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Sturgis Area Community Foundation

yellow victorian style house in sturgis michigan

Sturgis Area

Community Foundation

About

The Sturgis Area Community Foundation is a $30M foundation committed to serving the charitable needs of our community and enriching the quality of life for all people in the Sturgis area.

Grants

Our grantmaking framework is the vehicle that provides funding to nonprofits creating impact, empowering the people and organizations that best understand how to serve their communities with the resources they need. These investments are powered by the generosity of donors who have entrusted the Foundation to meet our community’s needs.

main street buildings and landscaping in sturgis michigan

Community Impact

Individually, we drive our community forward. Collectively, we have the power to change it forever. Reaching our full potential starts with ensuring every individual has the opportunity to succeed. We partner with nonprofits, stakeholders and donors to cultivate thriving and collaborative communities, celebrate diverse perspectives and create clear paths to economic security and well-being for all.

Recent Grants

TWV

Recent Grant

Thurston Woods Village

Engaging in the Meaningful Present

Social isolation amongst seniors is a dangerous reality that affects many older adults in senior living communities. The feeling of limited freedom can lead to depression or isolation in nearly 40% of residents, making this a concerning mental health epidemic. Fortunately, the introduction of shared virtual reality (VR) for seniors at Thurston Woods Village offers a creative solution to address these issues. This specific VR program allows seniors to Relive, Reinspire, and Reconnect. It is especially powerful for older adults who may be experiencing cognitive decline, impaired vision, or mobility issues. Through this innovative technology, seniors can explore the world, experience things they may no longer have the physical ability to do, and interact with family and friends. Supported by funding from the Sturgis Area Community Foundation, Thurston Woods Village is excited to provide residents with the opportunity to embark on these exciting virtual journeys.

Doyle

Recent Grant

Doyle Community Center

MMA Floor Renovations

At the Doyle Community Center, they believe that everyone deserves a safe and welcoming place for recreational activities and fitness. With over a decade under its belt, the MMA class has become a staple of the center. The program is diverse, welcoming everyone from teenagers to retirees, competitive fighters, and those simply seeking something different for their workout. While the program has achieved immense success and gained tremendous support, the current state of the training room floor requires improvement. Without it, the space hinders the program's growth and endangers members' health and safety. The Sturgis Area Community Foundation has granted the Doyle Center the funds needed to renovate the space to meet modern standards and keep the MMA program thriving. With these changes, the center can continue to offer a safe and enjoyable space for residents in the Sturgis area.

DDA

Recent Grant

City of Sturgis DDA

Bringing Communities Together in Downtown Sturgis

The City of Sturgis Downtown Development Authority is focused on enriching the cultural and commercial aspects of downtown Sturgis. Its mission is to bring communities together, providing an inclusive gathering place where all residents of diverse backgrounds and ages can come together. The Sturgis Area Community Foundation has awarded the DDA with a grant to support two main events: “Art Around Town 2023” and “Movies on North”. “Art Around Town 2023” aims to display the best of local artists' 2D medium pieces throughout downtown Sturgis. These pieces will be carefully chosen and blown up, turning the area into an outdoor art gallery. Meanwhile, “Movies on North” offers a monthly free movie showing on a big-screen truck for everyone to enjoy - a perfect opportunity to bring family and friends together while soaking up some cinematic entertainment. These events are testimony of the City of Sturgis Downtown Development Authority's dedication to enhancing the city's vibrancy in a creative and inclusive way.

YFC

Recent Grant

Youth For Christ of Southwest Michigan

Youth Center Renovations

Youth For Christ (YFC) of Southwest Michigan has been a safe haven for local youth in the Sturgis area communities since 1986. With their Campus Life programs, they have successfully reached over 900 teenagers in the last year alone, and their attendance continues to grow. YFC is always on the lookout for opportunities to expand and renovate the Youth Center to better serve students. Recently, the Sturgis Area Community Foundation has generously supported their latest project, which includes the installation of a new single-use bathroom that is handicap accessible. This new addition is crucial for YFC to accommodate every student attending Campus Life activities. By building relationships with these students at pivotal moments, YFC is making a positive impact on the lives of local youth.

CASA

Recent Grant

CASA of Southwest Michigan

Advocacy for Children in St. Joseph County

The Court Appointed Special Advocacy (CASA) program of Southwest Michigan is a vital resource for abused and neglected children who are looking for a way out of foster care and into a safe, permanent home. With volunteers at CASA, the program is able to provide the court with solid recommendations about where the children they represent should live permanently. This involves careful communication and coordination with multiple parties, including foster and biological parents, CPS caseworkers, and court-appointed attorneys. Unfortunately, the pandemic has made identifying cases of child abuse more challenging, resulting in increased numbers of children needing the support of the CASA program. Fortunately, Sturgis Area Community Foundation is here to lend a hand, supporting CASA's internal needs and helping to fund the training requirements as the program seeks to help more children in need.

