Bay Area Community Foundation Receives $1.2 Million From Ronald and Greta McGillivray Estate

 

Bay Area Community Foundation received a gift of $1.2 million from the Ronald K. and Greta A. McGillivray Estate to fund community development projects and college scholarships. Ronald McGillivray worked to improve the quality of life in Bay County by giving his time and talent to area civic affairs and community improvement projects. Mr. McGillivray was active in the development of Veterans Memorial Park and construction of Veterans, Independence and Liberty Bridges.   Mrs. McGillivray was active in community groups, the YWCA, and her church.  In honor of his wife, Greta McGillivray, who passed away in 1998, Mr. McGillivray established the Ronald K. & Greta A. McGillivray Saginaw River Improvement Fund and the Ronald K. & Greta A. McGillivray Scholarship Funds at the Bay Area Community Foundation.  Upon his death in 2008, Mr. McGillivray continued his contribution to these two funds through his estate. 

“Mr. and Mrs. McGillivray selected the Bay Area Community Foundation as a worthy steward to carry out their wishes”, stated Eileen A. Curtis, President and CEO.  “By establishing two endowed funds the McGillivray’s legacy will live on in our community forever. The McGillivray gift underscores the opportunity to contribute to our area beyond a lifetime.  We are fortunate Mr. and Mrs. McGillivray believed in our community and honored us to fulfill their wishes.” 

The Saginaw River Improvement Fund is designed to support parks and recreation projects along the Saginaw River.   Mr. McGillivray’s 1936 master’s thesis at the University of Michigan outlined his goals for parks and recreation areas in Bay City.  The endowment fund will provide grant awards for future projects.  Mr. and Mrs. McGillivray’s belief in higher education provided the basis for funding scholarships for young people in the community.  A portion of the McGillivray donation will support the Bay Commitment Scholarship program available for students who will be the first generation in their family to obtain a college degree and plan to attend either Delta College or Saginaw Valley State University.