Our Stories

A group of kids gathers around a dunk tank outdoors, aiming yellow balls at a target to dunk a person sitting inside the tank. A brick building and green trees are visible in the background.

A Safe Haven for Teens: John’s Place Receives Grant to Expand After-School Program

Thanks to a recent Community Foundation for Mason County grant provided by Healthy Youth/Healthy Seniors Fund and Mason County Funds for the...

An older woman wearing sunglasses, a visor, and a blue jacket holds a pickleball paddle on an outdoor court, with grass and trees in the background.

Meade Township Celebrates Grand Opening of New Pickleball Court, Thanks to Community Foundation Grant

Meade Township residents can now enjoy a brand new pickleball court at the Meade Township Park, thanks to a Community Foundation grant provided by...

A black-and-white photo of a woman in a patterned dress sitting beside a man in a suit and tie. They are seated closely, looking at each other with gentle expressions, and the man’s hand is resting on the womans lap.

A Lifetime of Service

Dr. John Carney was a fixture in the Ludington community for over 70 years. A respected physician, husband, father, and competitive bridge player,...

Three children wearing welding helmets and matching orange shirts with science-themed graphics stand together and smile in a workshop. Two adults assist other children in the background. The kids have blue tote bags with similar designs.

WSCC, CTE, & Me Day Paves Career Paths for Students

With support from a Community Foundation for Mason County grant, 735 third graders from across Lake, Manistee, Mason, and Oceana counties...

Two women smiling indoors; one wears a striped shirt and necklace with a wooden cross, and the other wears a green top and a medical mask. They appear to be in a care facility or office setting.

Bridging Gaps and Building Community

From a young age, Lena Bluestein pictured a life of service. She moved to Ludington as a teenager and her family got involved with a local church....

A woman in glasses and a black outfit speaks into a microphone at a podium. Behind her is a screen displaying the words WELCOME TO EMPTY BOWLS. Decor and bowls are visible in the background.

LFC Builds Sustainability and Legacy

O’Nealya Gronstal began her position as the Executive Director of Lakeshore Food Club (LFC) when the organization held its first Empty Bowls event...

A collage featuring four smiling adults standing outdoors with arms around each other, surrounded by blue and orange graphic elements, including a guitar and a lighthouse.

Ludrock’s Legacy Impacts Youth Forever

In the heart of Ludington, Michigan, a tradition rooted in friendship and music blossomed years ago. What started as a gathering of Ludington High...

A red Riverton Rescue boat with five people in life vests, some seated and some standing, is on a lake near the shore with houses and trees in the background.

Good Neighbor Fund Supports Multi-County Water Rescue

For rescue missions on the water, time is crucial—every second counts towards saving a life. Riverton Fire Department first responders are now...

A smiling person in a blue shirt and camouflage shorts stands on a dock holding a fishing rod in one hand and a small fish in the other, with boats and houses in the background.

YAC Grant Supports Program Empowering At-Risk Youth

For at-risk youth without structured activities, summer can pose challenges, increasing vulnerability to risky behavior, abuse, and neglect. The...

A collection of colorful knitted hats with fluffy pom-poms is displayed on a table. The text reads Ludington Coats and Boots for Kids. Sunlight shines in from a window in the background.

Grant Provides Warmth to Local Students

Thanks to a Community Foundation for Mason County spring grant, Ludington Coats and Boots was able to purchase winter gear ahead of frigid months...

A woman in a black dress and sunglasses stands by a metal railing overlooking a scenic mountain peak and expansive blue sea, with a city and coastline visible in the background under a clear sky.

Biggs Inspired by Family and Love for Community

When Kristen moved to Ludington during a blizzard in 2009, the school superintendent joked it would take 20 years to become a “local.” Fifteen years...

A marching band member holds a large blue and yellow flag with an M on a football field, as others do the same. A crowd of fans in yellow fills the stadium seats in the background.

Scholarship Recipient Marches with Gratitude

Kathleen “Kat” Wang, a 2023 Community Foundation for Mason County scholarship recipient, was reminded of how much her world had expanded when she...

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