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.

Give Local Isabella raises $100,000 in 24 hours

May 17, 2021  /  Guest User

Twenty-one local charitable organizations benefit from first time event

More than 300 donors supported local charitable organizations during the first-ever Give Local Isabella. Held on May 4, 2021, the social media-driven, crowdfunding opportunity engaged 21 local charitable organizations in a 24-hour fundraising competition. The communitywide event, hosted by the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation, raised $100,604.00.

“It was an amazing day and the community is the big winner,” said Kate Connors, Executive Director at Life Choices of Central Michigan.

Organizations with endowment funds held by the Foundation were eligible to participate in this historic giving event, utilizing an online platform to engage current and new community members in causes ranging from health and wellness to poverty and hunger. “We were able to raise awareness and spread the word on social media,” said Connors.

“It was wonderful to check in throughout the day and see all of the generosity and involvement in our community,” said Kirstie Mason, Development Director for R.I.S.E. Advocacy. Donations ranged from $10-$2,000 online, reminding us that everyone can be a philanthropist. When the clock struck midnight, 332 donors had made gifts totaling $49,504.

Organizations competed for $5,000 in prizes during the event. A list of verified prize winning organizations can be viewed at https://www.givelocalisabella.org/prizes.

In addition, $45,000 in match was distributed to participating organizations according to the percentage of total dollars raised. Renaissance Public School Academy, Chippewa Watershed Conservancy, and Community Compassion Network raised the most during the event. A full leaderboard can be view at https://www.givelocalisabella.org/leaderboards.

The prizes and match dollars were all part of an incentive pool committed by Mt. Pleasant Abstract & Title. President Paul Alexander thought an event focused on many charitable organizations in the community was a great way to celebrate his company’s 40th anniversary. “This day has raised money, promoted involvement and elevated awareness of the inspiring work of Mt. Pleasant area charitable organizations,” he said. While local charitable organizations spend most of the year fundraising for day-to-day operations, Give Local Isabella is an opportunity to spend one day—24 hours—focused on the sustainability of these important agencies. “Mt. Pleasant Abstract & Title is proud to sponsor this inaugural event.”

Amanda Schafer and Paul Alexander check presentation

Alexander presented a $50,000 check to Amanda Schafer, CEO of the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation, last week. Upon accepting it, Schafer was told that an additional $1,000 check was also present—a gift from another entity wanting to thank Mt. Pleasant Abstract & Title for 40 years of service. As a result, two weeks post-event, the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation was able to report final, verified donations totaling $100,604.

“Days like (Give Local Isabella) really help remind me of the outpouring of love regularly exhibited by members of this community,” said Mason.

Save the Date: Join the fun and give where you live during next year’s Give Local Isabella scheduled for May 3, 2022.