Field of Interest/Donor Advised Funds
Field of Interest and Donor Advised funds allow donors to support a specific charitable cause, such as the arts, youth, ecology, services for the elderly, or health and human services. Below is a list of the Foundation’s Field of Interest and Donor Advised Funds:
a memorial fund in 2021 after his passing, to honor the legacy of U.S. Navy Veteran, Bill Brooks, who after traveling the world with his wife Heather, returned to live in his hometown of Owosso. He built a life in Owosso with his wife and their daughter, Cheyenne. Bill was an Owosso High School graduate, a certified ISA arborist, an MSU Master Gardener, and worked for the City of Owosso DPW retiring after 20 years of service. Bill took extraordinary pride in the Owosso community, volunteering his time for river and downtown clean-ups, planting flowers and trees, working several Owosso area and downtown events as well as many other community endeavors. He was also involved in river shed and conservation projects through his work with the city. The beautification of the Owosso community is something that Bill put his heart and hard work into.
In his memory, this fund will be awarded as a grant to non-profits in Shiawassee County for community beautification projects. This could include, but is not limited to, tree and flower planting, community gardens, upkeep/repair of downtown projects, parks, and community spaces, as well as plant and tree education/camps/classes for any age.
PFC Shane W. Cantu lost his life during his first tour of duty in Afghanistan. Shane passed away on August 28, 2012 when an explosive device hit his compound in Charkh. He was the first Shiawassee County fatality from the current Afghanistan war. When he was brought home for burial, many residents paid tribute to him by lining the streets from the Durand area all the way to Nelson House Funeral Home in Owosso. The procession began at Bishop Airport and was led by approximately 200 Michigan Patriot Guard motorcycles, Michigan State Police, and local police officers. Our community will never forget that day and the ultimate sacrifice Shane made for the freedom of our country.
Shane’s mother, Jennifer Clarke, established this fund to help keep Shane’s memory alive in perpetuity. Shane was born on October 25, 1991 in Owosso and was a 2010 graduate of Corunna High School. He served his country in the United States Army, 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team.
Shane had a fun-loving and entertaining personality, always keeping his friends and family in stitches with his sense of humor and many impressions. He always looked forward to time spent with his loved ones. Shane had a love for football, especially Corunna High School football, where he was a three-year starter on the football team. Even if Shane was hurt and out with an injury, he would still be at football practices with his fellow teammates; he was a true team player. Shane was one of five children, including a twin sister. He was the only boy growing up in a house full of girls. Shane’s plans after serving his country were to study law enforcement and become a U.S. Marshal.
This grant provides funding to qualifying charitable organizations, schools, health and human service organizations, municipalities, and other governmental entities to support veterans’ programs and projects in the Shiawassee County area.
The Alford and Alice Emmert Youth Fund was established to promote education and training that promotes leadership for youth in Shiawassee County. The purpose of this fund is to fund activities, experiences, education, and training that promote leadership and advance learning in citizenship, academics, agriculture, natural sciences, music, and photography. This fund will support individuals and small groups striving for excellence in the above areas, as well as those with disabilities striving for skills. Funding requests will be considered from FFA, 4-H, Scouts, Farm Bureau, Society of American Foresters, Music/Band/Photography Clubs, and other academic clubs/groups and individuals/groups with disabilities. Excluded from consideration are programs designed as anti-drug, anti-smoking, teen pregnancy, athletics, programs that promote animal rights and environmental protectionism and preservationism, and any program developed and advocated by an animal rights group.
Edward Fraiser was born in Syracuse, N.Y. on October 10, 1909. He resided most of his life in Owosso and married Claire “Ellie” Couture in Battle Creek on July 10, 1960. He was the owner and operator of Fraiser Painting and Decorating Company in Owosso for more than 40 years, retiring in 1980. He passed away on June 2, 1990, at Memorial Hospital. Edward attended First Congregational Church in Owosso, was a life member of BPOE Lodge 753, a member of the Owosso Eagles Aerie 851, and a member of the Owosso Country Club for over 50 years. In addition, he was a life member of Owosso Lodge #81 F. & A.M. and a former member of the Owosso Kiwanis Club. The interest from this fund is to be granted to philanthropic projects as determined by the Board of Directors of the Foundation.
Gerald “Jerry” Gilbert inspired students for 25 years as a vocal music instructor at Owosso High School. Mr. Gilbert was regarded by his colleagues in the Michigan School Vocal Association (MSVA) for his masterful ability to develop and inspire members of Owosso High School’s renowned A Cappella Choir to consistently win highly prized state honors. Most of all, Mr. Gilbert is remembered by scores of Owosso High School alumni for his passion for music, for fun and entertainment and, most of all, his example of striving for excellence.
