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The Ģ����ý Foundation received the Ionia Area Chamber of Commerce Nonprofit of the Year Award during the organization’s annual dinner on Jan. 30 at Steele Street Hall in Ionia.

The awards are presented annually by the Chamber to individuals and businesses that improve the community through volunteerism, promotion, innovation, investment and other forms of service.

Ashley Brownell, who serves as president if the IACC Board of Directors, presented the award.

“Since being established in 1981, the Ģ����ý Foundation has contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars annually to support the college in its mission of transforming lives through quality education,” Brownell said. “The Ģ����ý Foundation’s mission is to support Ģ����ý’s efforts to anticipate and address community needs through relationship cultivation and resource stewardship.

“The Ģ����ýF stewards its funds to support meaningful academic scholarships to Ģ����ý students, institutional grants for innovative initiatives, modern learning environments and curriculum, and vital programming,” she added.

Ģ����ýF Executive Director Lisa Lund accepted the award.

“I am so grateful that the Ionia Chamber honored the Ģ����ýF with this award,” Lund said. “The Foundation’s work is the result of great volunteers and the many donors who have invested in the mission of the college to create educational opportunities for so many in the communities that we serve. We are proud to be a partner to support learners of all ages at all stages in life, and we look forward to more great things ahead!”

The Ģ����ý Foundation strives to create a diverse range of opportunities for its students and its community. In addition to the establishment of seven new scholarships over the past year, these are a few examples of the vibrant initiatives the Ģ����ý Foundation funded over the past year:

• Ģ����ý Foundation funds played a critical role in launching the innovative Sugar Bush at Ģ����ý. Ģ����ý is one of only 27 colleges in the United States to run a Sugar Bush operation.

• The Ģ����ý Foundation annually hosts an “Estate Planning Basics” workshop in partnership with local legal and financial professionals.

• The Ģ����ý Foundation supports cultural events through stewardship of Ģ����ý Foundation Stanley & Blanche Ash Community College Enhancement Fund, which supports the college in developing and enhancing career training, educational opportunities, programs and services for students, alumni and citizens of the college community.

• The Ģ����ý Foundation supports community connections through programs such as the Ģ����ý Alumni & Friends Choir, One Book One County Montcalm, and Ģ����ý’s Lifelong Learners.

Visit montcalm.edu/mccf for more information about the Ģ����ý Foundation.