Allegan County Community Foundation
Vicki Knuckles
269.673.8344
vknuckles@alleganfoundation.org
| Description of Org: A Community Foundation is a tax exempt, nonprofit, autonomous, publicly supported, philanthropic institution comprised primarily…
Funding Request: Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a book gifting program that mails beautiful, high-quality books to…
Justification: Administering this program requires a commitment by ACCF as local affiliate to raise approximately $120,000…
Summary: Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a book gifting program that mails free, beautiful, high-quality books…
Previous Awards: The West Shore Aware’s generous donation of $15,000 to the Pride Fund made possible grants…
AMOUNT: $15,000
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Arbor Circle
Taylor Greenfield
6167456325
tgreenfield@arborcircle.org
| Description of Org: Arbor Circle was founded in 1996 when six nonprofit organizations united to better serve the…
Funding Request: Arbor Circle is committed to providing comprehensive, inclusive support to youth, with a strong focus…
Justification: This grant will be an integral part of a braided funding strategy designed to enhance…
Summary: Arbor Circle has a long history of providing safe, affirming services to one of our…
Previous Awards: In 2023, Arbor Circle received a grant of $10,000. These funds supported and sustained counseling/therapy…
AMOUNT: $10,000
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Center for Dispute Resolution/ dba Mediation Services
Cathy A Anthofer-Fialon
765-977-5977
cathy@mediatewmi.org
| Description of Org: Mediation Services is the only local resource for alternative conflict resolution services and related training…
Funding Request: The need for our services has never been greater. Financial support from AWARE would help…
Justification: As a small nonprofit, training is a major expense for our small organization. Our goal…
Summary: We invite West Shore AWARE to partner with Mediation Services in the impactful work of…
Previous Awards: We were not selected for grant funding in 2024. In 2023 we were granted $4,500…
AMOUNT: Mediation Services is requesting $6,425-$12,850 from AWARE to train facilitators to lead Restorative Circles, a healing form of conflict resolution that creates a safe, balanced space where every participant has equal voice and equal opportunity to listen deeply. This unique process is different from traditional mediation because each participant is given the opportunity to speak through the use of a designated talking piece. Restorative Facilitations increase the likelihood that the person speaking is heard fully without interruption. This method fosters deep listening, genuine understanding, and a focus on healing and repairing harm. We are currently using Restorative Circles with court involved youth in Allegan County and their families. We have requests throughout Allegan to facilitate more Restorative Circles with families of LGBTQ+ youth, community members, and even fellow nonprofits.
Training 10 Restorative Circle facilitators costs Mediation Services $6,425. It is our goal to train up to 20 facilitators.
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Chamber Music Festival of Saugatuck, Inc.
Doug Walvoord
616-405-2366
dougwalvoord@gmail.com
| Description of Org: The Chamber Music Festival of Saugatuck, now in its 38th consecutive season, is dedicated to…
Funding Request: Our request is for a grant of $2000 from AWARE to assist funding our music…
Justification: CMFS is requesting a grant of $2000 to partially fund our education program during our…
Summary: The Chamber Music Festival of Saugatuck requests a grant of $2000 from West Shore Aware…
Previous Awards: CMFS received an AWARE grant of $2000 in 2012 to complete funding of the Joan…
AMOUNT: We are requesting a grant of $2000 from West Shore Aware to partially fund our music educational programs for 2025. We will offer Young Listener Concerts during the summer and in local grade schools reaching underserved students and others. Coaching sessions will be held for advanced high school wind and string students, and a string quartet will perform Bizet's "Ferdinand the Bull" in local grade schools. A student art contest at Saugatuck High School to create a poster for our 2025 publicity has already been held. We will again have our Internship Program for two college students who will assist with running our programs, interact with our artists, and learn the behind-the-scenes activities of a chamber music program.
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Children First on the Lakeshore (CFL)
Denise Adams
248 505 2900
draeadams@gmail.com
| Description of Org: Children First Lakeshore (CFL) is a 501 (c) (3) organization dedicated to feeding children affected…
Funding Request: Our need is food and providing it to the children. What is worse than a…
Justification: Our estimated 2025 operating expenses are $80,000. $75,000 for food and approximately $5,000 for administration…
Summary: Children First Lakeshore (CFL) is dedicated to feeding children affected by hunger throughout Allegan County.…
Previous Awards: Yes we received funding last year (and in previous years) and we provided weekend meals…
AMOUNT: CFL is requesting $10,000 to help purchase food for children impacted by hunger in Allegan county but we will accept whatever you can afford. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.
