Regional Community Foundations Partner with Dow Chemical to Launch Community Giving Initiative

The Bay, Midland and Saginaw Community Foundations are partnering with The Dow Chemical Company to launch a grant program to help youth groups in the Great Lakes Bay Region. Dow is providing $150,000 per year to implement the grant program, designating $50,000 each to the Bay, Midland and Saginaw Community Foundations to distribute. Ten grants of $1000 and 80 grants of $500 will be awarded through each foundation. The communityGives initiative, a component of Dow’s DowGives program, provides an opportunity for elementary, middle, and high school students who participate in school groups, sports teams, and service clubs in the Great Lakes Bay Region to earn funding for projects through volunteerism. In order to receive grants, students must first participate in a preapproved volunteer activity that will benefit their community.

“The engagement and organizational expertise of the Saginaw, Bay and Midland Community Foundations will provide the greatest impact towards the success of the communityGives program,” said Rob Vallentine, North America Public Affairs Director for The Dow Chemical Company. “There are very few organizations that have the overall pulse of a community, like the foundations, which also adds great value in linking community service to addressing the greatest needs.”

“CommunityGives is a unique opportunity for area elementary, middle and high school age groups to help others plus earn financial support for their organization,” stated Eileen A. Curtis, President and CEO of the Bay Area Community Foundation. “The Dow Chemical gift supports the importance and value of thinking beyond individual group needs to community needs.” The spring communityGives grant application deadline is Friday, April 15. For more information on the grant process or to apply, groups can review the information by clicking here or contact the Bay Area Community Foundation at 893-4438.