Our History
Don Birtwistle and Milan S. “Bud” Reed, two of the Foundation’s founding board members.
1988: The Foundation Begins
The Ludington Area Foundation was formed in 1988 by Charles Conrad, inspired by the success of other community foundations. Don Birtwistle became the first President, and early funds were raised through contributions from initial board members like Conrad, Bud Reed, and Birtwistle. The foundation’s success significantly increased after learning about and acquiring matching funds through the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.
1990: Youth Board Established
In 1990, the Youth Board (later renamed the Mason County Youth Advisory Council) was established as a requirement for the W.K. Kellogg Foundation’s matching grant program. This board aimed to educate young people about philanthropy and ensure that grants met the needs of youth. The Youth Advisory Council (YAC) expanded its reach and activities, and in 1992, the “Partnership for Youth” initiative began, pairing adult board members with YAC members to promote the foundation and the challenge grant program.
1997: Mason's Foundation Becomes Affiliate of Community Foundation for Muskegon County
In 1997, the Ludington Area Foundation became a fund within the Muskegon Community Foundation. This affiliation helped them set and achieve ambitious fundraising goals, reaching $1 million in assets by 1999 and setting a new goal of $2 million by 2002. In 2000, the Ludington Area Foundation officially changed its name to the Community Foundation for Mason County.
2007: Campaign Exceeds $2M in Less Than Four Months
According to a 2007 Report to the Community, the Community Foundation for Mason County awarded $28,754 in unrestricted grants and $43,500 in scholarships in 2007. That same year, Board Chair Tom Paine and fellow trustee Budde Reed led the charge to reach $7 million in assets. The men were successful with the campaign, raising more than $2 million in under four months. In all, the Foundation received $2,291,275 in gifts and grants in 2007.
2023: Foundation Celebrates 35th Anniversary
On Wednesday, June 21, 2023, the Community Foundation for Mason County marked a significant milestone: its 35th anniversary. During the 2023 Annual Gathering, the Community Foundation honored its rich history, celebrated the profound impact it had made over the past three and a half decades, and cast a vision for the next 35 years. Community members actively participated, sharing their aspirations for the future of Mason County.
2025: $5M Campaign for Mason County
In early 2025, the Community Foundation for Mason County launched the public phase of its landmark Campaign for Mason County, a $5 million fundraising effort designed to significantly increase its grantmaking capacity. The campaign was jump-started by a remarkable $1 million pledge from Lee and Joan Schoenherr, which the foundation committed to matching. To celebrate this progress and rally support, the foundation hosted its Annual Gathering on June 18, 2025, at The Lake House. This special evening brought together generous donors, dedicated nonprofit leaders, and engaged community members. Attendees celebrated the campaign’s success and heard a report from the Mason Youth Advisory Council, highlighting the collective effort to build a stronger future for Mason County.