Learn About Us
GRANTS
CREATE A FUND
SCHOLARSHIPS
Grants from unrestricted funds support a variety of programs and services throughout Ottawa County. We focus on making the maximum positive effort for our community.
SCHOLARSHIPS
CREATE A FUND
SCHOLARSHIPS
Our scholarship funds annually assist local high school seniors in their pursuit of higher education and training. Several special scholarships are also available.
CREATE A FUND
CREATE A FUND
CREATE A FUND
You may establish a named fund with the Foundation either during your lifetime or through your estate plan. Many options are available to donors to begin their fund.
Special Opportunities
Shea McGrew First Executive Director
Shea McGrew First Executive Director
Shea McGrew First Executive Director
Please welcome Shea McGrew, new Executive Director for the Foundation!
According to OCCF Board of Trustees President Jan Preston, “Shea is the ideal candidate to serve in this important, new leadership role, and we look forward to the contributions he will make offering his skills, experience, and management style to help this organization grow.”
The new Executive Director position reports to the Board of Directors and is charged with meeting goals and contributing to the overall growth of the Foundation while overseeing both the day-to-day operations for the organization and the special initiatives on behalf of the Foundation.
McGrew has significant experience in operational and program management, including at two university foundations. He has secured major gifts while concurrently building annual giving productivity and is well-versed in the planning and leadership of campaigns. His skills in working with boards to develop and implement strategic priorities and will be important as OCCF looks to the future.
“My goal is to reach out regularly to donors, prospective donors, and the community to build relationships of trust and ‘tell the story’ of the Ottawa County Community Foundation,” said McGrew. “I look forward to furthering the mission of creating a better community for generations to come.”
RISE Small Business Innovation Grants
Shea McGrew First Executive Director
Shea McGrew First Executive Director
Thanks to significant support from the Burton D. Morgan Foundation, OCCF is proud to collaborate with the Ottawa County Improvement Corporation to bring the Regional Incubator for Sustainability and Entrepreneurship (RISE) Program’s Small Business Innovation Grant to Ottawa County.
The grant focused on assisting existing Ottawa County entrepreneurs to help grow their businesses, which include innovative and strategic investments to thrive and adapt given recent events.
The RISE Grant Program has awarded $61,985 in funding to 23 small businesses in pursuit of sustainability and growth with special consideration for those impacted by the recent public health emergency. For more information about RISE, click on the tab below.
Annual Community Grants
Shea McGrew First Executive Director
Annual Community Grants
The Foundation annually awards Community Grants in the fields of education, social services, physical and mental health, safe and positive living environments, natural resources, and the arts. Nonprofit organizations located in or serving Ottawa County are invited to submit a request for grant funding. Grants are made possible from several unrestricted Funds held by the Foundation. Applications must be received by March 15 each year to be considered for funding. Grants awards are announced in mid June.
In 2021, an online portal for applications was unveiled. Information on using the online application system is available on the Grants page. Applicants may alternatively download the Guidelines for Grant Seekers located on the Grants page and submit their application by mail.
In Memoriam of Joy Roth, Founding Member & Board President
The Ottawa County Community Foundation (OCCF) family was faced with a heartbreaking personal loss when our founder and president Joy Roth passed away unexpectedly in July. For more than 20 years, Joy was OCCF’s foremost champion, working tirelessly to promote the Foundation’s mission of “Doing Good. Forever.” She always had a smile on her face and a positive attitude in her heart. As one Board member said, “Joy’s name exemplified her life.” Her passion for the mission of OCCF and her boundless energy have grown it into the vibrant Community Foundation that it is today with $10 million in assets and over 90 established funds.
The Foundation will continue to honor Joy’s legacy through scholarships and grants to Ottawa County nonprofits, schools, and communities. Joy's family has asked that memorial contributions be directed to The Founder's Fund, established in her honor at our 20th Anniversary celebration.
You may make a donation online directly to The Founder's Fund or send a check indicating Founder's Fund on the memo line.
