ABOUT US
Focused on Community Since 1997
Les Cheneaux Community Foundation is dedicated to maintaining, improving and preserving our beautiful Upper Peninsula community. Founded in 1997, the Foundation was launched by forward-thinking residents with generous assistance from the Kellogg Foundation and other donors with $450,000 in assets. This included a $150,000 gift from the Kellogg Foundation, which by design, was placed into an endowment fund for youth.
Additional Foundation assets have grown to just under $3 million, including over 50 funds representing interest in the arts, economic development, scholarships, and the environment. We have reinvested over $400,000 back into our communities including over $90,000 in scholarships to our post high school students and families, and accumulated assets for future generations of almost $3 million.
Celebrating 20 Years in 2018
Lasting Ways to Support Our Unique Region
The Foundation is proud of our continued investment in the Les Cheneaux community and partnership with local organizations including Les Cheneaux Ambulance Auxiliary, Les Cheneaux Arts Council, Les Cheneaux Culinary School, Great Lakes Boat Building School, Les Cheneaux Education Foundation, Clark Township Snows Heritage Park, Fridnes of Les Cheneaux Community Library and Les Cheneaux Watershed Council.
Investing in the Future of Les Cheneaux
From improving the Hessel Beach area to supporting our students with scholarships, Les Cheneaux Community Foundation supports the arts, economic development and education in our area. We offer grants for new programs designed for the good of our community. This community support is made possible by the generous donations of many residents and non-residents.
Thanks to Your Support, These Projects Are Possible
Hessel Beach Project
The Hessel Beach Restoration allowed the beautiful sand beach of Hessel Bay to be reclaimed and enjoyed by residents and visitors. The bath house was remodeled inside and out, and a covered picnic and seating area has been added.
Cedarville Harbor
A long term goal of the area has been to establish a strong economic base to the Cedarville waterfront. The Cedarville Harbor plan includes an updated facility that provides better water access for all residents, and invites traveling boaters to spend time here. In less than three months, community donations toward this project exceeded $280,000; a testimony of a community working together!
New Fire-Fighting Boat
An anonymous donation established a fund to purchase a new fire-fighting boat for Clark Township. The fund has already received $30,000 in donations, and funds will be raised until there is enough to purchase the boat. Given the number of island homes in Les Cheneaux, there is a great need for a new emergency fire boat.