One week only! We are thrilled to announce that the A.A. Van Elslander Foundation will match all donations to the Disaster Response Fund of the Otsego Community Foundation up to $100,000! But hurry, match ends Monday, April 21st at midnight.
We are deeply grateful to the A.A. Van Elslander Foundation for their unwavering generosity and compassion for our community. Their continued support is a powerful reminder of the impact that kindness and commitment can have. In 2022, they matched donations to our Tornado Response Fund, and now, they are once again standing with us in this time of need.
The Disaster Response Fund (DRF) provides a centralized opportunity for donors to invest in disaster relief and serves as a lifeline for nonprofit organizations responding to crises. Grants are awarded from the fund to support immediate relief, short-term recovery, and long-term rebuilding, all guided by our Disaster Response Plan.
To date, over $81,000 has been granted to help our neighbors with immediate relief efforts. To the following organizations:
- Otsego County United Way
- Otsego County Food Pantry
- Efree Church
- The Salvation Army
- The Refuge
- Johnnesburg Lewiston Schools
- Vanderbilt Area Schools
- Gaylord Community Schools
- Giving Tree Food Pantry
Click on the graphic above to give online now.
This year marks a decade of impact for 100+ Women Who Care in Otsego County! Since its inception in 2016, this powerful giving circle has brought women together to raise $141,000 in just 9 hours, directly benefiting 22 local nonprofits. Join us on May 13th, 2025, at Big Buck Brewery for this milestone event. Be a part of this incredible movement and help us continue making an impact. Click the graphic above to learn more and register.
Click on the graphic above to access the scholarship application. New deadline is Tuesday, May 15th 2025. If you are still experienceing issues with connectivity and need special considerations, contact Amanda Sosa – amanda@otsegofoundation.org or 989-731-0597.
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Foundation Matters
Volunteer Spotlight–Jacki Baron
April is Volunteer Appreciation Month, and at the OCF, one month a year is not enough time to convey the appreciation we have for our volunteers. We could not fulfill our mission to activate generosity for a strong community without the dedicated group of volunteers...
2025 100+ Women Who Care
This year marks the Otsego Community Foundation’s 10th 100+ Women Who Care event. OCF Executive Director Dana Bensinger wanted to bring a giving circle fundraiser to Otsego County when she took the helm of the OCF in 2011, and her vision became a reality in...
A Heartfelt Thanks to Bill Forreider
December 2024 marked the end of Bill Forreider’s tenure of service at the OCF. Bill has served on the OCF Board of Directors for 9 years and is term limited. We want to take this opportunity to express our deep gratitude for Bill’s remarkable service and commitment to...
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2025 OCF Corporate Partners
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Location: 316 W Main Street, Gaylord, MI 49735
Mailing Address: PO Box 344, Gaylord, MI 49734
Telephone: (989) 731-0597
Email: info@otsegofoundation.org
Hours: T-TH: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. (M & F by appt.)
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