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Scholarships

Making Education a Priority

Each spring, the Bay Area Community Foundation grants over half of a million dollars in scholarships to local Bay and Arenac County students pursuing postsecondary education. This is just one way the Foundation is supporting education in our communities.

We work with hundreds of community donors who are passionate about education. Thanks to them, we offer over 140 scholarships to graduating seniors, current college students, and adults returning to school.

Scholarship Login

Scholarships are available for:

  • High school graduates attending school in Bay or Arenac counties
  • Adult or returning students
  • Current college students
  • Students pursuing skilled trades or certificates
  • First-generation college students

Scholarship Opportunities

Bay Area Community Foundation Scholarship Program

To prepare our residents for the future, Bay Area Community Foundation provides scholarship opportunities and other valuable resources that support postsecondary education in our community. Our goal is to increase postsecondary education awareness, student readiness, and success by providing information, mentoring, and needed resources such as financial support through scholarships.

Learn more
2025 Scholarship Awards Booklet

Bay Commitment Scholarship Program

This unique scholarship program is available to first-generation college students. First-generation college students are identified by neither parent they live with having a bachelor’s degree or higher. We award $2,000 each to as many as 100 students each year who plan to attend either Delta College or Saginaw Valley State University.

Learn More
Donate to the Bay Commitment Scholarship Program

Martin Luther King, Jr. Regional Scholarship

In collaboration with Saginaw Community Foundation and Midland Area Community Foundation, the MLK Regional Scholarship is awarded each year to area high school seniors who actively embrace Dr. King’s dream of improving racial harmony and social justice.

Learn more

Need assistance? We’re here to answer your scholarship and application questions.
989.893.4438

Aaron Faist - Program Officer

I oversee our scholarship programs, Youth Advisory Committee, Men's Philanthropy Group, and Dow Community Gives grant program.

Scholarship Stories

Celebrating the 2025 Bay Commitment Scholars!

The Bay Area Community Foundation was honored to celebrate 69 incredible students from Bay and Arenac counties as they each received a $2,000 Bay Commitment Scholarship to begin their college journeys at Delta College or Saginaw Valley State University.

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Nicole Horn

989.893.4438 or email below 

Donor Relations and Communications Officer

At BACF, I am fortunate to contribute to our mission in meaningful and impactful ways. As your main contact for donor-advised funds, I help ensure that each donor’s unique passions are brought to life through their giving—whether this be through designated or agency funds. It is an honor to connect with generous community members, and I am always available to discuss how you can create a lasting impact in our community.  

In addition, I oversee all of BACF’s communications, bringing ideas to life through engaging stories and visuals. While upholding our brand identity, I strive to highlight the remarkable individuals in our community and the collaborative efforts that make Bay and Arenac counties exceptional places to live, work, and thrive.

As a lifelong Bay County resident, I am deeply connected to our people and community. I cherish the opportunity to build meaningful relationships and am committed to enhancing the quality of life for everyone in Bay and Arenac counties, ensuring a bright future for generations to come.

I Can Help You With:

  • Donor Advised Funds
  • Agency & Designated Funds
  • Business Sponsorships
  • Give Local Bay and BACF Events
  • BACF Website
  • BACF Donor Portal

Things I Do In My Free Time: You’ll often find me at a local coffee shop in Downtown Bay City and frequenting the area’s local arts and music scene. I also love hiking and exploring parks both in our area and throughout northern Michigan.

Madi Syring

989.893.4438 or email below 

Program Officer

I am proud to serve my community through my role at BACF. As a Program Officer, I collaborate with nonprofit, government, church, and school partners in Bay and Arenac counties to navigate our grant opportunities and find the right funding alignment. From project conception to post-award, I am your main contact for all things grants. Connecting organizations and donors who share the same vision and passion is at the heart of my work.

I am dedicated to supporting the organizations that work tirelessly to improve our community. Additionally, I provide capacity-building opportunities by hosting educational workshops, managing Catchafire—a volunteer platform connecting organizations with professional services at no cost—and offering technical assistance and resources to build strength in our nonprofit community.
 

I Can Help You With:

  • Navigating the Competitive Grant Process
  • Finding Funding Alignment
  • Building Organizational Capacity
  • Technical Assistance

Things I Do In My Free Time: Outside of work, you might catch me on the trail with my dog! I love backpacking, hiking, hunting, and kayaking all over Michigan. I’m also an avid reader, so you might find me at a local library or bookshop. 

Rachael Rosas

989.893.4438 or email below

Administrative Officer

As the Administrative Officer at BACF, my responsibilities include maintaining our comprehensive database, accurately documenting gifts, and collaborating with building vendors to maintain the historic Pere Marquette Depot.

I am committed to establishing well-documented processes that contribute to the ongoing success of BACF. My deep appreciation for the Pere Marquette Depot drives me to preserve this historic landmark as a source of price for our community, ensuring its legacy for future generations. 

I Can Help You With:

  • Making a Gift to One of Our Many Funds
  • Updating Your Contact Information
  • Identifying the Most Helpful Staff Member or Resource
  • Answering General Questions about BACF
  • Providing Information About the Pere Marquette Depot and 1904 Room Event Space

Things I Do In My Free Time: I enjoy immersing myself in flower gardening and various art projects. I love spending time in nature and attending community events, which help me stay connected and get inspired. 

Frances Moore

989.893.4438 or email below 

Program and Finance Associate

As the Program and Finance Associate at BACF, I support our Scholarship Program and partner with the Director of Finance on financial reporting. I also assist in the management of the Pere Marquette Depot and the 1904 Room event space.

I am honored to play a role in helping individuals achieve their dreams and reach their full potential. I am passionate about making a positive impact and am always ready to lend a helping hand to ensure the success of our programs and the betterment of our community. 

I Can Help You With:

  • Scholarship Applications and Award Process
  • Information about the Pere Marquette Depot and 1904 Room Event Space
  • Coordination with Scholarship Committees
  • General Support for BACF Programs and Initiatives

Things I Do In My Free Time: I enjoy spending time with family and friends, exploring Michigan’s beautiful landscapes, camping under the stars, and bike riding through scenic trails.