MENOMINEE, MI — The M&M Area Community Foundation (MMACF) has announced the distribution of more than $90,000 through its Fall 2025 Grant Cycle, supporting a wide range of nonprofit programs and community initiatives across Marinette and Menominee Counties. The Foundation received more than 60 applications requesting over $500,000 in funding, far surpassing the amount available for distribution.
In addition to its fall awards, the Foundation granted $12,700 earlier this year through its Women’s Giving Circle Fund, which focuses on programs serving women and girls in the region. When combined with scholarships, donor-advised grants, designated fund distributions, and agency fund payouts, MMACF provided more than $880,000 in charitable support to the two counties in 2025.
“Our communities are facing a level of need we haven’t seen before,” said Ashley Berken, Executive Director of the M&M Area Community Foundation. “We are honored to support so many impactful programs this fall, but the volume of applications—and the more than half a million dollars requested—shows how many organizations are stretching themselves to meet the growing needs of local families, youth, and vulnerable populations. Every dollar we award represents a partnership with donors who care deeply about this region, and every application we are unable to fund reminds us how much more work there is to do.”
The following organizations received funding during the Fall Grant Cycle:
| Amount | Organization Name | Program Name |
| $6,000.00 | Marinette County District Attorney – Diversion Program | Marinette County Diversion Program |
| $2,000.00 | Pastor Fred’s Food Pantry | Meat for pantry clients |
| $10,000.00 | DAR Boys & Girls Club | DAR Boys & Girls Club |
| $2,440.00 | City of Peshtigo | Storm Drain Art |
| $2,015.00 | Healthy Youth Coalition of Marinette & Menominee Co. | Drug-Free School Signage Project |
| $5,433.34 | Rainbow House Domestic Abuse Services, Inc. | Supporting Survivor Mental Health |
| $874.00 | Camp New Day U.P. | Camp New Day U.P. |
| $241.75 | Crivitz Area Woman’s Club | Back to School Program |
| $952.00 | Town of Peshtigo Fire Department | Purchase Fire Hose for New Fire Engine |
| $6,000.00 | Crivitz Police Department | Drone Program |
| $6,782.78 | Niagara Area Emergency Unit, Inc | LifePak Integration Initiative |
| $5,000.00 | The Salvation Army Marinette, WI | Christmas food baskets |
| $2,000.00 | Marinette & Oconto Counties Literacy Council, Inc. | Marinette & Oconto Counties Literacy Council |
| $2,500.00 | Healthy Youth Coalition of Marinette & Menominee Co. | “Vape Escape” Educational Experience Kits |
| $1,350.00 | Communities that Care of Marinette & Menominee Co. | “Lock It UP!” Project |
| $655.25 | Crivitz School District | Grief Kits |
| $11,000.00 | Communities that Care of Marinette & Menominee Co. | Parent Education Events – Youth Substance Use Focused |
| $20,000.00 | Healthy Youth Coalition of Marinette & Menominee Co. | HYC Operational Funding Grant Request |
| $10,345.00 | Healthy Youth Coalition of Marinette & Menominee Co. | Youth Substance Use Prevention Media Campaigns |
Berken emphasized that although the Foundation is proud of the positive impact it can make through its grant programs, the community’s needs continue to outpace available resources. “As a Foundation, we are committed to being good stewards of every donor dollar entrusted to us,” she said. “But we also want the public to understand that when we receive over $500,000 in requests and can only meet a fraction of that need, there is a real opportunity for community members and businesses to step in and make a difference. Philanthropy at any level strengthens the services that make our counties healthier, safer, and more resilient.”
Community members interested in supporting future grant cycles can contribute to the Foundation’s Community-Wide Field of Interest Fund, which provides flexible dollars to respond to emerging and critical needs across both counties.
Donations can be made online at mmacf.org/donate or mailed to:
M&M Area Community Foundation
833A 1st St, Menominee, MI 49858
More information about the Foundation’s grantmaking, fund types, and community impact is available at mmacf.org.