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GIVE WHERE
YOU LIVE
Generosity takes many forms in Allegan County. Every day we see neighbors giving their time, talent, and treasure to strengthen the place we all call home. That spirit is exactly what Allegan County Gives is all about.
Earlier this month, we saw that generosity in action as nearly 175 community members from across Allegan County gathered for the Anne Frank Project at The Griswold. Together, we shared an evening of learning, reflection, and conversation about courage, resilience, and the responsibility we share in shaping inclusive communities. The event was a powerful reminder of what can happen when people come together with open minds and a shared commitment to community.
That same spirit fuels Allegan County Gives, our community’s annual giving celebration. It invites everyone across the county to support the causes they care about most whether by volunteering their time, sharing their talents, or making a charitable gift.
This year, generosity goes even further. Through March 19, every gift made to funds held at the Allegan County Community Foundation will be matched dollar-for-dollar through our $61,000 Matching Challenge. That means your support of the funds and organizations you care about most can go twice as far.
When you give through a fund at ACCF, you are investing in lasting impact, supporting nonprofits, scholarships, community programs, and solutions that strengthen Allegan County now and forever.
Thank you for being part of this community and for sharing your time, talent, and treasure to make Allegan County an amazing place for everyone.
Positively Impacting Allegan County,
Stephanie
President/CEO
| | We are incredibly grateful to Shariem Saterfield, owner of Saterfield Coaching & Consulting, for her dynamic and inspiring presentation at the 2026 Leader Lunch & Learn. Shariem brought both energy and authenticity to the room, challenging us to think differently about leadership and the role we play as Chief Energy Officers within our organizations. Her insights were practical, empowering, and perfectly tailored to the realities leaders face each day. Thank you, Shariem, for investing your time and expertise into our community and for leaving us motivated to lead with intention, resilience, and heart. | |
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Allegan County Gives Volunteer Fair
📅 Thursday, March 19
⏰ 12:00–2:00 PM
📍 The Silo, Allegan
This is a casual, come-and-go event. You are welcome to stop by, visit with organizations, ask questions, and learn about volunteer roles that are meaningful and manageable, many of which offer flexibility and social connection.
Volunteering is a wonderful way to stay engaged, share your gifts, and continue making a positive impact in the community you care about. We would love to see you there!
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You’re Invited: Veterans Spring Dinner
Join VFW Post 9377 for a special evening dedicated to honoring those who have served our country. The Veterans Spring Dinner is a time to come together in appreciation, fellowship, and community with fellow service members, veterans, and their guests.
📅 Saturday, March 14
⏰ 5:00 – 8:00 PM
📍 Lake Doster Golf Club
116 Country Club Lane, Plainwell
Enjoy a delicious dinner, meaningful conversation, and an inspiring program featuring guest speaker Dustin Curtis, Assistant Program Manager for SERV. A cash bar will be available.
🎟️ Tickets are $30 per person and must be purchased by Thursday, March 5.
Whether you served, are currently serving, or want to show your support for our veterans, we invite you to be part of this memorable evening. Scan the QR code on the flyer or follow the ticket link to reserve your seat today.
| Enjoy happy hour beginning at 5:00 PM, followed by dinner at 6:00 PM, and hear from our guest speaker, Jackie Huie, District Governor. All proceeds from the evening support a scholarship that directly benefits Plainwell students. | |
Allegan County Photo Contest is BACK in 2026!
Taking place April 13th-26th, submissions will be open to anyone in Allegan County wanting to show off the beauty of where we live. Pictures can only be taken in Allegan County, and must be family friendly.
Voting period will be from April 29th-May 3rd. With new voting categories that will be announced soon.
Winners will be announced May 5th.
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Looking to Make a Difference in Allegan County?
Do you believe in the power of philanthropy to bring people together and spark lasting change? Are you passionate about creating opportunities and tackling challenges that impact our entire community?
We need leaders like you.
The Allegan County Community Foundation is seeking individuals who want to make a meaningful, long-term impact on the region we all call home. Whether you're interested in serving on our Board of Directors, joining a committee, or contributing your time and talent as a volunteer, there’s a place for you here.
If you're ready to use your unique skills to support the greater good, we’d love to connect. Please apply below.
Together, we can positively impact Allegan County.
| | In the fourth quarter of 2025, ACCF awarded $141,176 in grants to nonprofits serving Allegan County, supporting everything from arts and education to health, housing, and basic needs. Thanks to our generous donors, these dollars are turning care into lasting community impact. | | With the March 10 deadline approaching, now is the time to complete your scholarship application. Whether your next step leads to college or skilled trade training, submitting today puts you on the path to funding that can help make your goals a reality. Just a few minutes could open doors to support your education, build new skills, and move you closer to the career you’ve been dreaming of. Don’t wait — if you have questions along the way, we’re here to help at scholarships@alleganfoundation.org | | |
At their February TAG Team meeting, members participated in a structured restorative circle discussion with Bill Brown, superintendent of Allegan Area ESA, focused on school safety, well-being, and everyday student experiences. The discussion was informed by a student-wide survey on how safe students feel, the challenges they face, and ideas for improvement, giving TAG Team members a chance to share perspectives and ask thoughtful questions about what student safety and support look like from the inside.
