ISHPEMING, MICHIGAN – The Western Marquette County Health Foundation, previously known as the Bell (Hospital) Foundation, is pleased to announce their new office location at 910 US 41 West, Ishpeming, MI. Located inside the Greater Ishpeming-Negaunee Area Chamber of Commerce building, the Foundation has entered into a shared services agreement with the Chamber in an effort to keep their operating budget minimal, while providing maximum benefit to the community.
Under the agreement, Chamber Executive Director, Kori Tossava, and Marketing Coordinator, Ashley Geist, will coordinate communication and assist the all-volunteer Foundation Board of Directors. Both organizations will maintain independence, different boards of directors, individual decision-making and separate priorities and policies, but share personnel and overhead expenses.
“The opportunity came up where we knew we could help an important member of our community, while having very little effect on the day-to-day operations of the Chamber. Both the Chamber and the Foundation two organizations that have a passion for the West End and dedication to make this a stronger community. In this case, the Chamber will continue to help build strong business relationships, and the Foundation will work to make this a healthier place to live. It was a win-win,” stated Chamber Board Chair, Bob Hanson.
Foundation Chair, Ron Meyer, agreed. “From the Board level, we’ve been working extremely hard getting the new version of the Foundation in order. We’ve been working on all these pieces behind the scenes; but, when somebody wants to know how to apply for a grant, or participate in a fundraiser, or just get more information- where can they go? It seemed like the perfect match for us. We were looking for a full-time presence in the community, but only part-time personnel.”
The Western Marquette County Health Foundation was created upon the completion of the sale of Bell Hospital. Funds from the sale were given to the foundation, which is dedicated to providing funding for health and wellness solutions to the communities of Western Marquette County.
Since its transition in 2013, the foundation has provided funding to area school districts (Ishpeming, Negaunee, NICE and Republic/Michigamme) for student health and wellness programs. In addition, it has committed a 1:1 matching grant for the Upper Peninsula Diabetes Outreach Network Swim Teal Lake Benefit for Diabetes in July 2014. For every dollar raised by each swimmer, the Foundation will match one dollar.
The Foundation is currently developing its website, which should be activated by May 1st. The Foundation will also be accepting grant applications for their first grant deadline of June 30th and another for December 31st. The grant application and funding details will be available at the end of April.
For more information on the Western Marquette County Health Foundation, visit their Facebook page or call (906) 204-2395.
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