With the start of the new year, BCCF would like to re-introduce ourselves and the important role we play in creating lasting change in Branch County and Colon, Mi. At the heart of our work are our endowments—a powerful tool that enables us to support local nonprofits, fund community projects, and ensure a sustainable future for our region.
What is an Endowment?
An endowment is a long-term fund, built over time through donations, that is designed to grow and provide consistent support for community needs. The money in our endowment funds are carefully invested, and only a portion of the earnings is used annually, ensuring that the fund continues to grow while also providing essential resources.
Think of an endowment as a gift that keeps on giving. When you contribute to the Branch County Community Foundation’s endowment, you are investing in the future of our community. The earnings from this fund help support local initiatives, such as scholarships for students, grants for local nonprofits, and projects that address critical issues in our region—today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.
Endowments are crucial for building sustainable asset growth in any community. By establishing an endowment, BCCF ensures that resources are available not just for the short-term needs of today, but also for the long-term prosperity of our community. Each contribution to our endowment acts as a seed planted for future growth, growing in value over time.
By contributing to the endowment, you’re helping create a permanent resource that can sustain the work of the Foundation for years to come—giving your community a sense of financial stability, even in times of economic uncertainty.
More Than Just Endowments
While BCCF is dedicated to building long-term financial sustainability through our endowments, we’re also deeply committed to being a leader in our community. We believe that to create meaningful, positive change, collaboration is key. That’s why we take an active role in convening and supporting local nonprofits.
We work alongside a network of nonprofit organizations, community leaders, and residents to identify our community’s most critical needs and opportunities for growth. Our role is to serve as a connector, a facilitator, and a supporter of those working on the frontlines to improve the lives of our neighbors. Whether it’s supporting initiatives to strengthen local education, advocating for better health care services, or providing grants to help organizations expand their reach, we work to make sure the collective impact of our community efforts is as strong as possible.
As a trusted community leader, BCCF helps organizations collaborate and amplify their work. That’s why our role as a convener is so important. By fostering collaboration, we help organizations combine their expertise and resources to create more effective and impactful solutions to our community’s challenges.
What’s next?
As we continue to grow, we’re excited to work with you to strengthen Branch County’s future through the power of the endowment and community leadership. Whether you are a longtime supporter or a new neighbor, there’s no better way to make a lasting impact on our community than by contributing to the endowment. Your gift can help fuel the critical work of our local nonprofits, provide essential services, and continue the growth of Branch County for years to come.
Together, we are building a future where our community thrives. Thank you for being a part of this journey.
If you would like to learn more about how you can contribute to the Branch County Community Foundation or get involved with our work, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help you leave a lasting impact on the place we all call home.