This month, the Americana Foundation awarded a $25,000 grant to the Keweenaw Land Trust (KLT) for its Volunteer Capacity Initiative: Laying the Groundwork for Lasting Impact. Founded in 1996, KLT protects more than 9,500 acres and nearly 10 miles of Lake Superior shoreline in Michigan’s western Upper Peninsula. The organization works with landowners to create
Strengthening Volunteer Power for Great Lakes Conservation Read More »
In May 2025, the Americana Foundation awarded a $20,000 grant to Grow Jackson to support the planning phase of a new regional food hub that will serve South Central Michigan. The initiative aims to address longstanding gaps in food systems infrastructure and expand market access for local farmers and food entrepreneurs—while giving consumers in Jackson
Laying the Groundwork for a Regional Food Hub in Jackson Read More »
In May 2025, the Americana Foundation awarded a $25,000 grant to the Crosshatch Center for Art & Ecology to pilot a peer-based support network for small-scale livestock producers in northwest Lower Michigan. This initiative aligns with our goal of transforming regional food systems through ecologically sound, locally rooted strategies that center the needs of growers,
John Singleton Copley, Paul Revere, 1768 In 2026, the United States will commemorate the 250th anniversary (the “Semiquincentennial”) of its founding, the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and the onset of the American Revolution (“America250”). State and local governments, museums, historical associations, and other cultural and civic institutions across the country are developing programs
Small farmers and early-stage food entrepreneurs face numerous challenges as they work to build sustainable businesses and create or strengthen local food systems. At the earliest stages, these businesses may be perceived as too risky for traditional financing or may lack the capacity and network relationships needed to obtain sustainable funding. Small financial boosts, such
Michigan Good Food Fund’s Seed Awards Benefit Michigan Farmers and Food Businesses Read More »
For many years, the Rose Garden at MSU Tollgate Farm was one of the oldest and most beloved gardens on the property. The garden produced rose blooms for decades and was a favorite of visitors and volunteers. Kate Harper, long-time Americana Board Member and granddaughter to Adolph and Ginger Meyer, said that the garden always
The Board of Trustees of the Americana Foundation welcomed three new members at its recent meeting in August: Denene De Quintal, Liz Kirkwood, and Kathryn Underwood. All three bring substantive expertise and a deep commitment to Americana’s program work and will help to guide the Foundation’s strategy in the coming years. Americana’s Board looks forward
Americana Welcomes Three New Trustees to the Board Read More »
Citizens for a Safe & Clean Lake Superior (CSCLS) is a grassroots organization that was formed in 2020 to engage the citizens of the central Upper Peninsula to protect and improve the coastal habitat, shoreline, and fresh water of Lake Superior. CSCLS uses investigation and research, public education and outreach, community engagement, and legal advocacy to
Citizens for a Safe & Clean Lake Superior Turns its Attention to Wetland Protection Read More »
In May 2024, the Americana Foundation honored two long-time colleagues upon their retirement from the Board of Trustees. Gary Rentrop, a resident of Cross Village, MI, retired in December 2023 after serving on Americana’s Board of Trustees for nearly 44 years. Gary, an attorney in the partnership of Rentrop & Morrison, was a close advisor
Americana Board of Trustees Honors Long-time Trustees Gary Rentrop and Bob Janson Read More »
We are in an era marked by a significant decline in civic engagement, especially among young people. A 2022 study from the American Historical Association found that knowing history is correlated to higher levels of civic engagement, but according to the Institute for Citizens and Scholars (formerly Woodrow Wilson Fellowship Foundation), only 27% of young
