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The Cadillac Area Community Foundation enhances the quality of life for all members of our community through philanthropy – connecting donor gifts with the needs of our community.
Scholarships & Grant Application Forms
SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE:
COMMON SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATON INCUDES:
CAPS Alumni Association Scholarship
Sue Westhauser Memorial Scholarship
Orma and Kenneth Brodeur Scholarship
Helen and Harvey Pell Fund for Education Scholarship
Dr. Fredrick Mannion Scholarship – application by invitation of the Senior Class Counselor
Common Scholarship Application – click here
Paul McMullen Track & Field Memorial Scholarship Application – Wexford Missaukee ISD School District High school track and field performance results in the 1600 and/or 800 meter run.
Helen and Harvey Pell Fund for Education Scholarship – is available to current residents of the Wexford-Missaukee ISD area graduating from high school, have graduated from high school, obtained a GED, or college student may apply.
Workman Fund of Hope Scholarship – is available to current residents of the Wexford-Missaukee ISD area graduating from high school and Wexford Missaukee Career Technical Center students within the Wexford Missaukee Intermediate School District.
The Fund provides scholarships to eligible students who are attending their first or second year of a certificate program, a two-year or four-year college/university in the State of Michigan.
Kelly Ann Garcia Scholarship for the Performing Arts Application – is available to CAPS Seniors majoring in voice training at an accredited college or university, and/or students entering their junior or senior year attending music camps, academies, or musical tours for vocal music training.
The Ardis/Lueder Northern Lower Michigan Endowed Scholarship Fund, supports a student in a recognized dental program at the School of Dentistry at the University of Michigan or the University of Detroit. Preference would be granted to a student who is from Wexford, Missaukee, or Osceola Counties. Qualified students in the post-graduate, fourth, and third-year program.
Send letter of why you have chosen dental school and your transcripts to cacf@cadillacfoundation.org
Deadline: July 15, 2023
The David A. Cook Memorial Scholarship Fund for Civil & Environmental Engineering student at Michigan State University. Any currently enrolled, second year or higher, civil & environmental engineering student at Michigan State University.
Send letter of of why you have chosen Civil & Environmental Engineering and your transcript to cacf@cadillacfoundation.org
Deadline for scholarships is July 15, 2023
2022 Youth Advisory Committee Needs Assessment Results: Click here
Veterans Fund of Wexford and Missaukee Counties accepts applications for Emergency Needs all year long. Click Guidelines and application information or by calling the Foundation offices at 231-775-9911.
Youth Grant Applications are accepted from September through May. Click Guidelines and an application.
CACF Trustee Grant Applications cycle deadlines: February 28, June 30, & October 31. Click Guidelines and application.
Cadillac Area Men’s Giving Circle
Cadillac Area Women’s Giving Circle
You can view all of our grant-making and Scholarship Deadlines by clicking on the “Deadlines” Tab at the top of this page.
Executive Director’s Blog
The National Standards Seal by our name indicates official confirmation from the Council on Foundations that we have met the most rigorous standards in philanthropy. It affirms our commitment to financial security, transparency and accountability. It says our grantmaking includes an open, competitive process designed to address the changing needs of our community. The National Standards Seal also confirms our history of honoring donors’ wishes.
January Blog
January 2023
People around the world have been celebrating the start of each New Year for at least four millennia. The most common tradition is making resolutions for the up-coming year.
With so many people committing to goals for the New Year, the hope and optimism that change can happen is in the air. The reality is, however, that over 90% of New Year’s resolutions will be abandoned within just a few months.
Why do we do it, and why do we fail?
Some reasons include the idea that we’re thinking too big, we’re not considering the ‘why’ behind them, and the fact that we may not be ready for change.
The one thing that has not changed with Community Foundations, we look to create more positive change in our Community. From childcare, housing, mental health and wellness for our most vulnerable citizens.
We continue to collaborate with social service groups, youth groups, city government, chamber of commerce, and the health department to address the pressing needs in our community.