Watershed

Recent Grant

Watershed Voice

Community News Coalition

Local news coverage has steadily declined over the years, leaving communities uninformed and underserved about important issues affecting their daily lives. As a result, many neighborhoods, rural areas, and issue-based communities have become news deserts. Watershed Voice aims to change this by providing credible and reliable local news and cultural coverage to communities across Southwest Michigan. Thanks to the support from the Sturgis Area Community Foundation, Watershed Voice is able to expand its staff and uphold its values of substantive reporting, quality over quantity, equity, and community. By continuing to prioritize these values, Watershed Voice is filling a much-needed gap in local news coverage and ensuring that these communities have access to the information they need to be active members of their community.

Upcoming Events

  • 100 Women Who Care - St. Joseph County
    100 Women Who Care - St. Joseph County
    RSVP Closed
    Tue, Jul 25
    Sturgis
    Jul 25, 2023, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
    Sturgis, 21050 US-12, Sturgis, MI 49091, USA
    Jul 25, 2023, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
    Sturgis, 21050 US-12, Sturgis, MI 49091, USA
    100 Women Who Care is a group of local women who care deeply about impacting their community. This group will gather over dinner, where each woman gives $100. Your $100 gift gives you one vote toward selecting a nonprofit recipient for the combined group gift of up $10,000.
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  • 2nd Annual James E. Riley Golf Outing
    2nd Annual James E. Riley Golf Outing
    RSVP Closed
    Fri, May 26
    Sturgis
    May 26, 2023, 11:00 AM
    Sturgis, 21050 US-12, Sturgis, MI 49091, USA
    May 26, 2023, 11:00 AM
    Sturgis, 21050 US-12, Sturgis, MI 49091, USA
    Join community members in loving memory of James E. Riley at the 2nd Annual James E. Riley Memorial Golf Outing on Friday, May 26th at Klinger Lake Country Club.
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  • Movies in the Park - Jurassic World
    Movies in the Park - Jurassic World
    Multiple Dates
    Fri, Sep 16
    North Street Between US 12 & John Street
    Sep 16, 2022, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    North Street Between US 12 & John Street, Sturgis, MI 49091, USA
    Sep 16, 2022, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    North Street Between US 12 & John Street, Sturgis, MI 49091, USA
    Sturgis Area Community Foundation is proud to sponsor the Movies in the Park Summer Series 2022. Free outdoor movies in the park on North St. Concessions available @ the Strand Theatre.
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  • Grant Application Information Session
    Grant Application Information Session
    Multiple Dates
    Wed, Aug 31
    Online Event, Zoom
    Aug 31, 2022, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
    Online Event, Zoom
    Aug 31, 2022, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
    Online Event, Zoom
    We're launching a new grant application in September. Join us via Zoom for one of four available information sessions with SACF staff. Learn how to apply for grants using the new application. We'll also talk about upcoming grant opportunities and new streamlined micro-grants for requests up to $5K.
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  • The Giving Town
    The Giving Town
    RSVP Closed
    Fri, Aug 05
    Sturges-Young Center for the Arts
    Aug 05, 2022, 7:00 PM
    Sturges-Young Center for the Arts, 201 N Nottawa St, Sturgis, MI 49091, USA
    Aug 05, 2022, 7:00 PM
    Sturges-Young Center for the Arts, 201 N Nottawa St, Sturgis, MI 49091, USA
    On Friday night, August 5th, our town will come together to celebrate its history of benevolence. We'll see several films, listen to guest speakers, and watch historical characters of our past come alive on stage – all in honor of our long tradition of giving. Get your tickets now!
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  • Constantine Outdoor Movie Night
    Constantine Outdoor Movie Night
    Mon, Jul 04
    Constantine Little League Fields
    Jul 04, 2022, 7:00 PM
    Constantine Little League Fields, Constantine, MI 49042, USA
    Jul 04, 2022, 7:00 PM
    Constantine Little League Fields, Constantine, MI 49042, USA
    Join us on July 4th for an outdoor movie, food, and a bounce house before fireworks at the Constantine Little League Fields. Bring Chairs and Blankets. Parking is available at Corteva.
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  • 2022 Battle on the Blacktop
    2022 Battle on the Blacktop
    RSVP Closed
    Sat, Jun 25
    Sturgis American Legion
    Jun 25, 2022, 9:00 AM
    Sturgis American Legion, 500 W Chicago Rd, Sturgis, MI 49091, USA
    Jun 25, 2022, 9:00 AM
    Sturgis American Legion, 500 W Chicago Rd, Sturgis, MI 49091, USA
    3-on-3 Basketball Tournament, High School and Adult Divisions, $100 Prize for winning teams in each division.
