CMCF: Penny’s Way, Food & Clothing Funds' Grant

CMCF: Penny’s Way, Food & Clothing Funds' Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Central Montcalm Community Foundation
Last Updated: February 08, 2026

Summary

The CMCF: Penny’s Way, Food & Clothing Funds' Grant supports 501(c)(3) organizations providing food and clothing to those in need in Montcalm County. Established through a matching grant challenge in 2007, the fund honors Penny Thomsen, a compassionate community member. The Central Montcalm Community Foundation ensures that annual earnings from permanent endowments are utilized to benefit local residents, reinforcing the mission of enhancing community quality of life.

Overview

Note : Applications are accepted throughout the year.Mission The Central Montcalm Community Foundation mission is to enhance the quality of life in the Central Montcalm area through grants funded by the annual earnings generated from the gifts, bequests and estates contributed as endowments. With the annual earnings from these permanent endowments, many agencies, institutions and charitable organizations have and will be able to support programs for the long term benefit of Central Montcalm residents. Central Montcalm Community Foundation Funding Sources The annual earnings generated from each permanent endowed fund is used yearly to support the specific intent of each of these funds. The principal from each of these funds is never utilized even as it grows – “it lives forever”. Only the annual earnings generated is used. Funding to help meet these needs is generated by fund raising events (e.g., Golf Annual Outing, Big Bash) and other contributions designated for that specific purpose (e.g., Chemical Bank fund). Penny’s Way, Food & Clothing Funds Tom and Cathy Mall initiated a matching grant challenge in 2007 of up to $50,000 to establish this fund. The challenge was met and the Fund’s purpose is to provide financial assistance to 501(c)(3) organizations that distribute food and clothing to those in need within the borders of Montcalm County. The endowment was named in memory of Penny Thomsen, a Central Montcalm employee who demonstrated great compassion for the children in the area.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. The fund’s purpose is to provide financial assistance to 501(c)(3) organizations that distribute food and clothing to those in need within the borders of Montcalm CountyRecommendations from the FEMA Local Food and Emergency Shelter Board (or other reputable organizations such as EightCAP) will be used to help determine who qualifies and needs help the most.