Mission & History

Mission Statment

The mission of the Community Foundation of Monroe County is to enhance the quality of life of the citizens of Monroe County, through permanent endowments by:
Identifying and addressing current and anticipated community needs and
Raising, managing and distributing the funds for charitable purposes.

  • A Brief History

    The Beginnings
    The Community Foundation of Monroe County began with a donation of $25 from David Hehl in 1978. The donation included $24 to start the General Endowment Fund, and $1 was given for the administration of the Foundation. The formation of the Community Foundation was inspired by the vision of Herman Gertz, secretary of the La-Z-Boy Chair Foundation. Mr. Getz felt there was a need in Monroe County for an organization “to do things that needed doing” which where not supported by the United Way.

    Purpose
    The purpose of the Community Foundation is to build endowed funds for the future of Monroe County. This involves funds which are invested, using the investment earnings to support programs which improve the quality of life in our community. An additional responsibility of the Foundation is to recognize needs in Monroe County and convene meetings of concerned citizens to find solutions to those needs.

    Past Projects 
    Some of the earliest projects of the Foundation were to support the production of a film about the Battle of the River Raisin and to plant cherry trees in Monroe on the north bank of the River Raisin. Mrs. Mary Daume, a charter member, recalls that one of the most symbolic of the Foundation’s projects was to give a pine tree seedling to every third grader in Monroe County. The children were supposed to take the seedlings home and plant them as a lesson in conservation and beautification. Three of these Austrian pine seedlings were planted at Holy Ghost Lutheran School, and now tower over the play yard as a living reminder of this early project of the Community Foundation.

    Present Situation 
    Since its inception, the Community Foundation of Monroe County has rapidly grown from our original $25 donation to our current asset level of over $3.7 million! Annual grants exceed $250,000, and we are growing fast.

    If you would like a copy of our annual report, please call (734) 242-1976 or email your request to info@cfmonroe.org.