COMMUNITY OUTREACH
The mission of the Fund is to assist social and human service organizations in their critical work addressing the problems facing the elderly, and children and families in Emmet County.
In 1985, the Rev. Alfred Shands III
established a St. John’s Community Fund with oversight from a special research committee of the church that would invite local nonprofit 501 (c) (3) organizations to apply for grants every year. Rev. Shands saw the Fund as a way for the church to expand its ministry of hope and grace to the surrounding community.
The mission of the Fund is to assist social and human service organizations in their critical work addressing the problems facing the elderly, and children and families in Emmet County.
Since its inception over 40 years ago, the St. John’s Community Fund has donated over 1.5 million dollars to the local community.
In 2025, local nonprofit organizations received grant funds totaling $131,000:
2025 Grant Recipients
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Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Northwestern Michigan– to provide partial funding to support a Mentoring Specialist position to enroll, train, match and supervise mentoring relationships in Emmet County.
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Child Abuse Prevention and Education (CAPE) Council – to provide safe sleep sacks for every baby born at McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital and Charlevoix Hospital.
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Child and Family Services of Northwestern Michigan – to support the Safe Haven North, Foster Care and Adoption client needs at the Child & Family Services (CFS) Harbor Springs office and help fund the Outdoor Oasis.
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Friendship Centers of Emmet County, Inc - to fund the creation of a professionally produced promotional video for the recruitment of volunteers and to publicize the services offered.
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Friendship Center of Harbor Springs - to provide age specific physical and mental exercise programs on site.
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Harbor Springs Library - to provide reading and information literacy skills to children, teens and adults.
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Harbor Springs Public Schools - to be applied to the Child Care Scholarship Fund to aid families needing help with the cost of sending their children to HSPS child care programs.
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Little Traverse Conservancy - to fund recovery efforts on all Harbor Springs area nature preserve and working forest.
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Manna Food Project, Inc. – to purchase food for the Food 4 Kids backpack program.
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McLaren Northern Michigan Foundation - to support the Adult Patient Assistance Fund for patients experiencing financial hardship with non-reimbursable costs.
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McLaren Northern Michigan Foundation – to publish materials for the Children’s Bereavement Program.
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Nehemiah Project – to build a new office for the development director.
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Northmen Den Youth Programs (formerly Harbor Hut) – to continue feeding the children in Alanson, Charlevoix, Pellston, Petoskey and Harbor Springs, nourishing their minds and bodies.
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Northwest Michigan Habitat for Humanity - to build and sell 43+ homes to low-to-moderate income families in the greater Harbor Springs area by 2025.
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Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan Inc. - to provide therapeutic counseling for children, adults and families who have been victimized by violence.