P.O. Box 1012-C Big Rapids, MI  49307 Ph: 231.796.3055 www.mccf.us

Message from the President

Growth. Progress. And endless community support despite a challenging Michigan economy. These are the thoughts that come to mind in summarizing 2007. It was an exciting year. And this an exciting time in the life of your foundation. We hit a milestone this past year when our assets hit the $3 million mark. What a testament to the generosity of the people of Big Rapids and Mecosta County.

The Muskegon River Water Safety project continued to make headlines and the project garnered more than $36,000 in donations through the foundation in 2007. Many individuals and businesses have supported this cause to help make the river safer for everyone.

New donor advised funds were established and the foundation was named in the trust of a former Stanwood resident who left about $300,000 to four community organizations. Wow!

The Mecosta County Youth Advisory Council and the foundation general fund provided grants of more than $33,000 for numerous projects in its two grant rounds. Some of the grant projects are highlighted in this report.

And of course scholarships were given again to college bound area students. And many organizations received financial support from the various designated funds in the foundation. Hundreds, probably thousands, of lives were positively affected by the foundation – by you – again last year.

You can read more about these highlights in stories throughout this annual report – our report to you, our valued donors and stakeholders in the community.

We also revamped our website to keep you better informed of foundation happenings. Check it out at www.mccf.us.

Finally, we appealed to you, our donors, at the end of the year with hopes of raising money for our general fund – the fund in which we grant monies for area projects. I’m happy to report almost $10,000 was given during this campaign. Thank you!

Your board is comprised of volunteers who love this area we all call home and we’re committed to be good stewards of the many gifts you’ve given to the community the past 18 years.

Together, we continue to improve the quality of life for the people of Mecosta County!

John Norton, President

Click here for the 2007 Report to the Community

Fremont Area Community Foundation . P.O. Box B . Fremont, Michigan 49412 . Telephone 231.924.5350 . Fax 231.924.5391