Grantmaking is calling! Will you answer the phone? The next cycle of Community Choice Grants is now live, and the most impact happens when you are involved!
Community Choice Grants (CCG) invite and include members of the community in the nomination and selection process of our grantmaking efforts. Not only is this an opportunity for nonprofit partners to receive funding, but it also spreads awareness of their mission and cultivates new relationships. Community Choice Grants are another way we connect people who care to the causes that matter to them. These are offered at different times of the year including at events such as 100 Women Who Care in May and Extreevaganza in December as well as through social media and partnerships.
In June, the OCF Board of Directors led a CCG which awarded $2,500 to RISE: Otsego Substance Free Coalition and $1,000 to Community Mediation Services. Read about the impact these grants will have on the winning organizations below.
Community Mediation Services – We’re honored to have been awarded a $1,000 Community Choice Grant through the Otsego Community Foundation, following a community vote led by the OCF Board of Directors in June. This support is especially meaningful to us—not just because it provides funding for our mission, but because it reflects trust from our community. That trust strengthens our commitment to helping people navigate conflict through healthy communication, mutual understanding, and long-term, legally-sound solutions. The grant will directly support our ability to provide accessible mediation services to individuals and families across Northern Michigan. Whether it’s resolving a neighbor dispute, navigating parenting time, or addressing small claims matters, mediation helps people move forward with clarity and dignity. We’re incredibly grateful to the Otsego Community Foundation and everyone who voted for us. Your support empowers us to continue this important work—building a more connected and peaceful community, one conversation at a time.”
Annette Wells – Executive Director, Community Mediation Services
RISE Otsego Substance Free Coalition – “The Community Choice Grant will directly strengthen RISE: Otsego Substance Free Coalition’s capacity to engage both youth and adults in meaningful prevention efforts. The RISE coalition—representing a wide range of sectors across Otsego County—is coming together in August to earmark these funds for impactful use during the upcoming school year. It is important to RISE that this grant supports direct, tangible prevention efforts within our local community. More to come on what that will look like specifically, but we are truly excited to put this generous support into action! Community Choice Grants are incredibly meaningful to RISE because they represent not just funding, but community trust. When working with youth and their families, trust is built through time, consistency, and genuine engagement. Being selected for this award affirms the value of our mission and reinforces our connection to the community. It also energizes our coalition members to continue their efforts in creating a safer, healthier Otsego County.”
Ellen Templeton, MSW – Certified Prevention Specialist, Community Health Coordinator RISE: Otsego Substance Free Coalition
Follow this link to nominate an organization by August 15th.
The voting form will be available, on Facebook, August 18th – 22nd.
1st place will receive $2,500 and 2nd $1,000.
Stay tuned to our Facebook page for updates.