Blog

There are people in every community whose quiet dedication, steady leadership, and genuine care help shape a better future for everyone. This month, we are proud to spotlight Annette Wells—Vice Chair of our Board of Directors and Executive Committee member—whose...

On Dana Bensinger’s first day as Executive Director of the Otsego Community Foundation, she was handed three things:A binder.A ring of keys.And a stack of mail. Her office sat in the basement of the Fifth Third building—quite literally the foundation of the community....

At the Otsego Community Foundation, we see every day how small ideas can make a big difference. Adapt Grants are designed to support those moments—when an organization needs to respond quickly, try something new, or strengthen the work they’re already doing. Adapt...

Each year, the Otsego Community Foundation proudly recognizes the graduating seniors who have dedicated their time, talents, and leadership to the Youth Advisory Committee (YAC). These students have played a vital role in strengthening our community, and we are deeply...

Tuesday, May 19th brought a beautiful, if breezy, spring day to downtown Gaylord—perfect for propping the doors open at North Life Church and letting in some fresh air as guests arrived. The light movement of the wind outside set the tone for an evening that felt...

May is Leave a Legacy Month, a national public awareness campaign that invites each of us to reflect on the future and consider the impact we want to leave behind. It encourages individuals and families to include a charitable gift in their estate plans—ensuring the...

Have you ever experienced that moment —the kind where you realize you showed up, you mattered, and together with others, you did something truly meaningful? That feeling is hard to describe… but when it happens, you know it. That feeling is what 100+ Women Who Care is...

This month, we’re happy to put the spotlight on Austin Spires, someone who brings both heart and know-how to his volunteer role with OCF. After moving to Otsego County about ten years ago for his career in wealth management, Austin quickly made Northern Michigan home....

Since their founding in 1994, the board and team members of the Otsego Community Foundation (OCF) have had a vision for Otsego county’s future. But while they’d worked hard to establish new grant funds and partner with local nonprofits to improve the community, they...

In partnership with Rotary Charities, the Fry Foundation, and eight other Community Foundations serving Northern Michigan, we are excited to announce the 2026–2027 Leadership Learning Lab (LLL)! Designed to support and invest in current and emerging leaders, the LLL...

This month, the Otsego Community Foundation is proud to shine a light on someone whose commitment to community, generosity of spirit, and thoughtful leadership make a meaningful difference—Rob Lampert, our April Foundation Matters Volunteer Spotlight. A Gaylord native...

A History Rooted in Community Strength On May 20, 2022—just hours after the tornado struck—the executive committee of the Otsego Community Foundation (OCF) established the Tornado Response Fund. Its purpose was clear: create a central hub where donors could give with...