We are dedicated to making powerful change in our communities and solving the complex problems facing our community.
December Projects:
Breakfast with Santa Project donated $33,500 for the Imagination Library Fund, 29 stuffed animals found a new home, 177 guests enjoyed a fabulous breakfast, and 75 children visited Santa and Caddy Bear. We are very grateful for our sponsors.
Shop with a Hero Project was a morning of chaos of the best kind, 96 children received $100 gift card to shop for their family with a Hero at Walmart. Volunteers from the Cadillac Area Women’s Giving Circle, Cadillac Area Men’s Giving Circle, Cadillac Leadership, Police Officers from Wexford and Missaukee Counties, EMS, Fire Department, and many others, for 87 volunteers.
2023 Projects:
Human Service Leadership Council is planning a “State of Mental Health in our Community” seminar February 23 at Baker. A panel from Healthcare, Mental Health, Human Resources, Education, Ministry, and Police Department will talk about the greatest issues in our community and resources available. Our hope is to discuss openly about what we can do to make a difference.
“Are we Housing Ready” Breakfast, we are working on having presenters from Frankfort, Grayling, and Mackinaw Island about their housing projects and how the community was involved. In the last AES committee meeting, we discussed contracting a Housing Ready individual for Wexford, Missaukee, and Kalkaska Counties. Planned for April.
Deep Dive Interactive Workshop for Non-profits developing templates to be used in commonly found sections of grant applications. Planned for April.
We will continue to work in our community; this is a big task that we will not abandon.
Happy New Year!
Doreen
July 2022 Blog
July Blog | Youth are our Future
Community foundations are more than awarding grants to nonprofits and giving out scholarships, we are much more….
Foundations also serve as conveners for vital community meeting, help build teams of organizations to solve problems, and serve nonprofits. Foundations are always looking at the future needs of the community and the quality of life of our citizens.
The next generation are the most critical and most affected stakeholders when talking about our future. Our Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) are encouraged to become volunteers and even donors from an early age. It also teaches the importance of generosity, being good stewards, and serving in our Community.
Students in 9th through 12th grade have the opportunity to join this group that encourages student leadership and engaging young people in decision-making. It encourages youth involvement in philanthropy, and provides ways for local young people to act on issues and challenges that are important to them.
The Youth Needs Assessment!
In the spring of 2022, the Cadillac Youth did a Youth Needs Assessment, the top issues were quite alarming to the Youth Committee. Some of the top issue our youth are facing today; feeling unsafe at school, drug use, stress from school, and mental health issues.
After reviewing the survey; they immediately discussed meeting during the summer to look at these issues and have a plan to addresses at the beginning of the school year (September). The students will pick 3 to 4 priority issues facing youth today to address. Their plan is to work in collaboration with school officials to make a positive impact on some of the top concerns. I have no doubt the power of these students can make a difference.
The issues…
We are currently facing a mental health crisis. More young people than ever are experiencing mental health difficulties. This can affect all areas of their life: home, school, friendships and relationships. There remains a stigma surrounding mental health and it is important that young people understand where to go for support. The rise of technology has had a significant impact on the lives of young people.
Technology can be an amazing tool, however, there are also concerns about how it impacts self-perception and privacy. While social media can be praised as a way to connect with both family and friends during difficult times, it is not without its drawbacks.
Socializing with and having the respect of your peers is important to young people. ‘Peer pressure’ relates to the role that others can have in influencing how an individual acts. Many children may think that they are missing out or not fitting in if they don’t go along with the crowd, or the strongest voice in that crowd. This desire to seek approval may encourage them to reinforce positive habits. However, it may also encourage them to partake in risk taking behavior such as drinking alcohol and drugs.
Youth are living in uncertain times: the global COVID-19 pandemic has impacted everybody’s lives differently, but the take away here is that it has impacted everybody. Uncertainty over the future is a major concern for many young people.
This is a significant time working with youth, working together to understanding of what pressures youth face today, and ‘fully understand’ what they are experiencing-then finding the best way to support whatever challenges they face in the best way possible.
