Every year, communities across the country come together to celebrate Community Foundation Week, a national observance recognizing the important role community foundations play in improving quality of life through philanthropy, partnerships, and local leadership.
Community Foundation Week was established in 1989 by former President George H.W. Bush to honor the work of community foundations and their collaborative approach to bringing together the public, private, and nonprofit sectors to address community needs and opportunities. The week also coincides with National Philanthropy Day on November 15, shining a spotlight on the generosity and civic engagement that help communities thrive.
At the Otsego Community Foundation, we see firsthand how generosity transforms lives. Through grants, scholarships, donor advised funds, and community initiatives, we work alongside donors, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and community leaders to address local challenges and create opportunities throughout our region.
You may be familiar with Sip. Share. Connect., our casual bi-monthly coffee gathering hosted at the Foundation office. These informal, drop-in events provide an opportunity to enjoy a cup of coffee, meet new people, ask questions, share ideas, and learn more about the work of the Foundation. In celebration of Community Foundation Week, the Otsego Community Foundation is bringing Sip. Share. Connect. On the Road to communities throughout Otsego County.
Over the course of the week, Foundation staff and board members will visit five communities, inviting residents to stop by for coffee, conversation, and connection. We'll share stories of local impact, highlight grants and projects that have helped strengthen each community, and most importantly, spend time listening to the people who call these communities home.
Whether you're already connected to the Foundation or simply curious about what we do, we invite you to pull up a chair, grab a complimentary cup of coffee, and join the conversation.
We will also be offering the chance to participate in a Community Choice Grant exercise, giving attendees the opportunity to vote and help direct a $1,000 grant to a local nonprofit organization at each stop. It's a fun and meaningful way to experience local philanthropy in action and support the causes that matter most to our communities.
We'd love to meet you. Which Sip. Share. Connect. On the Road stop will you attend?
Sip. Share. Connect. On the Road Schedule
Thursday, November 12
Brennan's Up North | 110 N. Otsego Ave. Gaylord, MI 49735
7:00 - 9:00 a.m.
Friday, November 13
Mill Street Pizza & Diner | 7814 Mill St. Vanderbilt, MI 49795
8:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Monday, November 16
Sips N Swirls Café | 10832 M-32 E. Johannesburg, MI 49751
7:00 – 9:00 a.m.
Tuesday, November 17
Waters End Café | 10740 Old Highway 27 S. Gaylord, MI 49735
8:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Wednesday, November 18
Elmira - Warner Township Fire Hall | 2035 Mt. Jack Rd. Elmira, MI 49730
8:00-10:00 a.m.
