MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the Osceola County Community Foundation (OCCF) is to make Osceola County a better place in which to live and work by enhancing the quality of life and building a strong community spirit.

Our foundation began in the summer of 1990 when a group of far-sighted civic leaders ( “founding fathers”) came together to discuss ways to build charitable capital for this community.  On November 13, 1990, the Osceola County Community Foundation was established and a dream came true.  

With technical and financial support, an affiliate agreement was signed with The Fremont Area Community Foundation on November 28, 1990.  

Shortly after in 1991, the Kellogg Foundation, a longtime supporter of community foundations development in Michigan, issued a generous challenge grant.  For every local dollar the Osceola County Community Foundation raised, the Kellogg Foundation offered to match it, dollar for dollar up to $1 million.  

Area donors responded enthusiastically. As a result, the Kellogg Foundation challenge was met, helping us establish a unique endowment of $192,000 dedicated exclusively to benefit young people.

Also during this time, other funds were raised and the first grants were given to area Libraries in the Spring of 1991.  OCCF started as predominately a volunteer organization but now has a Part Time Director of Community Relations and Administrative Executive Assistant who work under the volunteer board of directors.

The Fremont Area Community Foundation invests the fund of OCCF and handles the majority of all financial matters.

In 22 years, the foundation has over $ 6 million in assets.  Over $1 million has been given in grants and scholarships during this time.

If you have any questions about the OCCF please call our Director of Public Relations at (231) 349-1922.