April
2022
FROM THE DIRECTOR
Our scholarship committees have been hard at work the past few weeks and will be working into April reviewing scholarship applications from so many deserving students across the county.

We wish we could fund every single deserving student to help with dreams of furthering their education whether through two or four year college programs, or through training programs for skilled traders. We are so grateful to our past and present donors for making the scholarships we do administer so impactful. It is their generosity that helps many in our county take the next step in life. If you would like to establish a new scholarship or donate to an existing scholarship, check out our webpage for more information.

We send wishes of a happy SPRING VACATION to all the school-age families around the county. Enjoy this time to make great family memories in a way meaningful to your family.
Put Your Skill to Work
The McIlwaine Family Skilled Trades Scholarship is administered by the Allegan County Community Foundation. Multiple awards of up to $2,000 each are available this year.

Allegan County high school graduates pursuing a license or certification in a trade or skilled trades program should apply.  Applicants must be under the age of 21 and a minimum 2.5 GPA is required.

This scholarship may be used for program costs, potentially including required tools of the trade. Possible trade fields include, but are not limited to, plumbing, carpentry, cosmetology, automotive, culinary, welding, roofing, machining or electrical. 

Although not considered a “renewable” scholarship, recipients may reapply a second year for funding if needed. The number of scholarships and dollar amounts can vary each year. 

The MacIlwaine Family Skilled Trades Scholarship was established in 2018 in response to limited financial support opportunities to those looking for a career in the Trades. 

Application deadline is May 30, 2022.  
National Library Week is April 3rd through April 9th this year, with LIBRARY GIVING DAY on Wednesday, April 6th. 

As we know, public libraries are known for books and research materials, but they also offer many programs that promote lifelong learning, connect patrons to technology, and advance our knowledge.

#LibraryGivingDay is a one-day fundraising event with the goal of encouraging people who depend on and enjoy public libraries to donate to their individual library system. And in turn, that support will go toward the incredible programs, services and materials provided by local libraries all over the county.


Did you know we hold ENDOWMENT FUNDS for some of the county’s libraries? 
 
In 1999, the Otsego District Library – Irene Galloway Endowment Fund was established in honor of long-time board member Irene Galloway. The endowment supports the operations and services of the Otsego District Library. DONATE HERE.
 
The Fennville District Library can trace its roots back to 1921 when it was a project of Woman's Club of Fennville. ACCF is honored to have their fund which is in support of the building and services it provides to the community. This library has more than 65,000 items in the collection and access to more than four million items. The endowment fund provides long-term support for the building, programs, and services for the Fennville District Library. DONATE HERE.
 
The roots of the Saugatuck Douglas District Library began in 1871. Their collection is growing as well as their program offerings which are more than 300 events per year! We are pleased to hold their fund which is used to support their ongoing and future needs. DONATE HERE.
Do you live in Allegan County? Are you between 12 and 18 years old? Do you have an interest in community service? If you answered yes to all of these questions, we have a wonderful opportunity for you. Join our TAG team for the 2022-2023 school year. Our TAG team makes a commitment each year to represent our peers and our community in philanthropy. We participate in community service, learn about local non-profits, learn about philanthropy and oversee nearly $80,000 per year in grants and scholarships. To apply fill out this FORM and we will be in touch. If you need more information contact Vicki Knuckles.
April 2022 kicks off the 7th Annual Cereal Drive in Allegan County! Many local businesses, churches and schools help to collect cereal for the month of April. The goal is 15,000 boxes to help feed the children in need in Allegan County during summer break. Reaching this goal would ensure that each child receives a box of cereal every week this summer. Our 15 Allegan County Food Pantry Collaborative members will distribute the cereal.

Donations can be made online or by texting CEREAL to 44-32. 

Boxes of cereal can be dropped off at any of our many Drop Site locations:

Allegan Area- 
Allegan County Sherriff's Dept
Allegan Village Market
Allegan United Methodist Church
Allegan Credit Union 
AAESA Administration Building
Allegan County Community Foundation
Wings Of Hope Hospice
Family Dollar
Christ Community Church
Rivertown Gym & Fitness
Class Act Salon

Plainwell-Otsego Area -
Dollar General - Otsego
Dollar General - Plainwell
Plainwell Harding's Market
Dance Kraze
Otsego Moose Lodge

Martin Area -
JC Wheeler Public Library
Clipper Café
Dollar General

Wayland-Dorr Area - 
Wayland Christian Neighbors 
Wayland Harding's Market
Wayland Hotel & Bar
Project Hope
Leppink's Market

Pullman-Fennville Area - 
The Linking Center
Fennville Area Fire Dept
Healthy Fennville
Family Dollar - Fennville

Hamilton Area - 
Hungry For Christ
Hamilton Food Center

Saugatuck-Douglas Area - 
Community Church of Douglas
Saugatuck Christian Reformed Church
Douglas Saugatuck Library
Coldwell Banker Douglas
Lake Vista Super Valu