MANISTIQUE — Two new funds have joined the diverse family of funds that make up the Schoolcraft County Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Community Foundation of the U.P.

The Rick Demers Memorial Scholarship Fund was established by the Manistique Merchants Association, and Rick Demers’ family and friends. The First Responder Fund was created by Peter and Carol Hollenbeck of Manistique.

“We are incredibly honored to be able to create these endowment funds to make a long-lasting impact to graduating students and local organizations,” said Alyssa Swanson, SCCF president. “Each contribution plays a vital role in furthering our mission. Our foundation believes in the power of community and is committed to ensuring that every dollar donated goes directly to initiatives that benefit the residents of Schoolcraft County.”

Once it reaches granting level, the Demers scholarship will be awarded annually to a student studying business, finance or entrepreneurship. Community foundation guidelines require a fund to reach at least $5,000 before grants or scholarships can be awarded from it.

“The merchants thought there would be no better way to honor the legacy of Rick Demers than to help create a scholarship in his honor,” said Magan Peterson, MMA.

“Working in the same building for more than 47 years in various roles, and for a majority of the time as a commercial lender, he was instrumental in helping many of the businesses in our downtown get their first loan. He understood our community and was always a source of guidance and assistance.

“He, too, was a downtown business owner, and served on many boards that helped develop not only the downtown, but several other areas of our community, like the Manistique Campground,” Peterson continued.

“We are sure Rick would be honored to be able to help a student at Manistique High School pursue an education in banking, management or entrepreneurship.”

The First Responder Fund will be open for mini grants in the fall of 2025.

“We wanted to keep this as open as possible, so any first responder organization – from police, fire, ambulance, air or K-9 – can apply for grants,” explained Carol Hollenbeck.

“We are a small community, and our first responders are friends and neighbors who work hard, sometimes putting themselves in danger to protect and rescue us when we need it. We hope this fund will help provide the equipment and training they need to keep themselves safe and healthy.”

OSHA (Occupational Health and Safety Administration) guidelines for training and equipment have grown more rigorous over the years, putting a strain on local first responder budgets, she added.

“Something as simple as a fire axe runs as much as $400,” Hollenbeck said. “We hope the community shows its appreciation of its first responders and helps to build this fund.”

The Schoolcraft County Community Foundation was incorporated in 1994 and began awarding mini grants in 1997. It consists of 18 donor-advised funds and an Unrestricted Fund. These include four scholarships and additional funds that are earmarked for many aspects of our community, from senior citizens to the library to the animal shelter and much more. Grants are awarded twice a year, in May and in November. To date, SCCF has awarded over $220,000 to area non-profits and students.

For more information on contributing to the Schoolcraft County Community Foundation or applying for a mini-grant, write to the foundation at P.O. Box 452, Manistique, MI 49854 or e-mail at sccommunityfoundation@gmail.com.