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Engaging Community

The OCF is built on the time, talent, and treasure of many individuals and organizations. We invite you to join us in our mission to activate generosity for a strong community.

How do you want to be involved? 

Save the date for Extreevaganza 2024!! Through the generous support of donors, Extreevaganza has been the premier charitable event in our community for more than 20 years. They are part of ongoing efforts to strengthen our community today, tomorrow, and forever. Stay tuned for more details to come.

Please join us on May 13th for the 2025 OCF 100+ WWC event. This evening isn’t like other fundraising events. It’s a wonderful opportunity to learn about the amazing work being done in our community and a chance to connect with other women who care about Otsego County, and it only requires an hour of your time. 

Volunteer Opportunities 

Join our team of dedicated volunteers who help us make a difference in the community! Every year, over 50 volunteers contribute their time and talents to help us implement programs and services that align with our mission. 

Share Your Talents 

We’re always looking for enthusiastic individuals to help us with various projects and events. Whether you have expertise in marketing, event planning, or finance, we’d love to hear from you! 

Get Involved 

Interested in volunteering with the OCF? Contact Amanda Sosa, Director of Donor Services, at (989) 731-0596 EXT. 1000 or  amanda@otsegofoundation.org, to discuss how your skills can help advance our mission. 

Education Committee

 The Education Committee is a dedicated group of local school representatives and community leaders who come together to support educational excellence in our region. This committee plays a role in: 

  • Reviewing applications and awarding academic scholarships to deserving students 
  • Providing grants to educators for innovative programs and projects 

Committee Details 

  • Meets quarterly (four times a year) to discuss applications, scholarships, and grants 
  • Comprised of representatives from local schools and community leaders passionate about education 
  • Committee members serve a vital role in shaping the educational landscape in our community

 

Event Ambassador

Are you passionate about events that bring people together and make a positive impact in our community? Our Event Ambassadors play a vital role in promoting and supporting OCF events, including: 

Extreevaganza 

100 Women Who Care 

Be Part of the Action 

As an Event Ambassador, you’ll join a dynamic group of volunteers who meet 4-6 times a year, depending on the event. You’ll help spread the word, plan activities, and ensure each event is a success. If you’ve attended one of our events in the past and had a fantastic time, this is a great way to get involved and take your enthusiasm to the next level! 

Finance Committee

Stewarding Our Resources with Care 

The Finance Committee plays a vital role in ensuring the financial health and sustainability of the OCF. This dedicated group of community members with expertise in finance: 

  • Reviews income and expenditures, ensuring alignment with our operating budget 
  • Receives and reviews audit reports, ensuring transparency and accountability 
  • Develops our operating plan, projecting expenses and revenues in line with our strategic plan 

Committee Leadership 

The committee is led by our Board Treasurer, who brings financial expertise and guidance to the group. The committee meets 4-6 times a year, providing a forum for in-depth discussion and analysis of our financial position. 

Governance Committee

Building a Strong and Representative Board 

The Governance Committee is dedicated to ensuring our board is diverse, inclusive, and effective in driving our mission forward. This committee: 

  • Ensures the board reflects the demographics of our county, bringing diverse perspectives and experiences to the table 
  • Leads board recruitment, orientation, and development, fostering a culture of excellence and inclusivity 
  • Guides board evaluation and leadership succession planning, ensuring continuity and sustainability 

Committee Composition 

The Governance Committee consists of three board members and at least one community member, bringing a range of skills and expertise to the table. 

Meeting Schedule 

The committee meets 4-6 times a year, providing a regular forum for discussion, planning, and decision-making.

Grant Review Committee

Transforming Lives through Strategic Grantmaking 

The Grant Review Committee harnesses the power of philanthropy to address the evolving needs of our community. This dedicated committee: 

  • Distributes earnings from our unrestricted endowment to drive meaningful impact in the county 
  • Oversees our competitive grant program, ensuring alignment with our strategic plan and guiding principles 
  • Shapes the grantmaking process, from philosophy to guidelines, to maximize effectiveness and reach 

Committee Impact 

By investing in innovative solutions and collaborative partnerships, the Grant Review Committee helps create a brighter future for our community. 

Meeting Schedule 

The committee meets four times a year, providing a regular forum for in-depth review, discussion, and decision-making. 

Investment Committee

Prudent Stewardship for Long-Term Impact 

The Investment Committee ensures the financial sustainability of our foundation. This dedicated committee: 

  • Oversees the investment of funds, maximizing returns while minimizing risk 
  • Reviews and refines investment policies and spending policies, aligning them with our strategic goals 
  • Monitors the performance of investment managers, ensuring accountability and excellence 
  • Selects and terminates investment managers, leveraging expertise to drive returns 

Committee Expertise 

The committee comprises experienced professionals with expertise in investment management, finance, and philanthropy, ensuring informed decision-making. 

Meeting Schedule 

The committee meets quarterly, providing regular opportunities for review, discussion, and strategic guidance. 

Fiduciary Responsibility 

The Investment Committee is committed to upholding the highest standards of fiduciary responsibility, ensuring that our resources are managed with integrity, prudence, and a long-term perspective.

Youth Advisory Committee

Empowering Young Leaders, Building a Brighter Future 

The Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) is a dynamic group of young individuals passionate about making a positive impact in our community. Under the guidance of a dedicated adult advisor, YAC: 

  • Oversees the Youth Fund, directing grants to projects and initiatives that benefit local youth 
  • Develops and implements programs promoting youth philanthropy and volunteerism 
  • Encourages youth engagement, leadership, and community involvement 

Meeting Schedule 

YAC meets 7-10 times per year, providing regular opportunities for members to collaborate, learn, and grow. 

Connect

Whether you are an individual with questions about local philanthropy, a group spearheading new initiative, or part of a nonprofit group wanting to connect with others, there are many opportunities depending on your wish.

The OCF team is here for you

Call

(989) 731-0597

EMail

info@otsegofoundation.org

01.

Invite Community Foundation Staff to present to you and or a group of friends/colleagues. There is no better way to connect with what matters than in person. Call the office to set up a meeting.

02.

What Matters- an opportunity for community groups to present to the OCF board of directors, 12 pm 4th Tuesday of every month at the OCF. (At this time What Matters is on hold)

03.

Nonprofit Exchange, a monthly coffee break dedicated to nonprofit networking. Held second Wednesday of the month at 9am on Zoom. If you would like to participate please contact Karin Beyer at karin@otsegofoundation.org

Established

Grants Awarded

Funds

Current Assets

Get In Touch

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.)