Consumers Energy Foundation Awards Funds to Community Organizations in West Michigan

Grants support organizations providing various services across the region

KALAMAZOO, Mich., Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Consumers Energy Foundation has awarded more than $185,000 in grant funding to 12 West Michigan organizations that provide services and programs that strengthen communities and improve quality of life for residents.

The funds were awarded through Consumers Energy Foundation's Community Impact Awards, presenting more than $450,000 to 27 organizations throughout the state. The grants support organizations working to address community needs and create meaningful, lasting benefits for residents.

"Strong communities are built when people have access to the resources, opportunities and places they need to thrive," said Catherine Wilson, secretary and treasurer of the Consumers Energy Foundation. "These grants support organizations that know their communities and are putting practical solutions to work every day."

Recipients include:

Kalamazoo County:

• Jennings Development Interplex, $20,000 to create a nature-based learning and play space for Northside Kalamazoo preschoolers

Kent County:

• South End Community Outreach Ministries (SECOM), $20,000 – to expand its mobile pantry, bringing nutritious food and hygiene products directly to Kent County families facing access barriers
• City of Grandville, $5,000 – to improve safety, accessibility, and comfort of the Grandville Senior Center for older adults who gather for meals, activities, and community connection 
• Tech Collaborative, $20,000 to support instruction for a technology internship program that provides hands-on experience and career-readiness training for young adults pursuing nontraditional education paths

Ottawa/Allegan Counties:

• The People Center, $10,000 to help maintain safe transitional housing for area families in need
• Beautify Pullman, $20,000 to advance pedestrian safety improvements consistent with the Pullman Safet Routes project

Calhoun and Branch Counties:

• Athens Youth Council, $9,300 to support a 76-year community maple syrup tradition that engages local youth and volunteers of all ages in hands-on learning, service and environmental stewardship
• Branch County Imagination Library, $5,000 to strengthen early literacy and school readiness by providing free, age-appropriate books mailed directly to enrolled children from birth through age 5

Muskegon County:

• Pathfinders of Muskegon, $20,000 to provide 20 Muskegon County teens with hands-on education, mentoring and career exploration

Charlevoix/Emmet/Cheboygan Counties:

• Northmen Den Youth Services, $20,000 to expand reliable food access for students across Emmet and Charlevoix counties through school-based food pantries
• Pellston Firefighters Association, $16,000 to equip volunteer first responders with lifesaving emergency equipment, improving access to immediate care in rural communities

Osceola County:

• Marion Community Fire Department, $20,000 to expand year-round training for local firefighters and EMS personnel through improved classroom space and training equipment

These investments reflect the mission of the Consumers Energy Foundation to invest in, uplift and improve neighborhoods and communities while improving residents' quality of life. The Community Impact Awards continues that effort, replacing the former Prosperity Signature Award.

The Consumers Energy Foundation is the charitable arm of Consumers Energy, Michigan's largest energy provider. The Foundation contributes to the growth and strengthening of Michigan communities by investing in what's most important — our people, our planet and Michigan's prosperity. In 2025, the Consumers Energy Foundation, CMS Energy Foundation, Consumers Energy, its employees and retirees contributed more than $17 million in support of Michigan nonprofits and communities. For more information, visit ConsumersEnergy.com/Foundation.

SOURCE Consumers Energy