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Mission Statement

The Bay Harbor Foundation is a charitable, nonprofit organization that is established to provide a process for receiving donations and distributing grants in Northern Lower Michigan that provide programs in the arts, education, a scholar program, the environment and health & human services.

Brief History

In December 2003, a group of Bay Harbor Property owners, business owners and employees who wanted to make Northern Michigan a better place came together to address their desire to channel charitable efforts through what would become the Bay Harbor Foundation. Over the years, the Bay Harbor Foundation has provided a total of $1,000,000 to 68 area charitable organizations. Recipients who have benefited from the Foundation, but not limited to, are the Good Samaritans where the Foundation was able to provide emergency heating fuel to over 60 homes and keep those families together through the winter. The Manna Food Project received funding through the Foundation to assist in their building expansion project that resulted in almost doubling the size of their current warehouse and pantry. Hospice of Little Traverse Bay received assistance with the purchase of an upgraded computerized charting system and Hospice of Northwest Michigan received assistance with the purchase of bereavement literature, Northern Michigan Regional Hospital received support for their Community Free Clinic's services. Girl Scout Troop 379 received support from the Foundation in conjunction with VFW Post 2015 to send cookies and phone cards to our soldiers serving abroad. Crooked Tree Arts Council received support to fund music and dance classes to children whose families could not afford them otherwise.The Foundation's most recent program, which began in June '08, is the Scholar Program. It awarded $190,000 to eighty-one students since 2008.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers are the true strength behind the Bay Harbor Foundation. As a direct result of our volunteers, the Foundation is able to distribute more grants to local nonprofit organizations rather than spending that money on operational funds for those fundraising events.

Fundraising Events

We always strive to generate more revenue for funding nonprofit organizations. Currently our annual events include: Bay Harbor Chili Cook-Off, Bay Harbor Yard Sale, 5K Run/Walk, the Bay Harbor Vintage Car and Boat Festival, Baynanza, the Bay Harbor Golf Tournament, the Bay Harbor Home Tour and our Scholarship program. Though every event is different they are certain to provide an atmosphere of fun and friendship as well as working for a good cause.

Giving Opportunities

The Foundation invites you to become involved by giving of your time, your experience or by donating a monetary gift. Your generosity allows us to continue with our mission of assisting nonprofit cultural, educational, health & human services, and environmental service organizations in the Northern Michigan community. The Foundation has a variety of ways to make a donation such as charitable annuities, gifts of real estate, and our planned giving program. We also welcome sponsorships at our events and community programs. Learn more about our giving programs and our world of charitable giving for a better future in Northern Michigan by visiting us at www.bayharborfoundation.org. You may also contact our office for more information.