensure that each donor’s unique passions are brought to life through their giving—whether this be through designated or agency funds. It is an honor to connect with generous community members, and I am always available to discuss how you can create a lasting impact in our community.  

In addition, I oversee all of BACF’s communications, bringing ideas to life through engaging stories and visuals. While upholding our brand identity, I strive to highlight the remarkable individuals in our community and the collaborative efforts that make Bay and Arenac counties exceptional places to live, work, and thrive.

As a lifelong Bay County resident, I am deeply connected to our people and community. I cherish the opportunity to build meaningful relationships and am committed to enhancing the quality of life for everyone in Bay and Arenac counties, ensuring a bright future for generations to come.

I Can Help You With:

  • Donor Advised Funds
  • Agency & Designated Funds
  • Business Sponsorships
  • Give Local Bay and BACF Events
  • BACF Website
  • BACF Donor Portal

Things I Do In My Free Time: You’ll often find me at a local coffee shop in Downtown Bay City and frequenting the area’s local arts and music scene. I also love hiking and exploring parks both in our area and throughout northern Michigan.

Madi Syring

989.893.4438 or email below 

Program Officer

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.

I am dedicated to supporting the organizations that work tirelessly to improve our community. Additionally, I provide capacity-building opportunities by hosting educational workshops, managing Catchafire—a volunteer platform connecting organizations with professional services at no cost—and offering technical assistance and resources to build strength in our nonprofit community.
 

I Can Help You With:

  • Navigating the Competitive Grant Process
  • Finding Funding Alignment
  • Building Organizational Capacity
  • Technical Assistance

Things I Do In My Free Time: Outside of work, you might catch me on the trail with my dog! I love backpacking, hiking, hunting, and kayaking all over Michigan. I’m also an avid reader, so you might find me at a local library or bookshop. 

Rachael Rosas

989.893.4438 or email below

Administrative Officer

As the Administrative Officer at BACF, my responsibilities include maintaining our comprehensive database, accurately documenting gifts, and collaborating with building vendors to maintain the historic Pere Marquette Depot.

I am committed to establishing well-documented processes that contribute to the ongoing success of BACF. My deep appreciation for the Pere Marquette Depot drives me to preserve this historic landmark as a source of price for our community, ensuring its legacy for future generations. 

I Can Help You With:

  • Making a Gift to One of Our Many Funds
  • Updating Your Contact Information
  • Identifying the Most Helpful Staff Member or Resource
  • Answering General Questions about BACF
  • Providing Information About the Pere Marquette Depot and 1904 Room Event Space

Things I Do In My Free Time: I enjoy immersing myself in flower gardening and various art projects. I love spending time in nature and attending community events, which help me stay connected and get inspired. 

Frances Moore

989.893.4438 or email below 

Program and Finance Associate

As the Program and Finance Associate at BACF, I support our Scholarship Program and partner with the Director of Finance on financial reporting. I also assist in the management of the Pere Marquette Depot and the 1904 Room event space.

I am honored to play a role in helping individuals achieve their dreams and reach their full potential. I am passionate about making a positive impact and am always ready to lend a helping hand to ensure the success of our programs and the betterment of our community. 

I Can Help You With:

  • Scholarship Applications and Award Process
  • Information about the Pere Marquette Depot and 1904 Room Event Space
  • Coordination with Scholarship Committees
  • General Support for BACF Programs and Initiatives

Things I Do In My Free Time: I enjoy spending time with family and friends, exploring Michigan’s beautiful landscapes, camping under the stars, and bike riding through scenic trails.