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  • James E. Riley Memorial Golf Outing
    James E. Riley Memorial Golf Outing
    RSVP Closed
    Fri, May 27
    Klinger Lake Country Club
    May 27, 2022, 11:00 AM
    Klinger Lake Country Club, 21050 US-12, Sturgis, MI 49091, USA
    May 27, 2022, 11:00 AM
    Klinger Lake Country Club, 21050 US-12, Sturgis, MI 49091, USA
    Join community members in loving memory of James E. Riley at the inaugural James E. Riley Memorial Golf Outing on May 27th at Klinger Lake Country Club.
    Share
  • Movies in the Park: Summer Series
    Movies in the Park: Summer Series
    Fri, Sep 17
    Location is TBD
    Sep 17, 2021, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    Location is TBD
    Sep 17, 2021, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    Location is TBD
    SACF is proud to sponsor the Movies in the Park: Summer Series in downtown Sturgis. Join us from 7 pm - 9 pm for a free showing of Mamma Mia 2!
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  • Battle on the Blacktop: 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament
    Battle on the Blacktop: 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament
    RSVP Closed
    Sat, Aug 21
    Sturgis
    Aug 21, 2021, 9:00 AM EDT
    Sturgis, 201 N Nottawa St, Sturgis, MI 49091, USA
    Aug 21, 2021, 9:00 AM EDT
    Sturgis, 201 N Nottawa St, Sturgis, MI 49091, USA
    Form your team and enter the Battle on the Blacktop, a free 3-on-3 basketball tournament open to middle school, high school and adult players. Cash prizes will be offered to winning teams in each age group at this Sturgis Fest All Sports Day event.
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  • Movies in the Park: Summer Series
    Movies in the Park: Summer Series
    Fri, Aug 13
    Location is TBD
    Aug 13, 2021, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    Location is TBD
    Aug 13, 2021, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    Location is TBD
    SACF is proud to sponsor the Movies in the Park: Summer Series in downtown Sturgis. Join us from 7 pm - 9 pm for a free showing of Jurassic Park!
    Share
  • Movies in the Park: Summer Series
    Movies in the Park: Summer Series
    Fri, Jul 16
    Location is TBD
    Jul 16, 2021, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    Location is TBD
    Jul 16, 2021, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    Location is TBD
    SACF is proud to sponsor the Movies in the Park: Summer Series in downtown Sturgis. Join us from 7 pm - 9 pm for a free showing of Pitch Perfect!
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  • Summer Networking Luncheon
    Summer Networking Luncheon
    RSVP Closed
    Tue, Jun 22
    Sturgis
    Jun 22, 2021, 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM
    Sturgis, 201 N Nottawa St, Sturgis, MI 49091, USA
    Jun 22, 2021, 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM
    Sturgis, 201 N Nottawa St, Sturgis, MI 49091, USA
    Learn about current and upcoming resources available to your organization, network with your peers, and enjoy lunch in the process! RSVP by June 12.
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  • Taxes, Charitable Giving, and the New Normal
    Taxes, Charitable Giving, and the New Normal
    RSVP Closed
    Wed, May 26
    Online
    May 26, 2021, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM EDT
    Online
    May 26, 2021, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM EDT
    Online
    Join us for a spring tax seminar: Taxes, Charitable Giving, and the New Normal presented by David Bennet, Community Foundation Research and Institute. Sponsored by Branch County Community Foundation, Sturgis Area Community Foundation, and Three Rivers Area Community Foundation
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  • 2021 Road to Restoration Kickoff
    2021 Road to Restoration Kickoff
    RSVP Closed
    Fri, Apr 30
    Sturges-Young Center for the Arts
    Apr 30, 2021, 7:00 PM EDT
    Sturges-Young Center for the Arts, 201 N Nottawa St, Sturgis, MI 49091, USA
    Apr 30, 2021, 7:00 PM EDT
    Sturges-Young Center for the Arts, 201 N Nottawa St, Sturgis, MI 49091, USA
    Join us at the Sturges-Young Center for the Arts on Friday, April 30, at 7PM for a a kickoff celebration and film screening of the classic 1987 coming-of-age romance, Dirty Dancing, as we announce the launch of our latest Road to Restoration campaign.
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News & Updates

Scholarship applications open December 1! For a full list of available scholarship types, check out SACF's scholarships page today! 

Change happens when bold leadership meets opportunity. Our Community Foundation is dedicated to addressing our communities’ most challenging issues and providing hope for the future. By bringing together the dedication of community members and the generosity of philanthropic partners, we work to be a center for progress and a catalyst for change.

Igniting passion for transformational change

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