Born in Traverse City, Michigan, Mr. Gilbert graduated from Central Michigan University with a BA degree and from the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago with a Master’s degree. He was the director of the Michigan Honors Choir and was voted Outstanding Music Teacher of the Year by the MSVA in 1970. Mr. Gilbert was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving in the Pacific in World War II. He retired from Owosso High School in 1978 and passed away at the age of 63 in 1988. Mr. Gilbert was choir director of the First United Methodist Church in Owosso for 19 years. He was a member of the Owosso Public Schools Teacher Negotiating Team for the Owosso Education Association and helped write the first teacher contract.
This endowment fund was established in November 2013 by Mr. Charles (Chas) Lyons, who was born and raised in Owosso and who graduated from OHS in 1964. He graduated with a Master of Arts degree in Journalism from Michigan State University. His newspaper career began as a reporter for the Argus Press in Owosso and continued with positions from editor to marketing director to publisher and CEO in Michigan, Texas, South Carolina, Virginia, New Jersey, Washington, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. Chas worked for the Washington Post Company for 19 years, serving as Chief Executive Officer of the Post-Newsweek Media, Inc. division. He was active in community service, including serving as Chairman of Strathmore Hall during its construction of a Music and Arts Education Center in North Bethesda, Maryland that features a renowned 2,500-seat concert hall. He was president of the A Cappella Choir in 1964 and was inducted into the Owosso High School Wall of Honor in 2013, citing Jerry Gilbert as a major influence in his life while growing up in Owosso. Chas currently resides in Oxford, Maryland.
The purpose of this fund is to memorialize the legacy of Gerald Gilbert by awarding grants to organizations for projects and programs that will benefit youth in Owosso.
Kailey lost her life at the age of 16 in a car accident on September 5, 2004. Kailey, the daughter of Pat and Lynn Jordan, was a junior at Durand High School and was active in tennis, soccer, track, cross country, volleyball, and working on the yearbook staff. Her love of horses led her to compete with several organizations. After graduating from high school, Kailey wanted to further her education in either horse training or photography. Memorial donations received from friends and family were used to establish this endowment fund in Kailey’s memory. Scholarships from this fund are awarded to Michigan horse camps to allow disabled or terminally ill children to reap the benefits of therapeutic horseback riding.
Mackenzie was born in Owosso, Michigan, the daughter of George and Laurie Watts. Mackenzie made the people and world around her better. She was a friend to all who knew her, and the impact of her life extended far beyond those. Whether she was in the classroom, at church, in the pool, or singing in the choir, Mackenzie approached life with such heart that an entire room would smile at her presence. A natural leader, Mackenzie was constantly supportive of her peers in any situation. She could be counted on for sound advice, words of encouragement, or an open ear. She was sincere, welcoming, and lived every day with an enthusiasm only matched by her trademark smile. Mackenzie was also a hard worker, determined to give it her all until her goals were accomplished. She faced every new challenge, tackled every new problem, and climbed over any barrier with joyful optimism and full commitment. Mackenzie was a true role model and set an example for others to strive for. Coaching young children, mentoring teammates, modeling dedication, piety, compassion and determination, Mackenzie, in her 15 years on earth, demonstrated a life we should all try to emulate.
Michigan-based non-profit community organizations may apply to grant to receive funding for cardiac-related programs or emergency equipment such as Automated External Defibrillators (AED).
This fund was started by Debra’s husband (Dr. Patrick Wegman) and son (Patrick Wegman, II) on the 10th anniversary of her passing as a way to commemorate her life and give back to the community that has nurtured their family for so many years.
Dr. Wegman has been practicing dermatology in Owosso since 1984, a practice his wife Debra helped to establish. Patrick Wegman, II was a member of the Youth Advisory Council, a youth philanthropy and service organization overseen by the Foundation. He currently serves as Vice President of the Foundation’s Board of Directors.
In addition to offering a scholarship and operating funds for the Foundation, this fund also provides a grant for local organizations. Grants may be awarded to 501(c)(3) non-profits, schools, municipal organizations, health and human service organizations, or governmental entities. Preference is given to programs focusing on healthcare, education, arts and theatre, community improvement, ministry and spiritual enrichment, beautification projects (especially water-related projects), youth programs, senior programs, or other unmet charitable needs.
