Community
Enrichment
Our Goal: Provide opportunities to enhance: community infrastructure, arts and entertainment programs, diverse cultural experiences and all around community engagement.
Michigan Council of Arts and Cultural Affairs has identified Monroe County as one of the 45 underserved communities for art opportunities.
the Arts for everyone
Monroe county library system bookmobile
Bringing Back the Bookmobile
As we all know, literacy and access to these materials are fundamental to a productive society. The Community Foundation was happy to partner with the Monroe County Library System to bring back the bookmobile to provide free access to educational, informational and recreational resources to all.
Our $25,000 donation to this project will support these efforts by removing barriers, equalizing opportunities and increasing access for our community while promoting literacy and a life-long love of reading.
The bookmobile has the capacity to bring 1,800 books to the most vulnerable populations in our community. Onboard technology will allow patrons to utilize the Library’s extensive digital resources. Transportation issues will no longer limit a family’s access to library resources.
Universal accessibility for recreation
Access to Recreation
The mission of the Monroe County Access to Recreation Advisory Council (ATRAC) to serve as an advocate for universal accessibility in recreational planning throughout the County.
- 2014 Awards: City of Milan for $1,657.00 and Ash Township for $18,343.00. City of Milan requested funds to improve the Nature Park with 8 handicapped accessible picnic tables. Ash Township requested funds to improve Unity Park to improve the play area and equipment.
- 2015 Awards: City of Monroe $10,000 for Martin Luther King Park.
- 2017 Awards: MCISD $9,920 for Music Therapy Pathway Improvements.
- 2018 Awards: Mannik & Smith $3,000 for River Raisin Heritage Trail. Goodwill Industries $4,100 for All Terrain Wheelchair, Luna Pier Parks & Recreation $3,100 for picnic table.
The income from the permanent Access to Recreation Endowment provides ongoing support accessibility projects in Monroe County.
Community Enrichment Initiatives
Preservation of 170-year-old cemetery
Friends of the Potter Cemetery Association received $5,000 towards the placement of a fence surrounding the property. Funds were made available from the Monroe County Cemetery Preservation Fund. Also a grant of $1,500 to continue to restore, maintain and preserve...
The Historic Sawyer Homestead receives Victorian chandeliers
The Community Foundation of Monroe County in conjunction with The Heritage Fund (Richard and Jeanne Micka) provided funds for Victorian chandeliers for The Historic Sawyer Homestead to enhance the ambiance of Victorian mansion listed on the Michigan Register of...