Building a Permanent Resource for the LGBTQ+ Community
Join us in celebrating the launch of the Great Lakes Bay LGBTQ+ Community Fund and a special Pride Month matching opportunity.
Inspiring Generosity
Generosity changes everything. It creates hope and possibility. It unites people. It celebrates our shared needs and desires.
At Bay Area Community Foundation, we are passionate about connecting people who want to make a difference with organizations that are creating change. We serve as a catalyst for charitable giving in Bay and Arenac counties.
Leadership
Community foundations are the area’s leaders in philanthropy. We look to the long-term growth in Bay and Arenac counties to ensure there are always funds available to respond to pressing needs and take initiative for new opportunities. For nearly 40 years, we have been supporting the philanthropic goals of our donors and the work of our local nonprofits. We don’t know what future needs may be, but one thing is for sure: the Bay Area Community Foundation will be here. We are better together.
Making an Impact
Bay Area Community Foundation offers several opportunities for grant funding for your registered 501(c)(3) organization or government entity in Bay and Arenac counties. Each year, we award over $2 million to nonprofits in Bay and Arenac counties to help create change and make the community thrive. We award hundreds of scholarships each year to help our local students achieve their academic dreams and promote education in our area.
Recent Stories
Building a Permanent Resource for the LGBTQ+ Community
Join us in celebrating the launch of the Great Lakes Bay LGBTQ+ Community Fund and a special Pride Month matching opportunity.
Press Release – Give Local Bay 2026 Surpasses $219,000 Raised and Celebrates Record Community Participation
“This year’s Give Local Bay campaign demonstrated the incredible generosity and compassion that define our community,” said Shawna Walraven, President and CEO of the Bay Area Community Foundation. “
Press Release – Give Local Bay Announces Record-Breaking Growth and Expands Community Impact Heading into 2026 Campaign
As planning for the 2026 campaign continues, early indicators point to another strong year of engagement. A record of 70 registrants for the 2026 campaign marks the highest level of participation to date and representing 15 cause areas across Bay and Arenac Counties.
Celebrating the 2025 Bay Commitment Scholars!
The Bay Area Community Foundation was proud to celebrate 73 outstanding students this week as they each received a $2,000 Bay Commitment Scholarship.
Giving Thanks to our Sponsors
Community Partners
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.