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Community Pride MI
Mike Wright
6303889730
mdwright1985@gmail.com
| Description of Org: COMMUNITY PRIDE MI is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, homegrown in the Saugatuck-Douglas community. The Board…
Funding Request: In 2025 Community Pride MI is again taking our vision and hosting events - PRIDE…
Justification: If Community Pride MI were to receive funding from West Shore Aware in 2025, those…
Summary: All of Community Pride MI’s PRIDE events for 2025 are free to attend. This year…
Previous Awards: Community Pride MI hosted two events in 2023 (when we received Aware funding) and 2024…
AMOUNT: $10,000
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Cow Hill Yacht Club
Jude Mikesell Gemmen
616-813-2411
jude@gemmentaxpros.com
| Description of Org: Cow Hill Yacht Club is a registered 501c serving vetted recipients in our targeted area…
Funding Request: We ae requesting $5,000. from West Shore AWARE to help with our "Leave the Light…
Justification: The requested funds from West Shore AWARE would help us fill many of these requests.…
Summary: Cow Hill Yacht Club is a 503c charitable organization serving vetted recipients in our targeted…
Previous Awards: We have received funding in the past. These funds were used to provide assistance with…
AMOUNT: $5,000
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FELLINLOVE FARM
Cheryl Kaletka
6162837555
fellinlovefarm@gmail.com
| Description of Org: With a mission of enriching the lives of people of all ages and abilities, Fellinlove…
Funding Request: Fellinlove Farm is home to our namesake beautiful Fell Ponies, horses, mini horses, two miniature…
Justification: Fellinlove Farm is seeking $20,000 in funding from West Shore Aware to strengthen its operational…
Summary: Fellinlove Farm's funding request of $20,000 seeks support for general operational funding to enhance its…
Previous Awards: In 2024, Fellinlove Farm received a generous $10,000 grant from West Shore Aware. This funding…
AMOUNT: $20,000
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Grand Rapids Trans Foundation
Ximón Kittok
(616) 719-1623
executivedirector@grtransfoundation.org
| Description of Org: The mission of Grand Rapids Trans Foundation (GRTF) is to nurture and sustain Trans futures…
Funding Request: The Grand Rapids Trans Foundation (GRTF) requests a $10,000 investment, to be split between our…
Justification: GRTF is funded largely through a diverse network of private foundations, businesses, and individual donors…
Summary: The Grand Rapids Trans Foundation (GRTF) promotes prosperity within the LGBTQ+ community by providing low-income…
Previous Awards: If Grand Rapids Trans Foundation (GRTF) receives Aware funding this year, we will use it…
AMOUNT: $10,000
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Interurban Transit Authority
Becky Carten-Crandell
2698571301
beckycc@saugatuckinterurban.org
| Description of Org: ITA mission statement: Our mission is to provide safe, reliable, efficient, and affordable public transportation…
Funding Request: The funds we receive will be given explicitly to our underserved community members and deposited…
Justification: We receive 18% of eligible expenses from 5311 Federal Operating Assistance and 30.589% of eligible…
Summary: Any amount our underserved community would receive would be, without a doubt, very beneficial. The…
Previous Awards: Our rider fare is $.50 - $1:00 per ride any dollar amount will provide rides…
AMOUNT: Interurban is requesting any amount up to $10,000
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Ladders of Hope USA, Inc.
Harry Adams
708-603-9696
jeepman111.ha@gmail.com
| Description of Org: Ladders of Hope Food Pantry, located in Fennville MI is a non-profit organization dedicated to…
Funding Request: Ladders of Hope Food Pantry is seeking funding to support our general operations budget as…
Justification: Ladders of Hope Food Pantry is requesting funds from West Shore Aware to support our…
Summary: The $2,500 in funding requested from West Shore Aware will contribute to our general operating…
Previous Awards: Grant funds will be used in supporting the 187 families we service on a monthly…
AMOUNT: $2,500
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MiPOTS Network
Michelle Brown
3305756217
mipotsnetwork@gmail.com
| Description of Org: Our non-profit organization comprised of local public servants, who volunteer their time to spread hope,…
Funding Request: We are requesting funds to be used to help offset financial struggles for up to…
Justification: If awarded, the funding received from AWARE will go to West Michigan applicants only. We…
Summary: Our mission is to raise awareness about the condition, spread hope, love, encouragement and understanding…
Previous Awards: Depending on the amount received, we can help up to 10 families per quarter with…
AMOUNT: We are open to any funding amount.
