Learn About
Your Community FoundationOur Mission
Activate Generosity for a Strong Community
The Otsego Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization created by and for the people of the communities we serve. Through collaboration with donors, nonprofits and community, managing permanent charitable funds, and making purposeful grants, we magnify generosity and impact—helping meet critical needs and capitalizing on local opportunities that matter most. Our services cover the entire county and all fields of interest including Arts and Culture, Conservation, Community and Economic Development, Health and Human Services, Education and Youth Initiatives.
Ultimately, our efforts help fill forests with trees, minds with knowledge, youth with dreams, workforce with skills, society with art & culture, pantries with food, communities with connections, and hearts with that joyful feeling of making a difference.
Established
Grants and Scholarships Awarded
Funds
Current Assets
Click the photos below to view our Annual Reports
2021 Financials
Click on the buttons below to view our financial statements
2021 Grants Awarded
| Arts & Culture | $4,750 |
| Community & Economic Dev. | $11,650 |
| Conservation | $8,706 |
| Education | $59,956 |
| Health & Human Service | $69,499 |
| Mental and Physical Health | $27,825 |
| Nonprofit Capacity Building | $4,100 |
| Recreation | $32,438 |
| Educational Scholarships | $41,000 |
| Youth | $30,125 |
Fund Distribution
| Donor Advised | $2,683,962.94 |
| Unrestricted | $1,223,092.49 |
| Agency Funds | $1,255,456.46 |
| FOI | $354,377.16 |
| Operating Fund | $50,555.88 |
| Scholarship Fund | $384,231.31 |
| Designated Fund | $567,604.00 |
| Total | $6,519,280.24 |
what matters to you?
Whether looking to give or receive the OCF connects you to what matters. We want to hear from you. We recently asked you to share with us what matters in a photo contest. While we can’t host a photo contest year long, we are here for you. Please share with us in picture or words what matters to you.
Who We Serve
From Waters to Vanderbilt, Elmira to Johannesburg and everywhere in between, we provide services to donors who want to give back to the places they love and nonprofits dedicated to advancing and preserving this special place.
Our Board of Directors
The operations of the Otsego Community Foundation are governed by a volunteer Board of Directors made up of community members.
Back Row: Left to right: Tanner Catt, James Camiller, Jan Kellogg, Brandie Meisner, Bob Wilson
Front Row: Left to right: Annette Wells, Cherie Nutter, Justine Hees, Mischa Beyers, Brian Switalski
Not Pictured: Bill Forreider, Avery Huston, Steve Hutchinson, Nancy Kussrow and Katy Xenakis-Makowski
Staff
Our team includes:
Left to right: Patty Urban; Finance and Operations Manager, Karin Beyer; Director of Community Philanthropy, Amanda Sosa; Director of Donor Services, Dana Bensinger; Executive Director, and Kristine Lassen; Communications Coordinator.
Youth Advisory Committee
Mission: To provide the youth with a voice to empower the community through positive impact and growth, one grant at a time
The Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) is a group of students made up of student representatives from Otsego County high school districts and adult advisors. Members of the YAC are empowered to create a positive role model for youth as philanthropists and volunteers; asses local youth needs; promote positive youth development; review grant applications and make recommendations to the Board of Directors of the Otsego Community Foundation on the distribution of grants that impact the youth of the county.
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: [email protected]
Hours: T-TH: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. (M & F by appt.)
What matters to your organization?
We want to hear your ideas. Call us and we will help guide your request.