The Grand Haven Area Community Foundation has announced the winners of its community choice grants.
As part of its 50th-anniversary celebration, GHACF allocated $50,000 in funding to be granted to local municipalities for community betterment projects.
Over the past seven weeks, Northwest Ottawa County residents have been voting online for these projects they would like to see completed with the grant money.
The city of Ferrysburg, city of Grand Haven, Crockery Township, Grand Haven Township, Robinson Township, Spring Lake Township, and the Village of Spring Lake were all awarded a portion of the $50,000 fund to complete projects deemed priorities by the community.
“As a community foundation, one of our highest priorities will always be ensuring the work we are doing aligns with the priorities of our community,” says GHACF’s President Hadley Streng. “By allowing community members to vote for their favorite projects, we are staying true to the values and vision set forth by our founding members 50 years ago.”
7 community grants
With selections complete, GHACF has distributed funds to each participating municipality. The following projects were approved for grants:
- City of Ferrysburg: Historical Marker Site Improvement
- City of Grand Haven: Bike Racks in Downtown, Centertown, and Washington Square
- Crockery Township: Northbank Park Amenities
- Grand Haven Township: Bench and Water Fountain
- Robinson Township: Library Book Return Box
- Spring Lake Township: Bike Path Benches
- Village of Spring Lake: Central Park All-Access Play Equipment
Spring Lake plans to use its $7,000 grant to help pay the costs of upgrading the community’s Central Park play structure with two pieces of updated all access equipment,” explains Angela Stanford-Butler, the village’s DDA Director.
One is an inclusive seat for children with special physical needs, and the other is a generational swing that can be used for special needs and smaller children who will benefit from the eye contact of the person swinging with them. The project is also being supported by private donations and funding from the DDA.
Streng says the foundation is grateful for the community involvement that was key to selecting the projects.
“Thank you to all who participated. We are eager to see how these new additions will enhance our community,” says Streng.
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