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Tuesday, February 4, 2025

MCC Foundation receives Nonprofit of the Year Award at Ionia Chamber celebration

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The ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Foundation received the Ionia Area Chamber of Commerce Nonprofit of the Year Award during the organization’s annual dinner on Jan. 30 at Steele Street Hall in Ionia.

The awards are presented annually by the Chamber to individuals and businesses that improve the community through volunteerism, promotion, innovation, investment and other forms of service.

Ashley Brownell, who serves as president if the IACC Board of Directors, presented the award.

β€œSince being established in 1981, the ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Foundation has contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars annually to support the college in its mission of transforming lives through quality education,” Brownell said. β€œThe MCC Foundation’s missionΜύis to support ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½β€™s efforts to anticipate and address community needs through relationship cultivation and resource stewardship.

β€œThe MCCF stewards its funds to support meaningful academic scholarships to MCC students, institutional grants for innovative initiatives, modern learning environments and curriculum, and vital programming,” she added.

MCCF Executive Director Lisa Lund accepted the award.

β€œI am so grateful that the Ionia Chamber honored the MCCF with this award,” Lund said. β€œThe Foundation’s work is the result of great volunteers and the many donors who have invested in the mission of the college to create educational opportunities for so many in the communities that we serve. We are proud to be a partner to support learners of all ages at all stages in life, and we look forward to more great things ahead!”

The MCC Foundation strives to create a diverse range of opportunities for its students and its community. In addition to the establishment of seven new scholarships over the past year, these are a few examples of the vibrant initiatives the MCC Foundation funded over the past year:

  • MCC Foundation funds played a critical role in launching the innovative Sugar Bush at MCC. MCC is one of only 27 colleges in the United States to run a Sugar Bush operation.
  • The MCC Foundation annually hosts an β€œEstate Planning Basics” workshop in partnership with local legal and financial professionals.
  • The MCC Foundation supports cultural events through stewardship of MCC Foundation Stanley & Blanche Ash Community College Enhancement Fund, which supports the college in developing and enhancing career training, educational opportunities, programs and services for students, alumni and citizens of the college community.
  • The MCC Foundation supports community connections through programs such as the MCC Alumni & Friends Choir, One Book One County Montcalm, and MCC’s Lifelong Learners.

Visit for more information about the MCC Foundation.