At this year's ACM, 400 community members, nonprofit partners, donors, students, and local leaders came together to celebrate the people and ideas taking root across Washtenaw County.
Centered around this year's theme, Small Seeds. Mighty Roots., this annual gathering highlighted a simple but powerful idea: meaningful change often begins with one investment, one relationship, one opportunity, or one voice - and grows stronger when a community nurtures it together.
From celebrating a decade of student success to hearing from young leaders and exploring growing connections throughout rural Washtenaw County, the 2026 AAACF Annual Community Meeting offered a look at what we've accomplished together and where we're growing next.
Relive the 2026 Annual Community Meeting through our official recap video, featuring the people, stories, and moments that made this year's gathering so meaningful. Plus, stay up to date on all things AAACF by subscribing to the official AAACF YouTube Channel now!
Guests started the afternoon by connecting with neighbors, community partners, donors, and both the AAACF team and Board members during an interactive community reception. Photo opportunities, conversations, and the return of the fan-favorite Cash Grab Air Money Machine brought people together while turning a little friendly fun into support for Washtenaw County nonprofits.
The main program brought this year's Small Seeds. Mighty Roots. theme to life through stories of investments that have grown - and continue to grow - across our community.
A centerpiece of the celebration was the 10th anniversary of AAACF's Community Scholarship Program (CSP). Launched in 2016, CSP was created to expand educational opportunity while providing scholars with support that extends beyond financial aid. Ten years later, the program demonstrates what can happen when an investment in a student is given the time and resources to take root.
We also looked toward the next generation of community leadership. Through AAACF's Youth Council, young people are not simply being asked what they need; they are helping identify priorities, make funding decisions, and shape investments in their peers and communities.
Attendees also saw how AAACF is deepening relationships throughout rural Washtenaw County. By listening first and working alongside residents, municipalities, nonprofits, and local partners, AAACF is supporting community-driven ideas and creating stronger connections throughout the county.
Stories of impact investing and community-centered philanthropy further demonstrated how charitable resources can work in new ways - supporting local priorities today while creating opportunities for those resources to continue generating impact into the future.
Together, these stories reflected a shared message: when we listen to community voices, invest with intention, and give promising ideas room to grow, small seeds can develop into mighty roots.
The AAACF Annual Community Meeting is both a celebration of progress and an opportunity to look forward.
Across scholarships, youth leadership, rural engagement, impact investing, local journalism, grantmaking, and partnerships throughout Washtenaw County, AAACF continues to explore how philanthropy can respond to today's needs while building stronger foundations for tomorrow.
None of that work happens alone. It grows through the donors who invest, the nonprofits and partners doing the work, the residents who share their experiences, and the community members who continue to imagine what's possible.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 2026 ACM and to all who continue planting seeds of possibility throughout Washtenaw County.
Together, we're growing something that lasts. For good. For ever. For all.
Were you inspired by this year's Annual Community Meeting?
We'd love to hear how AAACF, one of our programs, or a community partnership has made a difference in your life or organization.
Your story is another way we can shine a light on the people, relationships, and ideas taking root throughout Washtenaw County.
Share your story here: My AAACF Story
Dr. Rose Bellanca, President of Washtenaw Community College
AAACF President & CEO Shannon Polk chatted with:
