The Proactive Grant cycles focus on a specific health-related theme to support targeted, high-impact initiatives within the West End community. This year’s theme focused on supporting programs and services that address food insecurity throughout the West End. As part of the application process, top applicants were required to present their proposed projects directly to the WEHF Board of Directors before funding decisions were made.

During the check presentation, the WEHF Board of Directors awarded the following Proactive Grant recipients:

• United Way of Marquette County received $25,000 for Food Security for All, Post Build Grassroots Campaign.

• Marquette-Alger RESA received $5,342 for Superior Support: Healthy Futures.

Pictured, from left, are Tom Edmark, West End Health Foundation president; Kori Bjorne, WEHF secretary; Paul Bonetti, WEHF; Kelly Sager, Student Wellness & MiFamily Engagement coordinator, Marquette-Alger RESA; and Karl Lehmann, WEHF. (Courtesy photo)

• Partridge Creek Farm Inc. received $2,387 for Partridge Creek Farm Community Garden

Expansion, specifically to support irrigation for watering plants.

• Hope Free Evangelical Lutheran Church received $3,000 for Feed Our Hungry Families in Our

Community.

Feeding America West Michigan was also awarded and received $10,000 for its Mobile Food Pantry program.

Pictured, from left, are Kori Bjorne, West End Health Foundation secretary; Tom Edmark, WEHF president; Shana Donner, co-executive director, Partridge Creek Farm, Inc.; Paul Bonetti, WEHF; Mary Antonia Andronis, co- executive director, PCF; and Karl Lehmann, WEHF. (Courtesy photo)

The West End Health Foundation remains committed to improving the health and well-being of residents throughout the West End by investing in programs and initiatives that create meaningful community impact.

For more information about the West End Health Foundation or its grants, visit westendhf.org.

Pictured, from left, are Tom Edmark, West End Health Foundation president; Kori Bjorne, WEHF secretary; Andrew Rickauer, executive director, United Way of Marquette County; Paul Bonetti, WEHF; Joe Thiel, CEO, Innovate Marquette; and Karl Lehmann, WEHF. (Courtesy photo)