April

2024

FROM THE PRESIDENT

The last month at ACCF has been full of people giving their time, treasure, and talent. Our 2nd Annual Giving Day was a smashing success (read below) with over $45,000 in new gifts in 24 hours. Many organizations also had new volunteers sign up at our 1st annual Volunteer Fair. We opened a new fund for Wishbone Pet Rescue Alliance to support animals in Allegan County that quickly raised $15,000. We partnered with West Michigan Lakeshore Association of Realtors to open a new fund to provide life jackets to West Michigan children in coordination with the Sheriff Departments in Muskegon, Allegan and Ottawa Counties. A loving wife trusted us with a final memorial to her husband with the establishment of the Robert C. Green Scholarship Fund to support art students graduating from Plainwell High School. Finally, I was able to attend the Blue and White Dinner for Plainwell High School Booster Club where parents, staff/teachers and community members came together for that little bit of extra support for students that participate in extracurricular activities. 



The generosity in our communities is simply amazing. Thank you to everyone that gives time, talent, and/or treasure to one of the many non-profits working to make Allegan County a better place for everyone.  

Stephanie Calhoun

President/CEO

The Second Annual Allegan County Gives was a great success. THANK YOU to all of our non-profit partners, donors, and community members!

The first part of the day was a Volunteer Fair, which brought together nearly 40 organizations from across the county. Over 50 attendees had the opportunity to explore volunteer opportunities and connect with organizations aligned with their interests and passions. Additionally, throughout the day, ACCF drew three door prize winners. Each winner received flowers and a gift card to a local business and had the opportunity to choose a non-profit they met to receive a $250 grant from ACCF. The winners and their chosen non-profits are as follows:

• Lane Blanchard granted Lakeshore Habitat for Humanity
• Allie Proctor granted Sylvia’s Place
• Brooklyn Collison granted Wishbone Pet Rescue Alliance

The second component of Allegan County Gives was a day of giving. To encourage community support of non-profits and scholarships, ACCF offered a match – doubling donor gifts. Originally committing to match $15,000 in donations, the ACCF board and CEO personally committed an additional $15,000 once the initial goal was reached. Ultimately, the community came together to raise almost $45,000! This $45,000 was matched by the $30,000 bringing overall financial support to nearly $75,000.

Mark your calendars for the 3rd Annual Allegan County Gives on Wednesday, March 19th, 2025!

While the high school scholarship deadline has passed, ACCF still has a variety of scholarship opportunities available! The deadline to apply for these scholarships is May 6th, 2025.

Available to all Allegan County Students

• 2*3*4 Scholarship
• Mimi Gabriel Angel Scholarship
• Allegan County Law Enforcement/Corrections Scholarship
• McIllwaine Family Skilled Trades Scholarship
• Allegan Pride in Freedom Scholarship
• Jack and Susan Thiel Music Fund - Vocal/Music Camp Scholarships

Specific to School District

• CTS Community Trades Scholarship - Gobles and Bloomingdale

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) is observed to raise public awareness about sexual violence and educate communities on how to prevent it.

ACCF is proud to partner with Resilience: Advocates for Ending Violence by holding the Resilience Endowment Fund. The Resilience endowment fund provides unrestricted funds that support ongoing programs and services. The mission of Resilience: Advocates for Ending Violence is to respond to, reduce, and prevent domestic and sexual violence in Allegan and Ottawa Counties.

At ACCF, we're privileged to work alongside several non-profit organizations who work to better Allegan County. Through our partnership with Wishbone Pet Rescue Alliance (Wishbone), we are excited to increase support and extend the impact of their mission.  

Wishbone is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that serves homeless animals and pet owners in Allegan County.

Wishbone receives a yearly distribution from the Gladys E. Fox Fund held at ACCF. Gladys was a citizen of Allegan County who had a passion for helping animals and controlling the pet population for their long-term health. Ms. Fox's passion for the wellbeing of animals was evident in her estate plans. When she passed away, she left a gift to set up an endowed fund where she ensured ongoing support for the spay/neutering of animals in Allegan County forever.

Recently, Wishbone Pet Rescue Alliance opened their own fund at ACCF. The new fund is another way for Wishbone to spread its successes to more homeless animals and families in need throughout Allegan County. 

April 2024

As the TAG (Teen Aiding Growth) Team season is winding down, we're excited to recruit new members to join us next September! Are you, or do you know, a 9th or 10th grader committed to bettering your community? We want YOU! We are specifically seeking representation from Hopkins and Wayland.

Share this flyer with someone you think might be interested. Have them fill out the form below, or email Vicki at vknuckles@alleganfoundation.org.

We are excited to share that during the 2024 Peanut Butter Drive, Allegan County came together to collect 6,302 jars of peanut butter! In additional to physical jars collected, ACCF collected over $2,500 to support other protein needs.

Pictured below is the PM session of the EMS Tech Center Class, who in partnership with the AM session collected 1,200 jars of peanut butter!

The 2024 Cereal Drive will kickoff on Wednesday, May 1st. Join us at the ACCF Office on May 1st from 8am-10am for a special kick off event. Keep an eye out for details!