Blog

Every year, communities across the country come together to celebrate Community Foundation Week, a national observance recognizing the important role community foundations play in improving quality of life through philanthropy, partnerships, and local leadership....

As the end of the year approaches, many individuals and families begin reviewing their finances and making plans for charitable giving. Whether you're considering a year-end gift, supporting causes you care about through your donor-advised fund, or thinking about your...

Fifteen years ago, the McNamara family made a decision that would transform a heartbreaking loss into a lasting gift for the community they love. Established at the Otsego Community Foundation on October 18, 2011, the Dr. Patrick J. McNamara Fund was created to honor...

Otsego County is full of businesses that care deeply about this community and want to help it thrive. From small family-owned businesses to major employers, local organizations play an important role in strengthening the place we all call home.  Our Corporate...

When the Otsego Community Foundation announced its transition away from hosting Extreevaganza, three local organizations stepped forward to ensure this beloved holiday tradition would continue: Treetops Resort, BJ's Restaurant & Event Center, and Otsego Resort....

At the Otsego Community Foundation, grants are more than dollars distributed. They are investments in people, organizations, and ideas that strengthen our community for generations to come. Behind every grant recommendation is a group of dedicated volunteers who...

Trust is at the heart of everything we do at the Otsego Community Foundation. While grants, scholarships, and community investments are the visible outcomes of that trust, a great deal of work happens behind the scenes to ensure those resources are managed with care...

As our 2026 Community Grant Program enters its review phase, we're taking a moment to reflect on the impact made possible through previous grant investments. The stories in this collection highlight the many ways local generosity strengthens our community, from...

Supporting local youth does not fall solely on parents and guardians. Teachers, peers, club mentors, and other community members all see the value of investing in young people to help them grow into confident and capable adults. Students' needs are diverse, and...

October is National Estate Planning Awareness Month, a reminder to take stock of the plans you've made for the future and ensure they reflect the people, values, and causes that are important to you. For many families, estate planning is about providing peace of mind....

There are moments in life when words seem inadequate. The loss of a loved one leaves an emptiness that is difficult to describe, and yet, in those moments of sorrow, we often look for meaningful ways to celebrate the lives that touched us so deeply. For many families,...

When Northern Michigan was struck by the devastating ice storm last spring, communities across the region experienced firsthand the challenges that come with natural disasters. In the months that followed, conservation organizations, public agencies, and community...