Donor-advised Funds Combat Local Food Instability
When SNAP benefits were paused nationwide late last year, the effects were felt quickly in Jackson County. Local food pantries saw shelves thinning just as more families were walking through their doors, searching for reliable access to nutritious meals.
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Recognizing the urgency of the moment, the Jackson Community Foundation issued a call for help in the fall. “Due to recent budget cuts and the federal government shutdown, many food banks and pantries are struggling to meet increasing demand with fewer resources,” the Foundation shared. With South Michigan Food Bank supplying many of Jackson County’s pantries, support for its work became critical to ensuring families did not go without healthy food options.
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Seven donor-advised funds at the Jackson Community Foundation stepped up to meet that need. Together, they awarded a grant totaling $30,391.31 to the South Michigan Food Bank, helping stabilize food access during a time of uncertainty. The funds included the Reizner Family Fund, the Jerry & Jackie Booth Family Fund, the Eric B. Walton Family Endowment Fund, the Tony & Bonnie Krupa Family Endowment Fund, the Regina Griffus Memorial Fund, the James M. & Helen M. Crowley Donor-Advised Endowment Fund, and the Georgia & Travis Fojtasek Legacy Fund.
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The grant directly supported 20 food pantries across Jackson County, giving them greater flexibility to purchase the foods their communities needed most — from pantry staples to more nutrient-rich options. This flexibility allowed local organizations to respond more effectively to the unique needs of the families they serve.
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For pantry leaders on the ground, the support came as a welcome and timely surprise. Kelly McCloughan of Jackson Free Methodist Church shared, “It was a great surprise to look at the SMFoodbank account and see a donation from your organization. Thank you for supporting our efforts to help food insecurities in Jackson.”
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The Jackson Community Foundation extends sincere thanks to the representatives of the seven donor-advised funds for their generosity and responsiveness. Their willingness to act during a critical moment strengthened local food systems and helped ensure Jackson County families had access to the nourishment they needed. Contributions like these demonstrate how adaptable, community-driven philanthropy continues to make Jackson a better place to live, work, and play — even in challenging times. If you have a fund at the Jackson Community Foundation and wish to start your 2026 grantmaking, get in contact with us at 517.787.1321 or email Erik at elyman@jacksoncf.org!
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What kind of student were you? Maybe you were the one who believed anything less than a 4.0 GPA meant you were falling behind. Maybe school never felt like your place, and you found your strengths outside the classroom, learning skills that don’t show up on a transcript. Or maybe, like so many others, you were somewhere in between, wishing your value wasn’t measured solely by grades, but by the full story of who you were becoming.
Students with high GPAs and test scores often receive the bulk of scholarship support. Recognizing this imbalance, Daniel Herbert and Dr. Susan Holmes‑Walker set out to create something different: a scholarship designed for the kind of student who may not qualify for traditional academic awards, but who has the drive, character, and potential to thrive after high school.
“I was an a***** in high school,” Daniel says, “I was more of a ‘Let’s skip class and go to the Roxy for breakfast’ kind of student.”
His high school years ended in an unexpected way, and that experience stayed with him. Wanting to make a difference for a student who might be walking a similar path, he reached out to his classmate, Dr. Susan Holmes‑Walker. Together, they envisioned a scholarship that would support a graduating senior planning to pursue education after high school, whether through a traditional college, a trade program, or a technical school.
Daniel and Susan began fundraising among their classmates, sharing their vision for a scholarship that valued determination and potential over perfect grades. Their classmates responded with enthusiasm. Over time, the Class of 1985 raised more than $25,000, enough to establish an endowed fund at the Jackson Community Foundation. The scholarship was officially launched in October 2025.
The goal was simple but powerful: to support a student who might otherwise be overlooked. For Daniel, this work is deeply personal. “If we can help just ONE young person like me improve themselves and either get out of Jackson or (better yet) stay there and make a difference, then it’s worth it.”
The Class of 1985 Scholarship is more than financial assistance. It’s a message to students who don’t see themselves reflected in honor rolls or award ceremonies. It’s a reminder that potential isn’t limited to those with perfect transcripts. And it’s a tribute to the teachers, administrators, and classmates who shaped the Class of 1985 in ways that went far beyond academics. By investing in students who need a different kind of support, the Class of 1985 is helping open doors and honoring the belief that every student’s story matters.
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