Lastly, the Youth Needs Assessment is done every 3 years; YAC students are planning to take a deep dive into a few of the top issues this fall, by asking for details of (for instance) “feeling unsafe at school” unsafe from bulling, shootings, etc.
I am very proud to stand with the students as they address these issues and find ways to support their fellow students.
The Youth Needs Assessment was presented to Rotary Club of Cadillac, Cadillac Area Public Schools Board, Human Service Leadership Council, and the Cadillac Area Health Coalition. If your organization would like a presentation of the survey, please feel free to contact me.
To view the complete survey, click here cadillacfoundation.org/Youth Advisory Committee
Happy July! Doreen
April 2022 Blog
April 2022 Blog | New Funds!
Cadillac Area Men’s Giving Circle
The Men’s Giving Circle is a group of forward-thinking men who care deeply about improving the quality of life for men and boys in our community. These passionate people don’t want to simply give their money, but they want to be a part of the process to help decide which organizations it is awarded to.
A local doctor was asked after retiring, “What are you doing to make a difference in the community?” His answer was “Not Much”. This bothered him. After sleeping on it for a while, he thought starting a Men’s Giving Circle could help with some unmet needs for men and boys in our community.
Established in December 2021 with the Cadillac Area Community Foundation a fund called the “Cadillac Area Men’s Giving Circle” was created. Participation requires a donation of $500 annually and today, 39 men have contributed to the fund. April 2022 will be their first grant season. (10% of annual contributions will be allocated to a second fund “Cadillac Area Men’s Giving Circle Field of Interest Endowment Fund). This endowment fund will be a perpetual Gift for Men and Boys unmet needs in our area.
Paul McMullen Track and Field Memorial Scholarship
Paul McMullen (February 19, 1972 – March 4, 2021) was an American middle-distance runner who specialized in the 1500 meters. Paul was known by some as “the pride of Cadillac” after qualifying and competing in the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia.
Paul McMullen attended Eastern Michigan University and graduated in accounting. After graduation, he ran three seasons for Asics Shoes and four seasons Saucony Shoes before enlisting in the United States Coast Guard at age 29 and served four years as a surface swimmer and Federal Boarding Officer on the Great Lakes. McMullen still holds the Coast Guard’s Cape May New Jersey Training Center 1.5-mile run record of 7:09 , which he ran on week 6 of basic training in December 2002. McMullen last broke the four-minute mile at the Premontane Classic in Eugene, Oregon at the age of 32 then later retired from running after failing to make the 2004 Olympic Team while representing the US Coast Guard.
Hall of Fame inductions: He was inducted into the Drake Relays Hall of Fame in 2000 and Eastern Michigan’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 2003.
Before his death, he worked as a Life Safety Consultant for EPS Security and competed in masters road cycling events during the summer. He was the founder and Coach of Chariots of Fire running club.
Today, the foundation holds the Paul McMullen Track and Field Memorial Scholarship for students in the Wexford Missaukee ISD School District. The annual scholarship will awarded to one girl and one boy in the Track & Field program.
The funds come from the Annual Paul McMullen Memorial 5k Run/Walk event held in August.
Korn First Generation Scholarship Fund
The Fund shall be used for support of the charitable purposes of the Scholarship Fund. It is understood that the primary purpose is to build a permanent endowment for the Scholarship Fund. The goal of the Korn Scholarship is to make college education possible for more students by working to remove social, financial, and academic barriers to success.
John Budde, Sr. & John “Sean” Budde, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund for Student-Athletes (Manton Scholarship)
The annual amount available for distribution from the Fund shall be made for the purposes of scholarship for student athletes graduating from Manton Consolidated School and attending a four-year college or university.
Brian Gaylord Scholarship Fund (Lake City Scholarship)
The annual amount available for distribution from the Fund shall be made for the purposes of a Scholarship for a graduating student(s) from Lake City Public Schools.
Clark A. Riddell Healthcare and Patient Assistance in Wexford County Fund
The Fund is to provide a vehicle to support Healthcare and Patient Assistance in Wexford County.
