This month, we shine our OCF Volunteer Spotlight on Heather Appold, one of our amazing 100+ Women Who Care Ambassadors. Along with the other Ambassadors, Heather helps bring this community-driven philanthropic event to Otsego County every year. Originally from...
Bill Corkill
Thirty Years of the OCF–Made with Community
In Michigan during the early 1990s, Community Foundations saw a surge in popularity. This was a reflection of the shift from big philanthropy to local philanthropy, and the idea was to create endowed funds that enhanced a particular region. This type of organization...
YAC Where Are They Now? Emily Szczerowski
School and the OCF Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) are back in session this month! We wanted to catch up with a former YAC member to see what she is doing and how being a part of this impactful organization shaped her life. Thank you, Emily, for sharing with...
October: National Estate Planning Awareness Month
October: National Estate Planning Awareness Month October is National Estate Planning Awareness Month—a time to consider the importance of planning for the future. Legacy giving is a vital part of estate planning, ensuring that your assets are distributed...
Fund Spotlight–Long Range Success Fund
This month, we highlight The Long Range Success Fund (LRSF) of the OCF. The LRSF is a donor advised fund (DAF) that was established in November of 2023 by an anonymous donor. A DAF allows the donor(s) to be actively involved in grantmaking while streamlining...
Through the Archives–Nonprofit Exchange (NPX)
Since 2018, the OCF has hosted the Nonprofit Exchange (NPX) on the second Wednesday of every month. This unique program brings local nonprofit partners together to share information, learn from each other, and network. This is a fantastic way for our nonprofit...
Aftermath of Hurricane Helene and Milton Resonates throughout the Gaylord Community
GAYLORD, MICH. – When an EF3 Tornado struck Gaylord, May 20, 2022 support from all over the country helped Otsego County recover. The Center for Disaster Philanthropy (CDP) awarded the Otsego Community Foundation (OCF) a $100,000 grant to assist and coach Gaylord...
OCF Achieves Platinum Seal of Transparency
Earlier this year, the Otsego Community Foundation earned the prestigious Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid, the world's largest source of nonprofit information. Candid advances nonprofit financial transparency by sharing essential information that aids donors...
Former OCF Board Members Gather
As part of our 30th Anniversary celebration, former OCF board members convened on August 21st at Jay’s Headwaters Room. Former board members whose service ranged from 1994 to 2020 shared their memories of the past and hopes for the future of the OCF and Otsego...
Back to School with the OCF
How OCF Nonprofit Partners Are Shaping Youth Education and Development At the Otsego Community Foundation, our mission to activate generosity for a strong community is deeply intertwined with our commitment to the next generation. By focusing on fostering a...
Fund Spotlight – Gaylord Edward Jones Fund
Edward Jones has long been a valued partner of the Otsego Community Foundation (OCF). Over the years, their associates have contributed by serving on OCF committees, the board of directors, and as event ambassadors. In the fall of 2023, local Edward Jones branch...
Volunteer Spotlight–Wendy Huston
This month we feature Wendy Huston in our Volunteer Spotlight. Wendy is a part of the OCF Investment Committee, which ensures the financial sustainability of our foundation. Wendy was born in Harper Woods, MI, yet her parents relocated to Johannesburg when she was...












