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.
Press Release – Bay Area Community Foundation Opens Bay County Opioid Remediation Grant Program
The grant program supports nonprofit organizations addressing Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) and co-occurring Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health (SUD/MH) conditions through evidence-based or evidence-informed programs and strategies in Bay County. Eligible programs may support treatment, prevention, and other approved opioid remediation activities.
Building a Permanent Resource for the LGBTQ+ Community
Join us in celebrating the launch of the Great Lakes Bay LGBTQ+ Community Fund and a special Pride Month matching opportunity.
Press Release – Give Local Bay 2026 Surpasses $219,000 Raised and Celebrates Record Community Participation
“This year’s Give Local Bay campaign demonstrated the incredible generosity and compassion that define our community,” said Shawna Walraven, President and CEO of the Bay Area Community Foundation. “
Press Release – Give Local Bay Announces Record-Breaking Growth and Expands Community Impact Heading into 2026 Campaign
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.
Celebrating the 2026 Bay Commitment Scholars!
The Bay Area Community Foundation was proud to celebrate 73 outstanding students this week as they each received a $2,000 Bay Commitment Scholarship.
Gretchen’s Giving Journey, Supporting Community Through the Friends of the Foundation Fund
For Gretchen, community is not an abstract concept. It’s a lived experience. GivingTuesday resonates deeply with Gretchen because it embodies the values she holds close.
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.
