April 28, 2022

Connie Dunlap

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.

Connie began as a volunteer at AAACF in 1995 and served for more than 20 years as the foundation’s librarian / archivist / historian.

In addition to serving on the Anna Botsford Bach Fund for Seniors Committee since 2003, Connie also served on the committee to help select Young Citizens of the Year Award winners. That scholarship is made possible from an endowment Connie established in honor of her husband in 1998, the Robert Bruce Dunlap Memorial Awards Fund. More than 200 students were awarded scholarships totaling $200,000 from the Fund.

Connie had previously established an unrestricted fund named for her beloved husband “RBD” in 1995 as well as one to support Ozone House, the Robert Bruce Dunlap Fund for Homeless & Foster Youth in 2005. She was also a supporter of 826 Michigan and the Center for the Education of Women among many causes.

In addition to countless hours of volunteer service since 1995, Connie also gave AAACF a million dollars in her lifetime to endowed funds, not just those she created, but many others—often to honor friends—and that support of endowment means the million she gave will only continue to multiply and support the community she loved in perpetuity!

Connie Dunlap left a lasting legacy in so many ways through her career and her lifelong contributions of her talent, time and treasure. We are grateful for all she did for AAACF and for our community.