Throughout the meeting, students were hands-on in both conversation and community service, actively practicing engagement and problem-solving as they explored important issues and then put care into action.
The meeting also included hands-on service, as members created tie blankets for Project Linus, a local initiative that partners with community organizations to provide comfort to children in need. By combining meaningful discussion with community action, TAG Team students showed how they can make a difference both inside and outside the classroom.
Learn more about student-led school safety conversations:
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My Future Fund Launches First Deposit Days for 2026!
This month marked an exciting milestone for My Future Fund as we kicked off our very first Deposit Days at participating elementary schools across Allegan County! Participating schools included:
- Allegan Public Schools – Pine Trails, Dawson, and West Ward Elementary Schools
- Fennville Elementary School
- Plainwell Community Schools – Starr, Cooper, and Gilkey Elementary Schools
Deposit Days provide students with an exciting opportunity to begin developing strong savings habits at an early age. To celebrate this important step, every student who made a deposit (no matter the amount) received a $5 incentive deposited into their My Future Fund Children’s Savings Account. We are incredibly proud of our young savers for taking this meaningful step toward their financial futures!
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My Future Fund Kick Off Events in Plainwell
Although our original January Kick Off event at Plainwell Community Schools was canceled due to inclement weather, we were thrilled to bring the celebration directly to students with a special mini Kick Off during Deposit Day.
Students enjoyed a sweet treat, received My Future Fund piggy banks, and participated in voting on the name of our My Future Fund mascot!
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My Future Fund’s Mascot Name
We are excited to officially reveal the name of our My Future Fund mascot now that all participating Allegan County kindergartners have cast their votes! The choices were:
And the winner is…
🎉 CASH! 🎉
Our new mascot name perfectly captures the spirit of saving and the strong financial habits we are building together.
We look forward to continuing Deposit Days throughout the year and watching our students — and their savings — grow!
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Municipal leaders, developers, builders and advocates for housing are invited to attend the Allegan County Community Foundations 2nd Housing Summit taking place on Friday May 8 from 8:00-1:00.
Focusing on topics to help units of government find local solutions to addressing the county's 6400-unit housing shortage, this impactful program is designed to provide informative sessions alongside ample networking time so community leaders can learn from each other.
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The Allegan County Community Foundation’s Grant Catalog highlights real, local projects seeking support from youth and veterans to health, housing, and food security.
Browse the catalog, choose a cause that matters to you, and make a direct impact right here in Allegan County. Every gift helps strengthen our community.
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Spring is almost here, and we’re excited to continue our conversations with so many of you about your charitable priorities for 2026. It’s fun to see your generosity and impact take shape, whether you’ve already established your fund at the community foundation, are considering doing so, or regularly support the community foundation’s initiatives.
As always, we are happy to share tips and trends to help guide your
philanthropy as you support the causes that mean the most to you.
—Women are increasingly shaping the future of philanthropy—within families, businesses, and communities. During Women’s History Month, the community foundation is happy to help you explore how thoughtful planning can translate your own growing influence and resources into lasting, multi-generational impact.
—New tax rules taking effect in 2026 could change how—and when—your charitable gifts deliver maximum benefit. A quick review with your CPA and the community foundation team can help ensure your giving strategy stays both tax-efficient and aligned with your goals.
—If you’ve been meaning to “do more” with your philanthropy, you’re not alone. Discover how small, intentional steps—taken over time with the community foundation by your side—can help you build a charitable plan that evolves with your life, your family, and your vision for impact.
The community foundation is honored to be your home for charitable giving, and we appreciate the opportunity to work together. Thank you!
| | | | WOMEN AND PHILANTHROPY: IMPACT ACROSSS GENERATIONS | | | | WHY 2026 IS DIFFERENT: FOUR TAX-TIME REMINDERS | | | | BUILDING YOUR CHARITABLE PLAN, BRICK BY BRICK | | |
Want to hear about the incredible work our nonprofit partners are doing in the community? Check out our Nonprofit Spotlight!
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Don't forget to check out our Community Calendar for upcoming events and opportunities in Allegan County! It's a great resource for staying informed and getting involved. You can also add your group or business event's to it - for free!
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Many of you have reached out with questions about the uncertainty surrounding Federal grants and what this may mean for Allegan County.
The National Council of Nonprofits has created a helpful chart tracking Executive Orders issued since January 20th that may affect nonprofits directly or indirectly. Some of these orders will take time to go into effect, while others are expected to face immediate legal challenges. Because this landscape is evolving quickly, the chart will be updated frequently.
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