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ALPENA — The Community Foundation of Northeast Michigan and its affiliated foundations are joining a national celebration of Community Foundation Week, which began Tuesday and ends Monday.

The goal of the week is to recognize the increasingly important role these philanthropic organizations play in promoting local collaboration and innovation to address persistent civic and economic challenges.

In our region, CFNEM is celebrating its 50th anniversary of serving Northeast Michigan as a leader in philanthropy and grantmaking, and as the individuals who helped build the foundation through their donations.

“We are very grateful to all donors who have already donated to any of the funds held here at the Community Foundation,” said Patrick Heraghty, CFNEM Executive Director. “Every donation is a story of caring for our neighbors and a legacy for our community. Each grant from these funds is a snapshot of how we work to meet the needs of our community and improve the quality of life for those who live in and visit our region. With a new strategic plan that we will share soon, we are more determined than ever to continue and improve our impact in Northeast Michigan.

For more than a century, community foundations have been a trusted partner and resource whose impact is reflected in the lives of millions and the vibrant neighborhoods that continue to thrive through their mission-driven work. During this time, community foundations come together to share and reflect on impact stories from the past year. They are independent public entities that manage philanthropic resources from institutional and individual donors to support local nonprofit organizations and represent one of the fastest growing forms of philanthropy.

In Northeast Michigan, CFNEM has awarded more than $57 million in community grants and scholarships since its founding in 1974. It also works alongside other Lake Huron community foundations in the initiative Lake Huron Forever to improve and ensure the health of our lake, which affects much of our daily lives. The Foundation’s Northeast Michigan Giving Tuesday campaign raised more than $1.8 million to support local nonprofits, inspiring donations throughout the region. Particularly in the youth community, the Foundation’s Youth Advisory Councils, or YACs, have led grantmaking for programs impacting their peers, while learning the important role philanthropy plays in the overall success of a community.

Community Foundation Week was established in 1989 by former President George HW Bush to recognize the work of community foundations across America and their collaborative approach to working with the public, private and nonprofit sectors to solve problems community. Community Foundations Week coincides with National Philanthropy Day on November 15.

The Community Foundation of Northeast Michigan is a charitable organization committed to providing people who care about the future of our region with unique and impactful ways to support their community today and for generations to come. Led by a volunteer board of directors made up of local citizens, the foundation oversees a group of continuously endowed funds from a wide range of donors. Gifts of all sizes from individuals, families, businesses and agencies are invested in a balanced, well-managed portfolio to build endowments, helping support students and local community nonprofits , now and forever. Those interested can learn more at cfnem.org.