Important Update About The Benzie County Central Schools Educational Foundation

Thanks to many generous donors in our community, the Benzie County Central Schools Educational Foundation has continued to grow in its size and impact over time. While this growth has been exciting, it has required greater resources and capacity than can be sustained with the support of an all volunteer Board of Trustees. The policies and practices under which philanthropy must operate have also changed over time, causing the Foundation to examine its ability to continue managing the assets it has been entrusted with. As we have reflected on all of the generosity, hard work, and impact these years have represented, the Foundation has made the difficult decision to dissolve the organization and transition its assets into the care of trusted partners so that they may continue to make an impact in perpetuity.

With this in mind, the Foundation will transition its assets to other philanthropic partners who will ensure the intended impact of these funds will be met and that they will continue to sustain and grow over time. The funds that are established with these partners will also serve as vehicles through which donors can continue making tax-exempt contributions in support of Benzie County Central Schools and its students. The process for making this transition is extensive and requires a great deal of due diligence. Education Foundation trustees are working hard to ensure a smooth transition and will continue updating this page as more information becomes available. While there will be some changes and new partners involved, this move will ensure that the legacy of the Education Foundation will live on.

The Benzie County Central Schools Educational Foundation is proud of its legacy of supporting educational excellence through innovative grants, scholarships, and funding for special projects. Over the years the foundation has awarded more than $400,000 in grants and scholarships that have benefited Benzie County Central Schools staff, students, and community members. Grants have funded teacher professional development, unique classroom projects, field trips and educational assemblies and over 300 Benzie County Central Schools students have received scholarships toward their pursuit of higher education.

We thank the many community members who have contributed financially to the Foundation over the years, those that have dedicated their time and talents as volunteer Trustees on the Foundation’s Board, as well as the school administrative and support staff who have served as Trustees and partners in implementing the Foundation’s programs. Without their engagement and dedication, the Foundation’s impact would not have been possible. We are grateful for our community’s support and understanding as we make this transition and will continue providing information as this process moves forward.

If you have questions about this transition, we encourage you to reach out to us via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. We hope you will continue to engage in philanthropy through these new avenues and ensure the Benzie County Central Schools Educational Foundation legacy can go even further.