ABOUT
HCCF
CELEBRATING
30 YEARS
OF IMPACT
Born from the collective spirit of Huron County residents in 1994, The Huron County Community Foundation exists to enact positive change in our community.
We aim to provide a simple, powerful, and highly personal approach to giving. Whether you aspire to bolster education, advance healthcare, or champion any other cause close to your heart, we stand ready to facilitate your vision. By establishing funds tailored to specific interests or supporting non-profit organizations directly, we ensure that your generosity leaves a lasting imprint on the causes you cherish.
Through monetary contributions, stocks, real estate, or other assets, we ensure that every act of generosity is optimized for both impact and tax benefits under federal law.
Our foundation is more than just a financial intermediary. We're here to facilitate enduring legacies. "Investing FOR GOOD... FOR EVER" encapsulates our commitment to perpetual betterment. When you contribute to an endowment, your gift becomes a timeless investment in the welfare of our community. Year after year, the interest generated from these investments fuels local initiatives and empowers future generations.
In collaboration with our donors, we're not merely building a better community; we're nurturing its sustained growth and resilience.
Contact us today to discover how you can transform your charitable aspirations into a legacy of enduring impact.
OUR
MISSION
The mission of the Huron County Community Foundation is to empower individuals to enact positive change in our county. We strive to facilitate enduring legacies and nurture sustained growth and resilience in our community.
HCCF will fulfill its mission by:
Supporting a diverse array of philanthropic endeavors in Huron County, fostering lasting positive impact for generations to come.
Cultivating partnerships to identify and tackle community challenges and opportunities collaboratively.
Educating the community about the Foundation's role in managing charitable contributions, particularly through the establishment of permanent endowments.
Granting funds to address evolving community needs while honoring the intentions of donors.
OUR
VISION
Our vision is to create a community where every individual has the opportunity to make a lasting impact and leave a positive legacy. Through our commitment to perpetual betterment and strategic investments, we aim to inspire hope, foster change, and empower future generations to thrive.
Community foundations have a rich history dating back to 1914, marked by Frederick Harris Goff's establishment of the Cleveland Community Foundation. Goff’s vision created a permanent endowment that would allow every citizen, not just the wealthy, to participate in shaping a vibrant community in Cleveland. The history of the Huron County Community Foundation is just budding in comparison, but the vision remains the same.
OUR
HISTORY
The foundation's inception began with informal discussions between Carl Osentoski, the Executive Director of the Huron County Economic Development Corp at the time, and businessman Lowell McDonald. The Huron County Community Foundation (HCCF) was officially incorporated in March 1994, thanks to the efforts of Carl, Lowell, Tenney, and many others. Initially, the Foundation existed only on paper, without any assets. It wasn't until 1996, two years later, that it received its first $1,000 donation from Martha Thuemmel, then county commissioner.
Despite modest beginnings, significant progress was made when the Kellogg Foundation of Battle Creek offered grant money. In the late 1990’s, fledgling community foundations were started across the state of Michigan. The W.K. Kellogg Foundation, located in Battle Creek, recognized the importance of local philanthropy, including supporting the next generation in that effort. The Kellogg Foundation issued a matching grant opportunity to assist in building assets. The foundation set a goal to raise $400,000 to qualify for a $200,000 grant. Under the leadership of S. Tenney McGraw, a retired banker who also served as the first executive director, a successful campaign ensued.
The achievement of this goal was made possible through the contributions of various individuals and businesses, including Huron Medical Center, Scheurer Hospital, and funds from the estate of Judge Neil MacCallum and Vernetta Thuemmel.
A pivotal requirement of the Kellogg grant was the formation of a Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) to oversee grant funds, ensuring benefits for the area's youth. YAC continues to meet regularly, facilitating a grant round each year.
Despite its brief history, the Huron County Community Foundation is poised for longevity, thanks to the commitment of those who have entrusted funds to its care. With ongoing support from contributors within Huron County and beyond, the foundation remains dedicated to making a positive impact and fostering continued growth within the community.
Milestones &
Achievements
2010
Surpassed $2 million in endowed assets
2014
Hired first full-time Executive Director
2021
Total dollars awarded to the community from grants and scholarships surpassed $2 million for the first time
2024
Celebrated 30 years of community service