PFCU Foundation Announces Grant Recipients

For Immediate Release Contact: Robyn Heron, 517-719-0993

PFCU Foundation Announces Grant Recipients

Portland, MI – July 15, 2025 – The PFCU Foundation is excited to announce the recipients of its inaugural grant cycle. In this initial grant giving cycle a total of 13 grants for a combined $17,000 have been awarded to various initiatives and programs within our community. These grants focus on the areas of art, health and wellness, agriculture, and financial literacy, and are set to make a significant impact on our communities.

The PFCU Foundation received over 80 applications and was pleasantly surprised by the remarkable diversity in applications and the boundless creativity within the initiatives that individuals and non-profits are bringing to our communities.

Each submission showcased unique perspectives and innovative approaches to addressing community needs, reflecting a deep commitment to making a positive impact. The variety of projects, ranging from educational programs to environmental conservation efforts and housing initiatives, highlighted the incredible ingenuity and dedication of those involved.

" This unexpected richness in ideas and solutions has truly inspired the Foundation and reinforced its belief in the power of collective action to drive meaningful change." said Michele Makley, PFCU Foundation President. "We are excited to see the impact of their work in action."

13 proposals were selected for funding:
Grant Recipients:
• Rural Affordable Supportive Housing: Flat River Outreach Ministries
• Team 1506 Build Season: Michigan Robotics Foundation
• 2025 UpCycle Art in the Park: Shiawassee Arts Council
• Summer Youth Video Production Class: Talking Dog Film
• Summer Sewing Program: Lake Odessa Community Library
• OHS Agriscience Barn: Owosso Public Schools
• Garden Project: Kent County Juvenile Detention Center
• Genessee County Recovery Community: Partners4Recovery
• (5) Education Scholarships: Skilled Trades, Lifelong Learner & McCrumb Scholarship

The recipients of these grants shared their appreciation and excitement to implement the funds. Nick Haddad from Talking Dog Film commented, “While it’s easy to start filming on a phone, taking the next step can feel intimidating, confusing, and costly. At Talking Dog Film, we wanted to give new voices a chance to explore the magic of video production using that next level of equipment.” He continued, “Through our free Summer Video Production Class, students had hands-on access to lights, cameras, microphones, and more. Thanks to the incredible support of the PFCU Foundation, we not only ran the course but brought in local professionals to teach these young storytellers using professional-grade tools.”

If you are interested in supporting the PFCU Foundation, please consider attending the PFCU Charity Golf Outing taking place September 19, 2025 at the Owosso Country Club. Complete details can be found on the Foundation website, www.pfcufoundation.org.

The fall grant cycle will open on Friday, August 1, 2025, and close on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at 5:00 PM Eastern Standard Time. We encourage all eligible organizations to apply and take advantage of this opportunity to secure funding for their valuable programs.

For more information about the PFCU Foundation and the grant application process, please visit our website, www.pfcufoundation.org.

About the PFCU Foundation: The PFCU Foundation is committed to supporting the community through grants and funding for programs that promote art, health and wellness, agriculture, and financial literacy. Our mission is to enhance the quality of life for individuals and families by fostering creativity, promoting well-being, supporting sustainable practices, and improving financial knowledge.