PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Nicole Horn, Donor Relations & Communications Officer, Bay Area Community Foundation
(989) 893-4438 | nicoleh@bayfoundation.org
Give Local Bay Announces Record-Breaking Growth and Expands Community Impact Heading into 2026 Campaign
Bay City, MI – “Give Local Bay continues to reflect the incredible generosity and commitment of our community,” said Shawna Walraven, President & CEO of the Bay Area Community Foundation. “Year after year, we see residents, businesses, individuals, and organizations come together to strengthen local nonprofits that provide essential services across Bay and Arenac Counties. Reaching over $1.55 million in total impact since 2015 is a testament to what is possible when a community invests in itself.”
Since its launch, the campaign has steadily expanded in both participation and impact, culminating in $204,233 raised in 2025 alone. When combined with $56,250 in incentives, the 2025 campaign achieved a total of $260,483, marking the highest annual total to date.
Cumulative impact since 2015 reflects the collective generosity of donors, sponsors, and participating nonprofits over more than a decade of community-driven philanthropy. To date, Give Local Bay has raised $1,127,583 in donations, supported by $425,513 in incentives, bringing the overall total community impact to $1,553,696.
As planning for the 2026 campaign continues, early indicators point to another strong year of engagement. A record of 70 registrants for the 2026 campaign marks the highest level of participation to date and representing 15 cause areas across Bay and Arenac Counties. Many of these organizations focus on key community pillars, including youth development, health & wellness, education, and community advocacy, which together account for more than 65% of all cause areas represented.
A new addition to the campaign, the inaugural Give Local Bay Boost Bash, will serve as a community celebration and fundraiser presented by Tri-Star Trust. The event will take place on May 5, 2026,
from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Pere Marquette Depot’s 1904 Room located at 1000 Adams Street, Bay City, MI 48708. The Give Local Bay Boost Bash will bring together donors, sponsors, and community leaders to celebrate the campaign, featuring live music, refreshments, and real-time updates on fundraising totals and prize announcements. Proceeds from ticket sales will directly support the Give Local Bay match pool, further increasing the impact of donations made on the giving day. Tickets are available at https://www.bayfoundation.org/glbboostbash.
The Give Local Bay match pool continues to grow, further amplifying donor impact on the giving day. The 2025 match pool totaled $33,500, while the current 2026 match pool has reached $40,000 as of April 7, 2026, representing approximately a 19% growth over the prior year. Contributions to the 2026 match pool include dollars from the Bay Area Community Foundation, The Gougeon Family Fund, community partners, and Give Local Bay Boost Bash ticket proceeds. This match pool ensures that each donation made during the campaign is enhanced, maximizing the collective impact of individual gifts.
Prize funding will also play a key role in incentivizing giving in 2026, with a total of $2,750 available to participating nonprofits. This funding is made possible through community sponsors and donors, including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, business sponsor contributions from MCI Insurance,
Consumers Energy, Standish Family Dental Center, HighRoad Wealth Management of Raymond James, and the Jerome and Annette Crete Family Fund. In addition, the Bay Area Community Foundation’s Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) adds significant value, with $15,000.00 in total YAC contributions supporting student engagement initiatives and a video contest designed to promote participating nonprofit awareness.
Youth engagement remains a central focus of the 2026 campaign through expanded initiatives led by YAC. Participating schools will adopt nonprofits through a student-led selection process, while National Honor Society groups will produce promotional videos highlighting their student voted organizations. Public voting will determine winners in a video contest held during Give Local Bay, with prize awards ranging from $250.00 to $4,000.00. Of $15,000.00 contributed by YAC, $10,000.00 is allocated toward video contest prizes and $5,000.00 supports student incentive funding, helping to empower young people to take an active role in community philanthropy.
“We are especially excited about the momentum heading into the 2026 campaign,” said Walraven. “With increased participation, a growing match pool, and new opportunities like the Give Local Bay Boost Bash and expanded youth engagement, Give Local Bay continues to evolve in ways that deepen its impact and strengthen connections across our community.
“Give Local Bay is more than just a giving day. It’s a powerful opportunity to connect our community with missions that matter most,” said Nicole Horn, Donor Relations and Communications Officer at the Bay Area Community Foundation. “From early planning through the final moments of the campaign, we see firsthand how collaboration between nonprofits, donors, and sponsors creates a meaningful, lasting impact. Each year builds on the last, and the continued growth of participation and support speaks volumes about the strength of our communities.”
Give Local Bay is a 24-hour online giving campaign designed to unite the community in support of local nonprofits serving Bay and Arenac Counties. Donations made during the campaign are enhanced through match pool funding and incentive prizes provided by community sponsors, helping participating organizations grow their endowments at the Bay Area Community Foundation and sustain their missions for generations to come.
For more information, visit www.givelocalbay.org and follow updates on social media through Bay Area Community Foundation channels.
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The Bay Area Community Foundation is a philanthropic organization working to improve the quality of life in Bay and Arenac counties. The Foundation’s mission is to build community through generosity, leadership and strategic grantmaking. The Bay Area Community Foundation is in the Pere Marquette Depot at 1000 Adams Street, Suite 200, Bay City, Michigan 48708. For more information, visit www.bayfoundation.org.
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.
