Join us for our upcoming Nonprofit Workshop!

The Bay Area Community Foundation, in partnership with the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce and Bay Future, Inc., invites you to join us on Thursday, November 13, 2025, for an in-person Nonprofit Workshop focused on Board Fundamentals.
The Bay Area Community Foundation, in partnership with the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce and Bay Future, Inc., invites you to join us on Thursday, November 13, 2025, for an in-person Nonprofit Workshop focused on Board Fundamentals.
 
Join us at the Pere Marquette Depot (1000 Adams St., Bay City, MI 48708) in the 1904 Room to hear from Robert “Bob” Harris, CAE, as he shares insights from his career in association management. This workshop will help your nonprofit succeed with tips and examples of board roles, planning, meetings, and more.
 
We’ll be discussing:
 
– Board responsibilities
– Board and staff distinction
– Governing documents and board orientation
– Strategic roadmaps
– Committee management
– Smart meeting practices
 
The program runs from 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., with lunch provided and time to network with your nonprofit peers following the session.
 
Registration is live now! Please feel welcome to invite your board members to join in attendance. We look forward to seeing you there!
 
 
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More about Robert “Bob” Harris, CAE:

There are more than one million nonprofit organizations in the USA. Bob has studied thousands of them to develop best practices.

He started his career in Washington DC working with Presidential Classroom. He went on to build an association management company in Tallahassee, FL. He is on the faculty for the US Chamber of Commerce. He has worked in Amman, Jordan, Tokyo, Japan, Kiev, Ukraine and Minsk, Belarus to help organizations. He received “Association Partner of the Year” award from Association Trends Magazine in 2012.

He has authored books on association management. To improve management, he created the Association Self-Auditing Process, used by more than 20,000 organizations. He believes that nonprofit organizations should be as efficient as any commercial business. He has received awards for promoting association excellence and working in professional development. He has worked for Hyatt Hotels in Florida for 29 years.

He’s been dubbed the “Martha Stewart of association management” for providing tips and templates for making management easier. These are available free on his website at www.nonprofitcenter.com.

Bob’s career passions are demonstrated in two principles:

– Promoting the impact of nonprofits in America.
– Sharing the tools for successful associations and cha

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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.