Consumers Energy Foundation Grants $50,000 to Empower Local Communities and Celebrate Heritage
On June 16, 2025, the Consumers Energy Foundation proudly announced the winners of its 2025 Put Your Town on the Map pitch competition, showcasing their ongoing commitment to enhancing the quality of life in Michigan's communities. Totaling a generous $50,000, this grant fund will be distributed among three deserving towns, each receiving varying amounts to boost their community-based projects.
The competition's winners are as follows:
The selected projects were judged by a panel comprising representatives from Consumers Energy, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), and the Community Economic Development Association of Michigan (CEDAM). All pitched projects were presented during the Rural Partners of Michigan's annual Small Town and Rural Development Conference.
Launching this initiative back in 2019, Consumers Energy seeks to uplift communities throughout Michigan with populations of fewer than 10,000 residents. This year's competition follows a precedent set by the previous year's winners, which included Imlay City, Rogers City, and St. Johns. These communities used their awards to create public art installations that engaged and inspired their towns.
Brandon Hofmeister, president of the Consumers Energy Foundation, expressed pride in investing in local initiatives that bolster community identity and enhance public spaces. He stated, "Consumers Energy is committed to enhancing the quality of life for our neighbors and communities. We're proud to invest in these initiatives that will strengthen community identity and improve public spaces."
The Consumers Energy Foundation serves as the philanthropic branch of Consumers Energy, Michigan's largest energy provider. The Foundation dedicates its resources to the development and resilience of Michigan communities, emphasizing investment in initiatives that benefit people, the planet, and overall prosperity. In 2024, the joint contributions from the Consumers Energy Foundation, CMS Energy Foundation, and the affiliated employees and retirees surpassed $15 million, making significant impacts across nonprofit sectors in Michigan.
As a reminder for those interested in tracking the Foundation's various initiatives or for further inquiries, details can be found on the official Consumers Energy website, consumersenergy.com/foundation. Through its ongoing efforts like these, Consumers Energy is not just powering homes but also igniting community spirits across the state, ensuring that local identities and narratives are kept alive and thriving.
The competition's winners are as follows:
- - Fowlerville (Livingston County): This town will utilize their $25,000 grant to create a mural that honors local baseball legend, Charlie Gehringer. Widely recognized as a Hall of Famer, Gehringer's legacy as a Detroit Tigers player from 1924 to 1942 resonates deeply within the community. The mural is not only an artistic endeavor but also a celebration of local pride and history.
- - Watson Township (Allegan): This township will receive $15,000 to support the development of the Seven Generations Park, a collaborative effort involving the Anishinaabe (Gun Lake Tribe), Martin High School, and the township itself. The park aims to celebrate nature while incorporating a veterans memorial, thereby honoring both the environment and the sacrifices made by local heroes.
- - Manistee: Awarded $10,000, Manistee's project, named the Voices of Manistee initiative, focuses on civic storytelling. This initiative aims to foster a stronger sense of belonging and community identity among residents through shared narratives and experiences.
The selected projects were judged by a panel comprising representatives from Consumers Energy, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), and the Community Economic Development Association of Michigan (CEDAM). All pitched projects were presented during the Rural Partners of Michigan's annual Small Town and Rural Development Conference.
Launching this initiative back in 2019, Consumers Energy seeks to uplift communities throughout Michigan with populations of fewer than 10,000 residents. This year's competition follows a precedent set by the previous year's winners, which included Imlay City, Rogers City, and St. Johns. These communities used their awards to create public art installations that engaged and inspired their towns.
Brandon Hofmeister, president of the Consumers Energy Foundation, expressed pride in investing in local initiatives that bolster community identity and enhance public spaces. He stated, "Consumers Energy is committed to enhancing the quality of life for our neighbors and communities. We're proud to invest in these initiatives that will strengthen community identity and improve public spaces."
The Consumers Energy Foundation serves as the philanthropic branch of Consumers Energy, Michigan's largest energy provider. The Foundation dedicates its resources to the development and resilience of Michigan communities, emphasizing investment in initiatives that benefit people, the planet, and overall prosperity. In 2024, the joint contributions from the Consumers Energy Foundation, CMS Energy Foundation, and the affiliated employees and retirees surpassed $15 million, making significant impacts across nonprofit sectors in Michigan.
As a reminder for those interested in tracking the Foundation's various initiatives or for further inquiries, details can be found on the official Consumers Energy website, consumersenergy.com/foundation. Through its ongoing efforts like these, Consumers Energy is not just powering homes but also igniting community spirits across the state, ensuring that local identities and narratives are kept alive and thriving.
Topics General Business）
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