Consumers Energy Foundation Announces $500,000 for Community Projects in Northern Michigan

Rhea-AI Summary

Consumers Energy Foundation (NYSE: CMS) announced the 2025 Prosperity Award winners on Oct 29, 2025, awarding $500,000 in grants to three Northern Michigan projects.

Allocations: Curtis Township (Alcona County) $250,000 to buy and revitalize a vacant downtown building; Lincoln Township (Clare County) $150,000 for accessibility upgrades at Bertha Lake Park; and Village of Vanderbilt (Otsego County) $100,000 for a Gateway to the Pigeon River project. These awards are part of the Foundation's 2025 signature grants, which total $1.5 million for the year.

Insights

Community Development Philanthropy Analyst

Consumers Energy Foundation awarded $500,000 to three Northern Michigan community projects to support local revitalization and accessibility.

The Foundation distributed $250,000 to **Curtis Township**, $150,000 to **Lincoln Township**, and $100,000 to the **Village of Vanderbilt** for downtown revitalization, accessible park upgrades, and a gateway to a state forest. These grants fund capital work (building purchase and renovation, accessible infrastructure, signage, landscaping, and a solar kiosk) that aims to increase public use and community programming.

Dependencies and risks include timely permitting, construction procurement, and local execution capacity; outcomes will depend on project schedules and sustained local maintenance. Watch for completion milestones and local permitting updates over the next 6–18 months and any follow-on funding or matching grants that would scale the projects. The award sits within the Foundation's 2025 signature grant round totaling $1.5 million, and follows stated charitable activity of > $15,000,000 in 2024 support, indicating continued philanthropic commitment rather than a material corporate financial event.

JACKSON, Mich., Oct. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Consumers Energy Foundation announced its 2025 Prosperity Award Winners, with recipients in Curtis Township, Lincoln Township and the Village of Vanderbilt receiving a total of $500,000 in grant funding for projects in their communities. The Prosperity Awards, one of three signature grant rounds offered by the Foundation each year, aims to support economic development and improve community welfare.

"Strong communities start with inclusive spaces that bring people together," said Brandon Hofmeister, president of the Consumers Energy Foundation. "These three projects—whether revitalizing a downtown building, creating a gateway to natural beauty, or making a local park more accessible—will not only strengthen community connections, but also support long-term economic development by attracting visitors, encouraging local investment, and enhancing quality of life."

The Prosperity Awards recipients chosen from more than 150 applicants are:

• Curtis Township | Alcona County ($250,000)
• Grant funding will support the purchase and revitalization of a vacant downtown building in Curtis Township, transforming it into a central hub for community events and local government meetings. The renovations will create a multi-functional space for civic engagement, public gatherings, and collaborative activities to breathe new life into an underutilized property, strengthening community connections and enhancing the vitality of the downtown area.
• Lincoln Township | Clare County ($150,000)
• Grant funding will support Bertha's New Beat, a project in Lincoln Township focused on enhancing accessibility and inclusivity at Bertha Lake Park. Planned improvements will include play equipment and a fishing platform, both with wheelchair accessible paths, in addition to native landscaping, handrails, and technology upgrades. The project aims to promote physical and mental well-being, increase community engagement, and encourage greater use of public space.
• Village of Vanderbilt | Otsego County ($100,000)
• Grant funding will support the Gateway to the Pigeon River project, creating an inviting, accessible entrance to Vanderbilt and the Pigeon River Country State Forest. Featuring a custom iron archway, interpretive signage, a solar-powered kiosk, native landscaping, and public art, the project will boost tourism, foster community pride, and support local economic growth.

"We're excited to breathe new life into this space and create something truly meaningful for our residents," said Kevin Perry, supervisor of Curtis Township. "With support from the Consumers Energy Foundation, we're transforming a vacant building into a vibrant hub for civic engagement and community connection."

"Bertha Lake Park has always been a special place for our community, and this project ensures it's welcoming and accessible to everyone," said Troy Kibbey, supervisor of Lincoln Township. "Thanks to the support from the Consumers Energy Foundation, we're creating a more inclusive space that promotes health, connection, and pride for all who visit."

"This project is more than just a gateway—it's a symbol of pride, identity, and connection for our community," said Dr. David Harwood, superintendent for Vanderbilt Area School. "Because of Consumers Energy Foundation's support, we can create a space that welcomes visitors, celebrates our natural heritage, and strengthens the heart of Vanderbilt."

The Prosperity Awards are the Consumers Energy Foundation's final signature grant allocations in 2025 totaling $1.5 million. The Foundation previously awarded the Planet Awards in April and the People Awards in July to nonprofits in Jackson, Kalamazoo, Ionia, and Saginaw.

The  Consumers Energy Foundation  is the charitable arm of Consumers Energy, Michigan's largest energy provider. The Foundation contributes to the growth and strengthening of Michigan communities by investing in what's most important — our people, our planet and Michigan's prosperity. In 2024, the Consumers Energy Foundation, CMS Energy Foundation, Consumers Energy, its employees and retirees contributed more than $15 million in support of Michigan nonprofits and communities. For more information, visit ConsumersEnergy.com/Foundation.

Consumers Energy is the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS), providing natural gas and/or electricity to 6.8 million of the state's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.

For more information about Consumers Energy, go to ConsumersEnergy.com.

 

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SOURCE Consumers Energy

FAQ

How much did Consumers Energy Foundation award in Northern Michigan grants on Oct 29, 2025 (CMS)?

The foundation awarded a total of $500,000 across three Northern Michigan projects on Oct 29, 2025.

What projects received the largest Consumers Energy Foundation grant in 2025 (CMS)?

Curtis Township, Alcona County received the largest grant of $250,000 to purchase and revitalize a downtown building.

Which Consumers Energy Foundation 2025 grant supports park accessibility and how much (CMS)?

Lincoln Township received $150,000 for Bertha's New Beat to add wheelchair-accessible paths, play equipment, and a fishing platform.

What will the $100,000 Consumers Energy Foundation grant to Vanderbilt fund (CMS)?

The $100,000 grant will fund the Gateway to the Pigeon River project: an iron archway, interpretive signage, solar kiosk, native landscaping, and public art.

How do the 2025 Prosperity Awards fit into Consumers Energy Foundation's annual giving (CMS)?

The Prosperity Awards are one of three signature 2025 grant rounds, bringing the Foundation's total 2025 signature grants to $1.5 million.

How many residents does Consumers Energy serve and how is the Foundation related to CMS Energy (CMS)?

Consumers Energy provides gas and/or electricity to 6.8 million residents in Michigan; the Consumers Energy Foundation is the company's charitable arm.