#United States #Community Impact #Nonprofits #Jackson #Consumers Energy

Consumers Energy Foundation Awards More Than $132,000 to Support Mid-Michigan Communities

The Consumers Energy Foundation, committed to enhancing the quality of life in Michigan, has recently announced the recipients of its Community Impact Awards, which collectively fund over $132,000 to seven non-profit organizations across Mid-Michigan. This initiative reflects the Foundation's dedication to supporting local programs that address various community needs, including healthcare, childcare, education, and community enrichment.

Catherine Wilson, secretary and treasurer of the Consumers Energy Foundation, emphasized the significance of these awards by stating, "These organizations know their communities and are responding to needs that affect neighbors' everyday lives. Through the Community Impact Award grants, we're helping put practical solutions into action, from providing a child's first bed to connecting residents with healthcare and creating welcoming places to gather and play."

Who Received the Grants?

The Community Impact Awards recognized a diverse range of organizations that are focused on improving the quality of life for Michigan residents. Here are the notable grant recipients:

1. Sleep in Heavenly Peace (Jackson/Ingham Counties) - Awarded $20,000 to support community volunteers who build and deliver beds, including mattresses and bedding, for 80 children in the Jackson area.

2. Jackson Strength Network - Received $20,000 to provide peer-led reentry support, connecting individuals with housing, treatment, financial resources, and employment opportunities.

3. City of Potterville - Granted $20,000 to establish an accessible multisport recreation space, promoting free recreational activities for residents of all ages and abilities.

4. Educational Child Care Center - Awarded $20,000 to enhance its publicly accessible playground by implementing safer surfaces, updating equipment, and installing shaded seating areas for children and their families.

5. Ogemaw Hills Free Clinic (Ogemaw Counties) - Received $12,200 to assist uninsured adults in accessing healthcare, medications, essential supplies, and transportation services.

6. Friends of the Broadway Theater (Isabella County) - Awarded $20,000 to repair and preserve the exterior of a historic theater, ensuring it remains a vital community gathering space in downtown Mt. Pleasant.

7. Sleepy Dog Books Foundation - Received $20,000 to promote childhood literacy by providing free books of children's choice through a partnership with pediatric healthcare providers.

A Commitment to Community Growth

The Community Impact Awards have replaced the former Prosperity Signature Award, allowing for a more targeted approach to aid local initiatives. In total, the Consumers Energy Foundation has allocated over $400,000 in grant funding this year alone to 27 organizations throughout Michigan, emphasizing its commitment to fostering community growth and improvement.

The Consumers Energy Foundation plays a crucial role as the charitable arm of Consumers Energy, the largest utility provider in Michigan. By investing in vital community initiatives, the Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the lives of Michigan residents while safeguarding the planet and promoting local prosperity.

In 2025, the combined efforts of the Consumers Energy Foundation, CMS Energy Foundation, Consumers Energy, and its employees and retirees amounted to a remarkable contribution of more than $17 million in support of Michigan nonprofits and local communities.

For further details regarding the Consumers Energy Foundation and its community initiatives, visit ConsumersEnergy.com/Foundation.