Thank you for investing in our community ― allowing us to be responsive to the ever-changing needs and promising opportunities for growth. Your philanthropic support and generosity multiplies when combined with gifts from others, so that together we are capable of doing so much more in providing for our community.
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.
Join us in celebrating the launch of the Great Lakes Bay LGBTQ+ Community Fund and a special Pride Month matching opportunity.
The Bay Area Community Foundation was proud to celebrate 73 outstanding students this week as they each received a $2,000 Bay Commitment Scholarship.
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.
On August 11, two outstanding students were honored and recognized, one each from the Bay County and Saginaw County Boys & Girls Clubs, to receive this year’s awards. Both recipients exemplify leadership, kindness, and a strong commitment to their futures.
The Bay Area Community Foundation was honored to celebrate 69 incredible students from Bay and Arenac counties as they each received a $2,000 Bay Commitment Scholarship to begin their college journeys at Delta College or Saginaw Valley State University.
Donor Advised Funds offer flexibility and impact. These funds allow you to actively participate in the grantmaking process. You can start your own fund and recommend charitable projects or organizations you wish to support.
With a donor-advised fund, you’re able to select the nonprofits and organizations you want to help, and Bay Area Community Foundation (BACF) does all the work of administering the grants. With diligent financial management by BACF, the fund will continue to gain interest each year and continue on … forever.
Download the Donor-Advised Fund Disbursement Request Form
Download the Donor-Advised Fund 2022 Instructions Form
Call us at 989-893-4438 to set up an appointment.
Including Bay Area Community Foundation in your estate will leave a legacy of support so that your community advocacy is realized forever. When you make a charitable gift to your community foundation through values-based giving, your life’s work and what you care about most live on. You are creating your own legacy…your story that will be told for generations to come.
Your values. Your hopes. Your desires.
One way of giving is including a charitable gift in your will or trust. When you combine your charitable goals with your estate planning, you can minimize your tax burden, provide for your family, honor loved ones, leave a legacy in your name, and reinforce your personal values. You can even make contributions to your favorite causes ― ones that you may not have the financial resources to accomplish during your lifetime.
Do you want to …
Bay Area Community Foundation offers you flexible options to make distributing the charitable portion of your estate simple for your estate executor and easy for nonprofit recipients. Leave your estate, or a portion of your estate, to BACF and specify the amount each organization’s endowment fund should receive. We handle the rest. By investing in their endowment funds, you help ensure the organizations will continue to thrive for years to come. Partnering with us saves you money now and time later when giving through your estate plan.
It’s easy to make a gift by insurance policy, IRA beneficiary designation, or another asset. The following wording in your will can get you started:
I devise to the Bay Area Community Foundation (Tax ID 38-2418086), a Michigan nonprofit corporation, the sum of [$____] (or a specific asset or percentage of estate), for the purpose of [_____].
For as many motivations as there are to give, there are ways of giving.
View and download our guide to help you and your professional advisor determine the custom giving solution that’s right for you.
We’re here to help. Give us a call at 989-893-4438.
Interested in being a part of the grantmaking process at a lower financial level? Join with other philanthropists in the area and work together to recommend projects and programs, all while enjoying a fun social evening.
We know that some passionate people don’t want to simply give their money, but they want to be a part of the process of helping decide which organizations it is awarded to. Four times a year, the Women’s Philanthropy Circle and Men’s Philanthropy Group gather for food, fun, and friendship—with a side of philanthropy.
Each member contributes $1,000 a year. Half of this gift is granted out that year to local organizations, and half of it is placed in an endowment fund. This endowment fund grows the impact potential for many years to come.
Recently, the groups have granted to provide clothing for women and children in need, holiday food baskets, furniture for the local women’s shelter, support for the Youth Leadership Academy, and Coats for Kids, among other projects. Each member brings their own ideas on needs in the community, and the group votes on which projects to help fund.
“It’s a great way to get involved for someone who is community-minded and wants to go about giving in a slightly different way.”– Lee Miller, MPG member
“The Women’s Philanthropy Circle is great for women who have a philanthropic heart but not a lot of time. When we combine our resources, we can make a bigger impact. It’s instant gratification. You know you’re helping someone immediately that could use your lift. It’s amazing to see all we have accomplished so far.”– Barb Engelhardt, original WPC member
Both groups are always accepting new members.
Contact us to learn how to get involved.
We are happy to help guide you through your giving process. We’ll go through your options for giving and explain them in greater detail. You may also find these resources helpful as you’re getting started:
Call us at 989-893-4438. We’re happy to help.
989.893.4438 or email below
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:
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.
989.893.4438 or email below
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 Can Help You With:
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.
989.893.4438 or email below 
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:
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.
989.893.4438 or email below
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:
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.