January Blog
January 2022 Blog
Our community has shown strength, courage, and generosity through these challenging times.
Over the past year, the Foundation has taken an active approach listening and learning about the challenges and opportunities within our community. In addition to working with non-profit organizations to provide critical needs and services, we have become the hub for connecting people to local resources to assist them with vital needs such as food, housing, and clothing.
In 2020/2021, the Foundation provided countless volunteer hours and upwards of $500,000 in financial assistance in support of a wide variety of needs and opportunities to improve our community. One of our most gratifying times is awarding scholarships, in 2021; $97,150 in scholarships went to local graduates.
We would not be able to do this without our generous donors; their gifts to the Cadillac Area Community Foundation enable us to address our community’s most pressing needs and promising opportunities, both now and for generations to come.
We are looking forward to 2022, telling our story beyond the numbers of people helped, the impacts achieved, and the resources share; we will share the stories of generosity and what philanthropy represents for our Community!
Making a difference Today, Tomorrow, Forever.
The Cadillac Area Community Foundation Board & staff wishes you and your family a safe & happy holiday!
November 2021 Blog
unfinished work. . .
In the United States:
*More than 12 million American children are unsure of when they will have their next meal.
*552,830 people experience homelessness on any given night.
*On average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner.
*Five children die every day from child abuse.
*Average of 16.8 Veterans died by suicide each day.
*One study says 800 small businesses are closing a day.
The numbers are shocking!
Community foundations play a crucial role in identifying and solving community problems. In 2020, they gave an estimated $88.55 billion to various nonprofit activities in fields that included the arts and education, health and human services, the environment, and disaster relief.
Community Foundations around the United States are putting grants to work to make a difference in their community.
In our community, we have unfinished work to do, and we cannot do this without generous donors, collaboration, listening, and learning the needs of our community. Therefore, we promote charitable giving and strive to create community impact through our … Grants.
Think the imaginable, no homeless, affordable housing, our children having three meals a day, the women’s shelter close, and our Veterans getting the help they need; it is a lot to imagine. Is it possible?
Last year, the Cadillac Area Community Foundation provided countless volunteer hours and over $500,000 in financial assistance to support a wide variety of needs and opportunities to improve our community.
We invest in leaders of nonprofit organizations through our Leadership Learning Lab to become the best in their field. For example, we partnered with Venture North to assist small businesses with $5,000 grants to not close their doors. In addition, we supported a Facebook peer-to-peer group called Spark in the Dark to address emergency needs quickly.
We are at the table with the city, social services, chamber, economic development, and others to solve community issues.
We are not just investing dollars; we are investing time to make a difference.
Warmest Regards, Doreen
Executive Directors Quarterly Blog – July 2021
We will Continue to Support our Community
Millions of people who worked from home over the past 16 months learned there was no playbook of how to shelter in place.
As for the Community Foundation, we never stopped working; we continued to monitor the community’s needs every day throughout the pandemic. As a result, we faced challenges and found solutions to many critical needs.
We awarded grants to agencies that supported the homeless, domestic violence, food programs, crime prevention, veterans emergency needs, education, and sports. In addition, we worked with Venture North to provide small business grants that continue to struggle.
We filled local Blessing Boxes with food from generous donations, delivered 20 cases of hand sanitizer to non-profit organizations because of a generous donation from Walmart, and we had weekly zoom meetings to find ways to support non-profit organizations during this pandemic.
As summer arrived, our Youth Advisory Committee rented space at the YMCA Community Garden, where fresh vegetables are now growing to donate to senior citizens and veterans.
Scholarships of nearly $100,000 were awarded to graduates and continuing education students.
The Cadillac Area Women’s Giving Circle approve $20,781 in grants to support projects and programs for women and girls in the Greater Cadillac Area.
Over the past 16 months, we addressed many challenges, thanks to our partnerships and generous donors.
The Cadillac Area Community Foundation will continue to provide community support; during this path of our new kind of normal.
Happy summer! Doreen