What does a typical day look like for an aircraft mechanic? How much training does a dental hygienist need? What skills are required to become a respiratory therapist or a heavy equipment operator? For many students, these questions can be difficult to answer. That's...
Amanda Sosa
Gaylord Next – Connect. Grow. Lead.
Young leaders in our community are crucial to future success, and there is a need for a space for them to get involved. The Gaylord Area Chamber of Commerce, Otsego County Economic Alliance, and the Otsego Community Foundation have joined together to begin Gaylord...
Back-to-School Community Choice Grants
As students head back to the classroom, the Otsego Community Foundation is excited to launch a new opportunity to celebrate and support the organizations that help local students learn, grow, and thrive. Through our Back-to-School Community Choice Grants, community...
August is Make-A-Will Month: Creating a Legacy That Lasts
August is National Make-A-Will Month, an important reminder to create or update one of the most meaningful documents you'll ever prepare. While many people intend to create a will, studies continue to show that a majority of Americans do not have one in place. Some...
Fund Spotlight: Mount Carmel Center Fund
Rising above Gaylord’s landscape, the Mount Carmel Centre has long been a symbol of reflection, faith, and quiet strength—its presence a steady reminder of purpose and community. Now, thanks to the extraordinary foresight of a dedicated group of supporters, the Mount...
Volunteer Spotlight: Randy Stults
The Otsego Community Foundation is fortunate to have dedicated volunteers who generously share their time, talents, and experience to help strengthen our community. This month, we're proud to spotlight Randy Stults, a member of OCF's Governance Committee and a...
2026 Community Grant Program Opens August 3rd
Building on its great success from last year, The Community Grant Program is maintaining a similar structure, with one exciting addition! Learn more below, mark your calendars, and start preparing now to share your story with local funders. Since 2015, The Otsego...
A Legacy of Joy, Service, and Giving: The William “Bill” Wishart Fund
The Otsego Community Foundation is proud to introduce the William “Bill” Wishart Fund, established in 2026 by Dona Wishart in memory of Bill and his deep love for the Gaylord community. This fund reflects who Bill was at his core—someone who cared deeply, showed up...
Partnership Brings AmeriCorps Team to Support Regional Ice Storm Recovery
Recovery from the 2025 ice storm continues across Northern Michigan, where communities are still addressing the storm's widespread impact. To support these ongoing efforts, the Otsego Community Foundation partnered with the Michigan Community Service Commission to...
Sip. Share. Connect.
A New Way to Engage with OCF Otsego Community Foundation is excited to introduce a new, casual way to connect with us and one another—Sip. Share. Connect. We’re excited to introduce Sip. Share. Connect., a casual, drop-in coffee series designed to bring people...
Volunteer Spotlight – Annette Wells
There are people in every community whose quiet dedication, steady leadership, and genuine care help shape a better future for everyone. This month, we are proud to spotlight Annette Wells—Vice Chair of our Board of Directors and Executive Committee member—whose...
The Heart Behind the Foundation: Celebrating Dana Bensinger’s 15 Years
On Dana Bensinger’s first day as Executive Director of the Otsego Community Foundation, she was handed three things:A binder.A ring of keys.And a stack of mail. Her office sat in the basement of the Fifth Third building—quite literally the foundation of the community....












