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2026 Faces of Philanthropy Celebration

Please call (989) 893-4438 to purcahse tickets and register for Faces of Philanthropy

Mark your calendars and join us for the Bay Area Community Foundation’s 2026 Faces of Philanthropy Celebration, an evening dedicated to honoring the power of generosity and the individuals whose commitment to our community continues to inspire lasting impact.

This year’s honorees are Ellen Charlebois and Michael Hanisko. We look forward to celebrating their extraordinary leadership, generosity, and dedication to making our community stronger.

Launch Your Future - Arenac County

Click here to Register

The Bay Area Community Foundation invites high school seniors and adult learners to Launch Your Future, a free, hands-on workshop designed to help you take the next steps in your education or training journey.

What can you do at this event?

• Get advice on college selection
• Receive help completing the FSAFA
• Learn about State Aid Programs
• Explore scholarship opportunities with BACF staff in on-site computer labs
• Discover potential career pathways
• Connect with apprenticeships, military programs, and skilled trades

Exhibitors include colleges and universities from across the Great Lakes Bay Region, Michigan Works!, trade unions, and military branches. 

Special Workshops are offered at 5:15 p.m. and 6:15 p.m.

• FASFA: What It Is & How to Complete It with Delta College
• Get Money! How to Graduate Debt-Free with Anderson Bearden, Complete College Advising

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Scholarship Giveaway! Attendees will have a chance to win a $1,000 scholarship. You must register in advance and attend to be eligible and win.

Registration is required for this event and can be completed through an online form.

Join us and take the next step toward your future! 

Strategic Planning Workshop

Click here to Register

Join the Bay Area Community Foundation, Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, and Bay Future, Inc. for a free nonprofit workshop designed to help organizations strengthen their approach to strategic planning and prepare for the future.

Led by Suann Hammersmith, President of Better Philanthropy, this interactive session will provide practical tools and strategies nonprofit leaders can use to assess where their organization is today, clarify where they want to go, and develop a plan to move forward.

With more than two decades of experience in nonprofit leadership, facilitation, strategic planning, board governance, fund development, and organizational development, Suann brings extensive experience working with nonprofits, foundations, educational institutions, government organizations, and community leaders.

Launch Your Future - Bay County

Click here to Register

The Bay Area Community Foundation invites high school seniors and adult learners to Launch Your Future, a free, hands-on workshop designed to help you take the next steps in your education or training journey.

What can you do at this event?

• Get advice on college selection
• Receive help completing the FSAFA
• Learn about State Aid Programs
• Explore scholarship opportunities with BACF staff in on-site computer labs
• Discover potential career pathways
• Connect with apprenticeships, military programs, and skilled trades

Exhibitors include colleges and universities from across the Great Lakes Bay Region, Michigan Works!, trade unions, and military branches. 

Special Workshops are offered at 5:15 p.m. and 6:15 p.m.

• FASFA: What It Is & How to Complete It with Delta College
• Get Money! How to Graduate Debt-Free with Anderson Bearden, Complete College Advising

—

Scholarship Giveaway! Attendees will have a chance to win a $1,000 scholarship. You must register in advance and attend to be eligible and win.

Registration is required for this event and can be completed through an online form.

Join us and take the next step toward your future! 

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.