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The Garnett and Elmie Compeau Challenge

When you give to or create an unrestricted fund, you’re directly helping our area by providing dollars for grantmaking to respond to our community’s most challenging needs and promising opportunities. Thanks to the generosity of Garnett and Elmie Compeau, we are excited to offer $50,000 in matching funds for you to create your own named fund—or add to an existing one—and amplify the change you create.

Gifts to these funds from people like Garnett and Elmie—and you—mean we have the flexibility to do more to support our friends and neighbors to build this community we love!

Garnett and Elmie Compeau

Garnett and Elmie Compeau were known as kind and giving individuals by those who knew them best. Inspired by travel, education, and learning, they cared about their community and the people in it.

Elmie got her master’s degree in library science from the University of Michigan in the 1940s, and Garnett owned an auto shop for many years in Bay City. Both were active in volunteering and giving back to their community.

Through their estate, a gift was ultimately made to Bay Area Community Foundation to further support their love of Bay City. The Garnett and Elmie Compeau Family Fund will now inspire other doctors as well as make positive and lasting change in our community through grant awards.

How Your Fund Changes Everything

Unrestricted funds at Bay Area Community Foundation go toward awarding grants each year to our local nonprofits to support the arts, build community assets, keep our families and neighbors fed and safe, and provide new opportunities for Bay County to thrive. When you create an unrestricted fund, you’re directly contributing to positive change in our community.

Challenge Details

Give $4,000 to establish an unrestricted fund (or add to an existing one) and receive $1,000 for your fund from the Garnett and Elmie Compeau Family Fund. Each additional gift of $4,000 will receive $1,000 (up to $10,000 maximum).

  • You’ll receive a professional photograph of yourself, family, or business.
  • We’ll tell your short story in a video to help inspire others.
  • You can have up to 3 years to complete your pledge.
  • Match dollars are added to your fund after total qualifying gifts of $4,000 are made.
  • Prefer to be a quiet giver? You can still participate through anonymous giving.

Ready to Get Started?

Call us at 989.893.4438 or email President & CEO Diane Fong at dfong@bayfoundation.org.

Secret Link

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.