PFC Shane W. Cantu Memorial Fund Grant

PFC Shane W. Cantu Memorial Fund Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Shiawassee Community Foundation
Last Updated: November 01, 2025

Summary

The PFC Shane W. Cantu Memorial Fund honors the memory of a brave soldier who made the ultimate sacrifice in Afghanistan. Established by his mother, Jennifer Clarke, the fund supports veterans' programs and projects in Shiawassee County, ensuring Shane's legacy lives on. This grant provides vital funding to qualifying organizations, including non-profits, schools, and municipalities, dedicated to serving those who served our country. Together, we remember Shane's spirit and commitment to community.

Overview

PFC Shane W. Cantu lost his life during his first tour of duty in Afghanistan. Shane passed away on August 28, 2012 when an explosive device hit his compound in Charkh. He was the first Shiawassee County fatality from the current Afghanistan war. When he was brought home for burial, many residents paid tribute to him by lining the streets from the Durand area all the way to Nelson House Funeral Home in Owosso. The procession began at Bishop Airport and was led by approximately 200 Michigan Patriot Guard motorcycles, Michigan State Police, and local police officers. Our community will never forget that day and the ultimate sacrifice Shane made for the freedom of our country. Shane’s mother, Jennifer Clarke, established this fund to help keep Shane’s memory alive in perpetuity. Shane was born on October 25, 1991 in Owosso and was a 2010 graduate of Corunna High School. He served his country in the United States Army, 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team. Shane had a fun-loving and entertaining personality, always keeping his friends and family in stitches with his sense of humor and many impressions. He always looked forward to time spent with his loved ones. Shane had a love for football, especially Corunna High School football, where he was a three-year starter on the football team. Even if Shane was hurt and out with an injury, he would still be at football practices with his fellow teammates; he was a true team player. Shane was one of five children, including a twin sister. He was the only boy growing up in a house full of girls. Shane’s plans after serving his country were to study law enforcement and become a U.S. Marshal. This grant provides funding to qualifying charitable organizations, schools, health and human service organizations, municipalities, and other governmental entities to support veterans’ programs and projects in the Shiawassee County area.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Grants are awarded to qualifying organizations including non-profits that are taxexempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, schools, municipalities, and other governmental entities that serve a charitable purpose.