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Out On The Lakeshore
Jennifer Evans
2142354748
jennifer@outonthelakeshore.org
| Description of Org: Out On The Lakeshore (OOTL) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to creating safe, affirming,…
Funding Request: Out On The Lakeshore (OOTL) is requesting funds to support our paid internship program, a…
Justification: The funding requested from West Shore Aware will partially support the paid internship program at…
Summary: Out On The Lakeshore (OOTL) is requesting $10,000 to support a paid internship program, which…
Previous Awards: We are incredibly grateful for the funding support we received, which has already made a…
AMOUNT: 10,000
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OutCenter Southwest Michigan
Willow Sipling
269) 932-3009
willow@outcenter.org
| Description of Org: OutCenter Southwest Michigan is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to building thriving communities for LGBTQ+…
Funding Request: The LGBTQ+ Competent Healthcare project is a transformative initiative designed to address systemic healthcare disparities…
Justification: The funding requested from West Shore Aware will support a critical portion of our Competent…
Summary: OutCenter Southwest Michigan is seeking funding from West Shore Aware to support its LGBTQ+ Competent…
Previous Awards: OutCenter has received the following awards from West Shore Aware: - $9,800 for general operating…
AMOUNT: $10,000
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Red Horse Center for Collaborative Leadership
Fred Bueltmann
6162836634
fred@redhorse.red
| Description of Org: Red Horse is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that provides personal and professional development, mental health…
Funding Request: Red Horse’s Pride and Ally Community Support is a program series and funding priority focused…
Justification: Funding Justification: Red Horse is requesting $10,000, which is a portion of the total program…
Summary: Red Horse Center’s Pride and Ally Community Support program consists of facilitated sessions integrating various…
Previous Awards: n/a
AMOUNT: 10,000
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Red Horse Center for Collaborative Leadership (2nd Entry - use this one!)
Fred Bueltmann
6162836634
fred@redhorse.red
| Description of Org: Red Horse is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that provides personal and professional development, mental health…
Funding Request: Red Horse’s Pride and Ally Community Support is a program series and funding priority focused…
Justification: Funding Justification: Red Horse is requesting $10,000, which is a portion of the total program…
Summary: Red Horse Center’s Pride and Ally Community Support consists of facilitated sessions integrating equine-assisted experiential…
Previous Awards: N/A
AMOUNT: $10,000
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Resilience: Advocates for Ending Violence
Teresa Schraudt
616-494-1752
teresas@resiliencemi.org
| Description of Org: For nearly 50 years, Resilience: Advocates for Ending Violence has been the community leader in…
Funding Request: Resilience: Advocates for Ending Violence is reaching out to our allies at West Shore Aware…
Justification: Resilience’s services are funded as follows: · 42% in federal grant revenue · 20% in…
Summary: At Resilience: Advocates for Ending Violence, our mission is to respond to, reduce and prevent…
Previous Awards: Resilience did not receive an award in the fiscal year 2023 or 2024, but we…
AMOUNT: Resilience: Advocates for Ending Violence is requesting $10,000 to support our emergency intervention services for victims and survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
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Safe Harbor Children's Advocacy Center
Lori Antkoviak
2696733791
director@safeharborcac.org
| Description of Org: Safe Harbor Children’s Advocacy Center provides a lifeline to victims of child abuse and neglect…
Funding Request: Through West Shore Aware funding, we will be able to continue providing child friendly forensic…
Justification: Safe Harbor Children’s Advocacy Center requests $10,000 to support the CAC program. If Aware provided…
Summary: Safe Harbor Children’s Advocacy Center provides a lifeline to child victims of abuse and neglect…
Previous Awards: In 2024, Safe Harbor provided the following services for children in Allegan County: 5,547 children…
AMOUNT: $10,000
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Saugatuck Film Fest
Logan White
6168365428
logan@saugatuckfilmfest.org
| Description of Org: The Saugatuck Film Fest provides a celebration of the cinematic arts for both creators and…
Funding Request: The funding request is specific to the operation of the 2025 Saugatuck Film Fest. These…
Justification: The funds requested will comprise about 10% of our anticipated spend this year. We have…
Summary: The Saugatuck Film Fest is seeking a sponsorship from West Shore Aware to help grow…
