News

We are pleased to release the AAACF Community Scholarship Program Progress Report: 2022 Key Outcomes from Evaluation and Analysis. In late 2014 AAACF decided to take this strategic approach to offering college scholarships when an analysis revealed its existing funds were not adequately addressing the educational gaps among local students. This report shows how far it has come and gets us excited for what is ahead for CSP.

AAACF is pleased to participate in this co-funding opportunity to bring additional supports to Washtenaw County, in partnership with the Wilson Foundation. Read more below.

AAACF is pleased to announce that we are now accepting applications! The Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation's Community Investment Committee is seeking opportunities to invest funds that will support the healing of our communities. We recognize the economic disparities as well as the inequitable hardships that exist in Washtenaw County and that were made more apparent due to the pandemic.

AAACF is pleased to announce that we are now accepting applications! YACF Mission Statement: Every family in the Ypsilanti area will thrive by gaining access to programs and services through collaborative partnerships across sectors that measurably increase health outcomes and educational attainment leading to economic well-being.

In this issue: AAACF Vision & Updates Video, Save The Date for Sept 13 Community Meeting, Honoring Trustee Transitions, Trustee Dinner & CSP Celebration

In this issue: Gathering Together—"Plan B” & Beyond, Impact from Your Place-Based Giving, In Loving Memory of Connie Dunlap, Pursuing Healthy & Fulfilling Aging, and EmpowerMENt Fund Updates

We mourn the recent loss of Connie Dunlap, a dear friend of the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation. In September 2017 in connection with renovations at the AAACF offices, a space was named in honor of this extraordinary volunteer and donor: The Connie Dunlap Library, in memory of Robert Bruce Dunlap (Connie’s beloved husband). The library signage and a commemorative tree plaque reflect gifts made in honor of Connie Dunlap from many community members touched by her gifts of time, generosity, and wisdom over many years—from Ozone House to Glacier Hills Foundation to the U-M Library, which she oversaw for many years.

As we hope for a brighter 2022 for all, we are also grateful for what we accomplished together in 2021 for Washtenaw County. In this issue, we look back and look forward: Welcome to Shannon Polk as President & CEO, 2021 Year in Review, Forever Washtenaw blog by Sean White, 2022 Scholarship Applications, and 2021 Grant Highlights.

The Community Foundation's commitment to impact investing continues to grow — and with it, we're growing the team! AAACF has just added a dedicated staff member, Sean White, as our Impact Investment Manager. Sean will provide leadership to significantly grow the portion of AAACF’s portfolio dedicated to local investments that generate both financial and social returns.

The Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation (AAACF) Board of Trustees has selected Shannon E. Polk, J.D., D. Min., as its next President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Polk is an accomplished nonprofit leader with demonstrated success as an executive director, trainer, consultant, and board member as well as comprehensive experience in philanthropy including grantmaking, estate planning, and fundraising. She has most recently led The Witness Foundation and consulted with the Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area to facilitate staff competency in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).