This fund was established by Diane (Woodard) and Rob Collier as a way to remember Diane’s parents, Russell and Annabelle. Russell was born on October 23, 1910 in Owosso, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Lee L. Woodard. He attended the Owosso grade schools, Principia Upper School and Principia Junior College in Missouri, received his AB degree from Dartmouth, completed two years of graduate work in law and one year in business at the University of Michigan. He was married to Annabelle Mosher in Owosso on January 4, 1944, and together they had three children, Lee, Sharon and Diane. Annabelle was born on January 18, 1925 in Owosso. She graduated from Owosso High School in 1943 and was a homemaker and formerly worked with Principal College in Elsah, Illinois. The purpose of this fund is to be used to benefit family, youth, beautification, and preservation projects in Shiawassee County.
In 1998, the Council of Michigan Foundations (CMF) and community foundation members developed a proposal to the W.K. Kellogg Foundation for the Michigan Community Foundations’ Youth Project (MCFYP). Their efforts meant to do the following: Expand the areas served by community foundations in Michigan so that every citizen would have access to a philanthropic vehicle, strengthen existing community foundations, and involve youth in community foundations through the creation of Youth Advisory Committees (YAC). The Youth Advisory Council meets monthly during the school year. They review and recommend grants to the foundation’s board of directors. Grants are awarded to support projects that focus on program activities in the arts, education or recreational fields, as well as health and human services. The Youth Advisory Council is well-respected for being community-oriented and willing to volunteer for various community events. Agency Fund Descriptions
Designated Agency Funds
designated agency funds administered by the Shiawassee Community Foundation benefit a specific agency only that is determined by the original donor. No application form is required. Grant checks are sent directly to the agency after approval by the Board of Directors. Following is a list of the Foundation’s Designated Agency Funds:
This fund was established by a bequest from the late Frances L. DeVries. Mrs. DeVries and her husband, the late Jospeph DeVries, DVM, were well known throughout Shiawassee County as avid animal lovers. She was born on September 30, 1911, in Howell, Michigan. Fran, as everyone called her, graduated from Michigan State College in 1932 with a degree in social work. She and Joseph “Jack” were married in Honor, Michigan, on July 28, 1933. Moving to Owosso in 1936, Fran and Jack set up his large animal practice on Main Street, treating horses and other large animals in town and throughout the county, eventually moving their practice north of town and concentrating on small animals. Those were the days when sleighs would be driven through Owosso in winter and horses were kept in town. Fran worked side-by-side with her husband in their veterinary practice, assisting in surgery, handling the books and not leaving the office until her husband did each night. Having been raised by her businessman father since the age of 8, when her mother died, Fran became an astute businesswoman and managed their veterinary practice and other business affairs with great relish. She was, in many respects, a woman far ahead of her time. An avid animal lover, Fran was the inspiration behind the Shiawassee Humane Society for many years, running it out of their office until the building was built on Bennington Road. She was active for many years on the Salvation Army board and she also was involved with the Red Cross. Sharing her husband’s love of horses, Fran was an announcer for the Saddlebred Horse Shows at the Michigan State Fair. She organized many horse shows in Shiawassee County and traveled with Jack as he showed horses. The DeVries were founding members of the Michigan Horse Drawn Vehicle Association, as well as members of the American Saddle Horse Association and the Michigan Horse Show Association. She was a member of the First Congretional Church. Fran loved music of the big band era and took great pleasure in playing the organ by ear. She especially enjoyed duets with friends on the piano and frequently provided organ accompaniment at horse shows. After retirement, she proudly skippered her 46-foot cabin cruiser on Lake St. Clair and loved every minute spent on the water. If you asked Fran what she considered her greatest accomplishment in life, she would unhesitantly tell you it was her 67 year marriage to her husband, Jack. Throughout their lives, they were at each others side, no matter what the undertaking. In the lexicon of their many friends, “Fran and Jack” was one word. Their deep and abiding love for each other was an inspiration to all who knew them. Nothing was better than simply being together. The purpose of this fund is to provide income for the operations of the DeVries Nature Conservancy in perpetuity.
This fund was established by Durand Union Station as a way to help support their long-term financial objectives.
This fund was established by the Michigan State Trust for Railway Preservation – Project 1225 as a way to help support their long-term financial objectives.
Mr. Russell Osborne started this endowment fund in remembrance of his wife, Gweneth. He wanted her legacy to live on and decided to start this fund that will benefit Respite Volunteers of Shiawassee in perpetuity. Gweneth was born in 1927 in Markle, Indiana. She attended school in Huntington, Indiana, and then completed her studies in extension groups from Michigan State and the University of Indiana. On March 21, 1948, she married Russell. She belonged to the Sara Rebekah Circle at the First United Methodist Church of which she was a member. She enjoyed being involved with music, photography and gardening. She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren.