Ford Community Relations has awarded a total of $1.31 million to Albion Community Foundation, Battle Creek Community Foundation and Marshall Community Foundation in support of multiple community projects across Calhoun County.
This first-ever collaboration reflects Ford’s commitment to delivering immediate impact and establishing enduring community support. The newly created Ford BlueOval Community Engagement Fund at all three community foundations will provide future grants for projects.
“At Ford, our goal is to be a good neighbor in the communities where our company has operations,” said Gabby Bruno, director, Community Relations, Ford Motor Company. “When we met with the leaders at the Albion, Battle Creek and Marshall Community Foundations, we learned about the various community needs across the county. We also recognized the shared mission among these trusted organizations and saw an incredible opportunity to partner with them to ensure Ford’s investments in the community had maximum impact.”
A portion of the funds totaling $612,000 will be applied this year toward high-impact projects identified by each foundation.
Immediate Project Investments
Through the Albion Community Foundation, $95,000 will fund:
- Summer recreation programming at the Battle Creek Family YMCA, including STEM curriculum on-site and at the Kids ‘N’ Stuff Children’s Museum in Albion;
- Innovate Albion, a teaching and training center for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) related classes and robotics programs for students, educators and professionals in the greater Albion region; and
- Bohm Theater to support access for low-income families and seniors.
“STEM education programming is especially crucial for helping to ensure a bright future for children and families in our community,” said Shane Williamson, executive director, Albion Community Foundation. “This Ford investment will support important organizations today and prepare opportunities for partners in greater Albion for decades to come.”
Through the Battle Creek Community Foundation, a $167,000 donation will support:
- Education programs at Voces’ Community Center targeted at literacy, leadership development, workforce development and youth empowerment in the LatinX community of greater Battle Creek;
- Needed equipment and supplies for S.A.F.E. Place, a Calhoun County family shelter providing support services to victims of partner violence and human trafficking;
- R.I.S.E. Corp (Reintegration to Support and Empower) to help the organization launch a new youth-peer mentorship and workforce development initiative for middle- and high school young people in the organization’s after-school program;
- Captain Oscar Brady Post 298 Auxiliary of American Legion to support the Veterans’ Day Dinner 2025;
- Milestone Senior Services to cover areas of greatest need;
- Veterans Helping Veterans Foundation to support the Veterans’ Logistical Support Initiative (VLSI); and
- Battle Creek Area Habitat for Humanity for the Calhoun Area Career Center student home build.
“We are grateful to the Ford team for this unique investment that addresses both short-term and long-term needs across the communities that our Foundations serve,” said Mary Muliett, CEO, Battle Creek Community Foundation. “This collective approach fuels our ability to continue working together to build up Calhoun County and serve the individuals and families who live, work and play here.”
At the Marshall Community Foundation, Ford’s $350,000 donation will be used to support several initiatives, including:
- S.A.F.E. Place, to expand its preventative and supportive services to the greater-Marshall area, ensuring that individuals and families in crisis have access to needed resources;
- Marshall Area Conservation Committee, to advance its ongoing efforts to protect and enhance Marshall’s natural resources as well as green spaces through community-based conservation, restoration and education efforts;
- The City of Marshall’s Brooks Nature Area to fund ongoing grounds and trails maintenance for public use and enjoyment;
- The Marshall Area Garden Club to continue enhancing and beautifying shared community spaces through gardening education, programs and community beautification efforts;
- Marshall Public Schools’ Athletic Complex renovations, serving several athletic teams, the marching band, community events, such as commencement ceremonies; benefiting thousands of students, families and guests for years to come; and
- The City of Marshall Skate Park, located in Ketchum Park, to be renovated and made safer for young people and families to enjoy.
“With Ford’s generosity, we will be able to support projects that will have a lasting impact, including those focused on community spaces, the environment and conservation as well as public safety that extend beyond any one of our foundations alone,” said Shannon Tiernan, executive director, Marshall Community Foundation. “This collective collaboration will have enduring influence on those who live here long after us.”
Ford BlueOval Community Engagement Fund
In addition to grants for immediate distribution, $700,000 is earmarked for the creation of a Ford BlueOval Community Engagement Fund at all three community foundations to provide future grants for projects. These projects will be identified by an oversight committee, which will include members of each organization and a Ford representative. These donor-advised funds will provide grants to Calhoun County-based organizations to continue advancing impactful projects well into the future, with the objective of ensuring sustainable support for each community.
Albion and Battle Creek Community Foundations each received $100,000 and Marshall Community Foundation received $500,000 to launch the funds.
“The establishment of these Ford BlueOval Community Engagement Funds symbolizes our company’s lasting commitment to investing in the prosperity of the communities surrounding Ford’s BlueOval Battery Park Michigan,” Bruno said. “We applaud the collaboration that brought together the Albion, Battle Creek and Marshall Community Foundations to secure benefits to the community now and that lays the groundwork for future investments in Marshall, Battle Creek and Albion.”
The Foundations will employ data-driven impact assessments to better understand project impact and success. Additionally, programs that help break down systemic barriers and enhance opportunities for all community members will be prioritized.
“Ensuring vibrant and wonderful communities is central to the projects Ford Community Relations will invest in across Calhoun County,” Muliett said. “We truly believe in providing a lasting impact that is for good, forever and for all.”
Albion Community Foundation
The Albion Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community foundation dedicated to strengthening the greater Albion area by cultivating community assets to enhance our quality of life. Learn more at https://www.albionfoundation.org.
Battle Creek Community Foundation
The Battle Creek Community Foundation has been uplifting the greater Battle Creek area and Calhoun County since 1974, through grants, collaborations, scholarships and convening opportunities to build relationships among Battle Creek organizations and individuals. It’s driven by a passion for serving the greater Battle Creek community for good, forever and for all. Learn more at https://www.bccfoundation.org/.
Marshall Community Foundation
The Marshall Community Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving quality of life in Marshall and throughout Calhoun County. The Foundation holds permanently endowed funds from a range of donors and serves as a conduit for special projects and the distribution of grants in support of innovative programs. Learn more at www.marshallcf.org.