Previous Awards: N/A
AMOUNT: 2000
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Saugatuck-Douglas District Library
Ingrid Boyer
269-857-8241
iboyer@sdlibrary.org
| Description of Org: The mission of the Saugatuck-Douglas District Library is to be a welcoming place that supports…
Funding Request: The Library requests a grant of $6000 to purchase and install a solar-powered charging station…
Justification: The planning of our new-and-improved backyard is already underway. The basic elements will be paid…
Summary: The Saugatuck-Douglas District Library requests a grant of $6000 to purchase and install a solar-powered…
Previous Awards: In February of 2021, the Saugatuck-Douglas District Library received $2500 from West Shore Aware. The…
AMOUNT: $6000
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Saugatuck-Douglas History Center
Eric Gollannek
268-857-5751
director@mysdhistory.org
| Description of Org: For almost four decades, the SDHC has provided leadership to support Saugatuck, Douglas and greater…
Funding Request: The SDHC seeks support for general operations from West Shore AWARE to ensure we can…
Justification: Support from West Shore Aware will help cover the programming and operational costs associated with…
Summary: The Saugatuck-Douglas History Center seeks support from West Shore AWARE for its ongoing LGBTQ arts…
Previous Awards: The History Center reached an audience of over 7,000 people in 2024. This includes in-person…
AMOUNT: $5,000
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Sylvia's Place
Heather Forrest
269-673-5742
heatherf@sylviasplace.com
| Description of Org: Our mission is to create and sustain a safe environment that empowers survivors of abuse…
Funding Request: As a result of funding reallocations at the federal and state level, our facility no…
Justification: The areas of which AWARE funding would be utilized, such as 24/7 hotline operations, shelter…
Summary: Domestic violence is the broad term to define behavior designated to manipulate, control, belittle, or…
Previous Awards: Last year, Sylvia's Place assisted 2,161 callers via our 24/7 hotline. 470 of those callers…
AMOUNT: $7,500
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The Lakeshore Community Chorus
Kathleen Piggins
616-405-1708
kathleenpiggins@gmail.com
| Description of Org: The Lakeshore Community Chorus (LCC) is a community of 56 singers and staff from Saugatuck/Douglas,…
Funding Request: Our audience members often comment on our professionalism and song selections, two things that require…
Justification: As a growing non-profit, we are faced with increasing operating costs for staff salaries, venue…
Summary: "Music has healing power.It has the ability to take people out of themselves for a…
Previous Awards: We have not previously received an AWARE grant.
AMOUNT: $5,000
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West Michigan Regional Veterans' Treatment Court
William Baillargeon
6163408758
wabaillargeon@gmail.com
| Description of Org: The West Michigan Regional Veterans' Treatment Court (WMRVTC) is one of the only multi-jurisdictional veteran…
Funding Request: The funds used would be to assist in defraying the expense of the drug and…
Justification: The funding requested will pay only for some of the testing requirements. The court has…
Summary: West Michigan Regional Veterans' Treatment Court is a specialty court that partners with the Veterans…
Previous Awards: This is the first time that the court is requesting funding assistance.
AMOUNT: $2,500
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Wings Home
Amy Chestnut
269-686-8659
achestnut@wingsofhopehospice.com
| Description of Org: Wings Home provides compassionate care for Wings of Hope Hospice patients in their last six…
Funding Request: Funding is being requested from West Shore Aware for caregiver wages which make up 70%…
Justification: Funding from West Shore Aware would pay for part of the project. Funds are also…
Summary: As individuals approach the end of their lives, their need for hands-on care intensifies. For…
Previous Awards: Wings Home received $4,200 in 2021 ($2,500 in January and $1,700 in November). This provided…
AMOUNT: $10,000
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WISHBONE PET RESCUE ALLIANCE, INC.
Elaine Bosch
269) 455-5247
elainebosch60@gmail.com
| Description of Org: The goal of Wishbone Pet Rescue Alliance is to alleviate the pain and suffering of…
Funding Request: Wishbone is requesting funds ($5000) to purchase furniture and supplies-–including cat trees, beds, and toys—for…
Justification: The funding being requested will fully pay for the entire project (furnishing Wishbone House with…
Summary: Wishbone Pet Rescue Alliance provides critical services to the people of Allegan County by rescuing…
Previous Awards: In 2022, Wishbone Pet Rescue Alliance received $4,500 from Westshore Aware for the purchase of…
AMOUNT: $5000
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