Growing Together: Investing in the Next Generation

Join the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation (AAACF) for our 2026 Annual Community Meeting (ACM), bringing together Washtenaw County residents, community leaders, partners, and changemakers for an afternoon of connection, conversation, and community.

Tuesday, September 15, 2026

Washtenaw Community College – Morris Lawrence Building
Event Time - 4PM - 6PM

Registration requested - register today!

This year, we're putting the next generation at the center of the conversation as we celebrate 10 years of AAACF's Community Scholarship Program (CSP) and recognize the young people whose experiences, ideas, and leadership are helping shape the future of Washtenaw County.

Celebrating 10 Years of Community Scholarships

For a decade, AAACF's Community Scholarship Program (CSP) has worked to increase college access and degree attainment for students throughout Washtenaw County.

At this year's Annual Community Meeting, we'll recognize this milestone by hearing directly from the young people connected to AAACF's work. Community Scholarship Program students and Youth Council members will help lead conversations, engage with attendees, and share their perspectives on the opportunities, challenges, and possibilities they see across our community.

Their voices will help us reflect not only on how far we've come, but where we can grow together.

Connecting Youth, Community, and Rural Washtenaw

Opportunity looks different across Washtenaw County, and understanding those differences begins by listening to the people who experience them.

As part of this year's gathering, we'll explore AAACF's growing work in rural Washtenaw County communities and the importance of ensuring that young people throughout the county have opportunities to learn, lead, and thrive.

Youth voices will be part of this conversation, alongside John Paul Williams Soriano, Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation Rural Fellow, who will share more about AAACF's rural work and what we're learning by listening to and working alongside communities throughout Washtenaw County.

What to Expect

The 2026 ACM will create opportunities to connect with neighbors, community partners, AAACF staff, and young leaders from across Washtenaw County.

Throughout the afternoon, attendees can expect:

• Opportunities to connect and engage with community
• Reflections on 10 years of the Community Scholarship Program
• Youth Council and Community Scholarship Program voices and perspectives
• A closer look at AAACF's work in rural Washtenaw County
• Updates and insights from AAACF leadership
• Interactive opportunities to participate in the conversation

Agenda

4:00 – 5:00 PM | Food, Fun & Networking 

Enjoy a vibrant hour of connection, entertainment, and giving back!

• Cash Grab Air Money Machine
  Every dollar you catch = a donation to a Washtenaw County nonprofit of your choice!
• Fearless Photos
  Get snapshots with your community friends and cherish these memories forever! After the event, we'll share all captured images.

• Connecting with Community

  Connect and network with fellow community members from across Washtenaw County.

5:00 – 6:00 PM | Main Program

• Welcome Remarks
  Dr. Rose Bellanca, President, Washtenaw Community College
• Opening Message
  Shannon Polk, President & CEO, Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation (AAACF)
• Celebrating 10 Years of the Community Scholarship Program
  Reflect on a decade of the Community Scholarship Program (CSP), celebrating the scholars, community partners, and collective investment that have shaped its impact.

• Impact Investing Updates

  Explore how AAACF continues to put charitable capital to work locally, creating meaningful impact throughout Washtenaw County.

• Live Audience Interaction
  Join the conversation and share your perspective through interactive questions, with responses displayed in real time.
• Philanthropy Today & Tomorrow
  Explore how philanthropy continues to evolve and the opportunities ahead for donors, partners, and the community to create lasting impact together.

• Community Impact Updates

  Hear how AAACF is working alongside partners and communities to expand opportunity and strengthen Washtenaw County.

• Looking Ahead

  Shannon Polk, President & CEO, AAACF
  Look ahead to what's next for AAACF, including a highlight of Press Forward Washtenaw County and the work ahead.

Relive the energy, impact, and community voices that made last year’s gathering unforgettable. Get ready for even more this year. Don't miss out!