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.

McGuirk Family Fund

Both Rick and Julie McGuirk have been involved with the Mt.  Pleasant Area Community Foundation for years--Rick on the Grant Review Committee and Julie on the Women’s Initiative Fund Committee. They understand the role of a strong community foundation to make local impact. “The Community Foundation has exposed us to a wide range of community needs,” said Rick. It’s no surprise, then, that the McGuirk family decided in 2012 to establish a donor advised fund from which to make grants to Isabella County organizations.

McGuirk family photo in front of fall backdrop

The McGuirk family came to the Mt. Pleasant area in the 1940s. Over the years, the family has grown several successful, local businesses. “We want to reinvest in the community where we live, work and raise our kids,” said Julie. Together with siblings Chuck (Jennifer) McGuirk and Sandra (Patrick) Dean, as well as Uncle Jim McGuirk, Rick and Julie hope to demonstrate to those around them the value of both volunteer service and philanthropy. “We want to help local nonprofit organizations meet their goals, and a donor advised fund at the Community Foundation gives us the flexibility to do that,” said Rick.

McGuirk family photo on beach

“We like the idea of establishing an endowment fund that will always exist, and will grow over time,” said Julie. Annually, the family will have the opportunity to review grant applications submitted to the Community Foundation and may make recommendations as to which community programs will receive grants. One year, the family might like to support a program focused on youth; the next a program benefiting seniors. “We like knowing we’re creating something that will allow us to do many different kinds of things here in our community.”