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 also allowed every type of donor, big and small, to make an impact on their community.
Around the same time, the Kellogg Foundation offered incentives to community foundations such as $35 million in matching funds to new community foundations and $1 million in matching funds to start youth funds and youth programs. The state of Michigan offered a 50% tax credit on contributions to community foundations.
The atmosphere was right in 1994 for a visionary group of community-minded individuals to come together in Otsego County to form its own Community Foundation. They were united by a simple yet profound idea: creating a foundation allowing donors of all sizes to channel their charitable intentions into meaningful, lasting contributions to the community. This vision led to the birth of the Otsego County Community Foundation, now known as the Otsego Community Foundation (OCF). In the beginning, starting a community foundation “was a wish” according to original Board Member Mason Buckingham. “Thirty years later, it is a real foundation for the community,” he added.
With the help of our nonprofit partners, our donors, volunteers, and the community we love, and by staying true to our mission of activating generosity for a strong community, the Otsego Community Foundation has grown into a powerful force for good. The OCF manages over 100 charitable funds with a combined $10 million in permanent community resources. $12 million in grants have been awarded to a variety of local organizations across an array of interest areas including but not limited to health and human services, economic development, arts and culture, conservation, and education.
The OCF continues to adapt to meet the needs of Otsego County.
“The COVID-19 pandemic and the Gaylord tornado in 2022 also presented unique challenges, but it provided opportunities for the community foundation to pivot and direct significant resources where they were most needed," said Cherie Nutter, OCF board chair.
“Community Foundations stand at the intersection of community and transformation. When we are at our best, we can leverage the assets of our communities and align resources to address the most critical needs and capitalize on opportunities for advancement”, stated Executive Director Dana Bensinger.
As the OCF moves into its next decade of service, our mission remains the focus of our work—activating generosity for a strong community. As we look to the future, we are curious about YOUR vision for Otsego County in the next 10, 20, 30 years.
Please visit our interactive timeline to see how we grew.
