Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation

For good. For ever.

306 South University Avenue Mount Pleasant, MI, 48858 United States

(989) 773-7322

Our mission is to enhance the quality of life for all citizens of Isabella County, now and for generations to come, by attracting and holding permanent endowed funds from a wide range of donors, addressing needs through grant making and providing leadership on key community issues.

Robert and Geraldine Krapohl Literacy Fund

The Robert and Geraldine Krapohl Literacy Fund was established in 1997 upon the death of Robert Kropohl by his widow, Geraldine Krapohl, and their daughters Kay Smith, Nora Thuma and Barbara Birckner.  Later that year, Mrs. Krapohl passed away as well.

The Fund was founded to promote the cause of literacy – a reflection on the importance placed by both Krapohls on reading as the means for furthering education, self-improvement and enjoyment.  In fact Mrs. Krapohl once worked as a librarian in Bay City and spent long hours in the Mt. Pleasant library, browsing the stacks and, as she said, “loving the smell and touch of books enjoyed by so many.”

In its first year, the fund experienced huge gains due to many gifts in memory of the Krapohls.  Additionally, all monies were matched on a one-to-one basis from the Kellogg Foundation, since the Fund complied with one of Kellogg’s criteria – the promotion of literacy.

Individuals who wish to assist in the promotion of reading, public libraries and literacy may continue to donate to the Fund.  As the Fund continues to increase its earnings through investment, those earnings will be disbursed in the form of grants to local individuals, organizations and institutions sharing these goals.

Robert and Geraldine Kraphol

Both Krapohls were active, prominent members of the Mt. Pleasant community.  Robert Krapohl founded, with his brother Harold, Krapohl Ford-Lincoln-Mercury.  In addition, he served as president of the local Chamber of Commerce, president of the Central Michigan Community Hospital board of directors and chairman of a Red Cross Fund Drive.  He was also very active in his service club, his church and in many fundraising activities to benefit his community.

Geraldine Krapohl chaired committees to benefit Central Michigan Community Hospital and was a volunteer there.  In addition, she served as a girls scout leader, an officer in the Mt. Pleasant High School Congress, and took active roles in her church and many other area organizations.  Despite their many activities and busy schedules, reading remained the Krapohls’ favorite leisure enjoyment and, because of that, the Krapohl Literacy Fund will help others find that enjoyment in the future.