Local Giving
That Keeps Growing
Community Fund Funding St Johns MI
A single gift can help meet a need today. When that gift becomes part of an endowment, it can continue supporting St. Johns for generations. The St. Johns Area Community Fund brings local donors together to support projects, programs, and organizations that make our community a better place to live, work, grow, and visit. Community Fund Funding helps turn generosity into grants for local needs while creating a lasting source of support for the future. Unlike an organization focused on one specific cause, the Fund can respond to many different needs throughout the St. Johns area—from public spaces and youth opportunities to accessibility improvements, food assistance, arts, recreation, and other projects that strengthen community life.
Understanding the Difference
What Is a Community Fund?
A community fund collects charitable gifts and uses those resources to support a particular community.
The St. Johns Area Community Fund focuses specifically on projects serving the St. Johns area. Local nonprofit organizations can apply for one-time grant funding, and the volunteer Board reviews requests based on community need, potential impact, and alignment with the Fund’s mission.
What Is a Community Foundation?
A community foundation is a larger organization that manages and invests charitable funds, often for several communities, organizations, or causes.
The St. Johns Area Community Fund is not itself a foundation. Its endowments are administered and invested through the Capital Region Community Foundation, while local decisions about how available funds are used are made by the SJACF Board.
Our Endowment Funds
General Endowment Fund
Established in 2009 through the generosity of 49 charter donors, the General Endowment Fund supports a broad range of local grants and community projects.
The original gifts remain invested, and a portion of the fund’s earnings becomes available for grantmaking. This allows contributions made today to continue creating opportunities well into the future. The current website confirms the General Endowment Fund began with $14,700 in charter gifts.
Children’s Endowment Fund
Established in 2021 with a generous contribution, the Children’s Endowment Fund is dedicated to initiatives that benefit children and young people in the St. Johns community.
Together, these funds help SJACF respond to current needs while preparing for the needs of future generations.
Planting Something That Will Keep Growing
An endowment gift is a lasting investment in the place you call home. The principal remains invested, while annual distributions help support meaningful projects year after year.
That gift may one day help create a safer park, provide opportunities for young people, improve accessibility, strengthen a nonprofit, or bring a new community idea to life.
You may contribute through:
- A one-time or recurring donation
- A memorial or honorary gift
- A named fund
- A will or trust
- A retirement account or other estate-planning gift
The legacy you leave isn’t measured by what you keep—it’s measured by the opportunities you create for others. Whether your gift supports today’s community needs or generations to come, your generosity helps St. Johns continue to grow. Call 989-224-7823 to learn how you can become part of that story.
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