About

At the Oceana Community Foundation (OCF), we collaborate with donors, grantees, advisors, and individuals to identify issues that are important to our communities. By bringing people together around a common mission and creating links between resources and your vision for the future, we help to ensure that our communities remain vital and strong.

Every year, we award grants and scholarships that benefit students, youth, education, the arts, community development, the environment, health and human services, and emerging community needs. Projects we’ve supported, such as the reconstruction of the William Field Memorial Hart-Montague Trail, the inclusion of the Be Nice suicide prevention and mental health program in all of our schools, and the Oceana CAN! program to improve college and career readiness for our youth, continue to enhance life throughout Oceana County.

Our Mission

The Community Foundation for Oceana County exists to enhance the lives of the people of Oceana County by leading, promoting and channeling philanthropy to connect resources with needs.

Our Vision

The Community Foundation for Oceana County envisions a community where everyone has access to resources to thrive.

We lead the philanthropic environment of the area, inspiring contributions from donors, delivering exceptional service and being an active participant in seeking solutions to real-life problems. We work to create a place whereby our citizens live and thrive in a vibrant community with abundant resources.

  • Economic and Social Resources
  • A strong and stable foundation, with robust economic and workforce development, sustained growth, investment in long-term solutions to social concerns and increased assets for all.
  • Educational Resources
  • Equal access to educational resources that enable and inspire students of all ages to excel in ways that nurture their individual talents and skills.
  • Health and Health Care Resources
  • Equal access to quality physical and mental health care, with investments in long-term solutions.
  • Natural Resources
  • Equal access to high-quality parks, trails and water features, and sustained investment in creating and conserving/preserving natural spaces.
  • Arts & Culture Resources
  • Active participation in abundant and diverse arts and cultural opportunities.
We’re Part of the Community We Serve

As residents of the broader Oceana County community, our Board members and staff have knowledge, understanding, and insight into our community and its concerns. Highly engaged as residents and volunteers, they guide the work of the Foundation and serve in leadership roles in community organizations.

The Generosity of Our Donors

Our work is only possible because of generous donors who share our love for this community. Whether it’s an unexpected bequest or a small, year-end donation, every gift makes a difference. By carefully investing these gifts for growth, we’re able to continue making grants that provide a lasting, positive impact on our community.

Donor Confidentiality

Your donor information is highly confidential. We will not share donor names, addresses or fund-related financial information with any individual or organization without express permission from donors.

As a locally led community foundation, OCF plays a key role in identifying needs, convening partners, and driving solutions that make a lasting difference. We are committed to addressing both immediate challenges and long-term priorities—such as education, workforce development, and community well-being—through thoughtful grantmaking, strong partnerships, and community leadership.

By listening to our community and working alongside donors, nonprofits, schools, and local leaders, we continue to deepen our impact and respond to evolving needs. Our work is rooted in a deep understanding of Oceana County and a shared commitment to opportunity, equity, and long-term sustainability. Together, we are building a stronger, more resilient community where everyone has the chance to thrive—now and in the future.

Trustees

Our Board

The Oceana Community Foundation is governed by a Board of Trustees providing leadership around key community issues and projects.

Executive Committee

Joe Kilmovitz

Chair

Owner, JHK Media

Beth Snider

Vice Chair

Owner, Snider Farms

Frank Arvai

Treasurer

Advisor, William Mack & Associates, Inc

Kris Callen

Retired, Thrivent Financial

Lucy Ordoobadi

Retired Attorney

Steve

Steve Paulus

Retired, Corewell Health

Members

Rob Barefoot

Microsoft

Jo Estrada-Guerra

MI DDHS, Dept Analyst Farmworker

Kellie Fox

Owner, Fox Barn Winery

Rita Grant

Retired, GVSU Accounting Professor

to be announced (H)

PLACE HOLDER

Dr. Scott Karaptian

Superintendent, Pentwater Public Schools

Emma Kirwin

Retired Educator

Amy

Amy LaBarge

Retired, Human Resources, General Motors

Lois Lydens

Retired Professor & Administrator

Julie Stivers

Retired non-profit professional, writer

Foundation Committees

Governance Committee

John Grant, Joan LundBorg, Jon VanderPloeg, Randy Wagner

PR/Development Committee

Joe Klimovitz, Julie Stivers, Gina F, Marc Rosas, Nicole Kleiner

Finance/Investment Committee

Frank Arvai, Rita Grant, Garry McKeen, David Ordoobadi, Sarah Schlukebir

Grant Committee

Julie Stivers (chair), Jo Estrada-Guerra, Kellie Fox, Scott Karpatian, Lois Lydens, Amy LaBarge, at large: Joan LundBorg, Jean Russell

Personnel Committee

Rob Barefoot, Amy LaBarge, at large: Erin Stark

Design Committee

Lucy Ordoobadi, Amy LaBarge, Rob Barefoot, Joe Klimovitz, Jeremy Horton, at large: Steve Bass

Youth Advisory Council (YAC) Members 2025-26

Representing Hart High School – Abdel Lopez, Addison Schiller, Caden VanGelderen, Donald Budrew, Emery Velat, Isabella Hallack, Joel Knobel, Keaghan Monroe, Liliana VanAgtmael, Shelbie Chopinis.

Representing Hesperia High School – Dominic Rivera, Eva Walker, Grayson Gould, Hunter Tinkham, Kassondra Ellis, Levi Montague, McKennah Tanner.

Representing Pentwater High School – Adison Merten, AnaViolet Jeruzal, Ben Roberson, Charlotte Swanger, Logan Fatura, Maggie Jorissen.

Representing Shelby High School – Alex Dealmonte, Josie Kirker, Leanna Dewitt, Maria Hayes, Olivia Dykstra, Raya Clark, Sammy Castro, Sydney Reed.

Representing Walkerville High School – Ayla White, Grace Riggs, Macy Oomen, Paige Sadenwater-Riggs.

Youth Advisory Council

Our Staff

Cindy Bengston

Administrative Assistant\

Maggie Payne

Youth Advisory Council Advisor

theresa Mead

Read Early. Read Often. Program Coordinator