Hillsdale County Community Foundation

About Hillsdale County Community Foundation

Hillsdale County Community Foundation’s grantmaking is anchored by local scholarships, youth-led awards, and support for young farmers in Hillsdale County. Through its Edward L. Kunesh Young Farmer Grant, the foundation administers awards for agriculture-related equipment, livestock, infrastructure, crops, and agricultural education and training. It also runs a scholarship program for local students and residents pursuing higher education, using a single online application for multiple named scholarship funds. The foundation’s recent grants show a strong pattern of general support for community institutions and service providers. Hillsdale Community Schools received $114,646 for general support, and Hillsdale Hospital received $63,598 for health and wellness. Other large awards reached civic and youth-serving organizations, including the Hillsdale Rotary Club Project Fund, Jonesville Community Schools, and the Hillsdale County Probate Court. Beyond those core programs, the foundation supports youth-created projects through Y.O.U.T.H. grants and small Y.O.U.T.H. Mini Grants. Its stated purpose is to administer funds for artistic, charitable, educational, and scientific purposes in ways that meet the needs of Hillsdale County residents.

What Hillsdale County Community Foundation Funds

Education is a major part of the foundation’s work. Jonesville Community Schools received $53,487 for education, while Hillsdale College Goal Program received $29,005 for general support in 2025 and $28,430 in 2024. The scholarship programs also serve local students and residents pursuing higher education. Health and counseling appear in both institutional and direct-service grants. Hillsdale Hospital received $63,598 for health and wellness, and Catholic Charities of Jackson received $25,500 for health/counseling. Public safety is another visible area. The City of Litchfield received $50,000 for public safety, and Jefferson Township received $45,685 for public safety. In arts and culture, the Hillsdale Co Historical Society received $27,183 for arts & culture. The foundation also supports agriculture through the Edward L. Kunesh Young Farmer Grant, which funds agriculture-related equipment, livestock, infrastructure, crops, and agricultural education and training.

How Hillsdale County Community Foundation Gives