MENOMINEE — The M&M Area Community Foundation recently awarded grants to 13 organizations across Marinette and Menominee Counties. The grant funds were made available through contributions from community members to the Philanthropy Fund.

In addition, the MMACF formed a partnership with Plaza Ace Hardware to give back via this fund. The “Round Up” program allows Plaza Ace Hardware customers to round up on their purchase with the extra change directed to this fund.

The following programs and projects received funding:

— In a continuing effort to strengthen their relationship with area children, the Niagara Historical Society will use their first ever Philanthropy Fund grant towards a Kids Korner at the Niagara Museum. One of the most anticipated purchases is a Pterodactyl to hang from the museum ceiling.

— Carney Nadeau Public School received a grant to be utilized by high school band members for a trip to Washington, D.C. While in D.C., the students will showcase their musical abilities and gain a deeper understanding of our nation’s history.

— Court Appointed Special Advocates of Menominee County received a grant for sensory kits to help abused and neglected children calm anxiety and frustration.

— The Coleman/Pound Lioness Club plans to use funding for their “R Angels” program which provides school supplies and new backpacks to approximately 100 children.

— Emergency Rescue Squad Inc., which serves Marinette, Menominee, Peshtigo and the surrounding area, received a grant for “Connecting with the Community”. The money will be used to purchase Rescue Coloring Books, 911 crayons, pencils and Band-Aids to distribute to children during emergency calls to help form a bond between care giver and patient.

— The first Philanthropy Fund grant received by the Town of Spalding will be used to purchase and install ADA compliant, multi-activity playground unit for the Veterans Memorial Park.

— A grant was provided to Goodman-Armstrong Creek Schools for “Fabricating for Friends, Family, School and Community”. Students will use the “Fab Lab” to fabricate items at no cost to community members.

— Marinette and Oconto Counties Literacy Council will use their grant award to hire a motivational speaker to address Literacy Council tutors.

— A “crisis situation” training seminar through the Michigan Sheriff’s Association will be paid for by the grant awarded to the Michigan Sheriff’s Victim Services Unit.

— The St. Vincent de Paul Precious Blood Conference plans to use their funding to enhance gift baskets for needy and shut-in residents in Daggett, Carney-Nadeau, Ingalls, Stephenson and Wallace.

— The Marinette County Historical Society funding will help with structural concerns at their museum on Stephenson Island.

— Students from Niagara High School will use their grant to travel to Philadelphia and contribute to service projects, learn about the city and connect with people of various backgrounds.

— “Our Closet” at UWGB-Marinette Campus plans to purchase non-perishable goods and interview clothing for students in need with their award.

If your business is interested in designing a “Round-Up” program similar to Plaza Ace Hardware’s efforts which helps provide Philanthropy Fund grants, please contact MMACF Executive Director, Paula Gruszynski, at 906-864-3599.

Half of all contributions received in 2019 will be awarded during the January 2020 Philanthropy Fund grant cycle.

The remaining funds will be added to the endowment for future needs. Checks for this fund may be mailed to the MMACF at 1110 10th Avenue, Suite L-1, Menominee, MI 49858.