Honoring a Legacy of Joy: The Cindy Lewis Memorial Fund
Some people leave a mark on a community that time can never erase. Cindy Lewis was one of those people—someone whose warmth, creativity, and boundless enthusiasm shaped Oceana County in unforgettable ways. What began as a small farm market grew—through Cindy’s vision, passion, and sheer determination—into Lewis Adventure Farm & Zoo, a beloved destination where […]
Foundation welcomes Cindy Bengston as Administrative Assistant
The Oceana Community Foundation is pleased to announce the hiring of Cindy Bengston as its new Administrative Assistant. Bengston brings a rich blend of experience in education, client engagement, hospitality leadership, and cross‑cultural communication—skills that will strengthen Community Foundation operations and support its mission to enhance the quality of life in Oceana County. Prior to […]
The Power of the “Permanent Buck”: A $144,000 Celebration for Oceana
There is a vibrant energy moving through Oceana County. You can see it in the new construction across our towns – the expansion of local businesses, and the unmistakable hum of communities that are growing and thriving. As the first buds of spring begin to break through the soil, we are reminded that growth is all around us. But beneath this visible progress […]
Foundation Distributes Emergency Funding to Local Food Pantries in Response to Rising Need
Foundation Distributes Emergency Funding to Local Food Pantries in Response to Rising Need In response to rapidly increasing food insecurity and ongoing uncertainty surrounding SNAP benefit distributions, the Oceana Community Foundation has activated its Urgent Needs Fund to provide immediate financial support to food pantries and feeding programs across Oceana County. A total of $28,000 […]
Shelby Rotary Club Wants To Send Kids to Camp
The Shelby Rotary Club and the Oceana Community Foundation are pleased to offer the chance for Oceana youth to attend camp this summer. Camp experiences bring new skills and self-worth to our youth and build up the 4 C’s within them; compassion, contribution, commitment, and character. The Rotary Club and Foundation donors realize this impact […]
Oceana Community Foundation’s Read early. Read often. Program Starts New Year with a New Leader
Oceana’s Read Early. Read Often. (RERO) Program would like to welcome Teresa Mead to the Foundation Team as the new Program Coordinator. Teresa spent 24 years working for Shelby Public Schools. She started in 1999 at Benona Elementary, then 7 years at New Era Elementary running the computer and library programs and her last 14 years […]
Key Findings from Walkerville Community Assessment to be Revealed on January 25!
A new year is also a new start for Walkerville’s future! The Walkerville Community Assessment conducted on November 30th was the fourth area assessment funded by the Oceana Community Foundation to gain local feedback towards developing positive change to meet community goals. The assessment was facilitated by the Foundation and consultant Julie Hales-Smith, with the […]
Foundation’s Fall Community Grant Round Supports All Applicants
In its Fall Community Grant Round, the Oceana Community Foundation awarded $47,509 to 12 local schools and nonprofits! All organizations that applied received funding with six organizations receiving full funding up to $7,500 and three receiving partial support. Additionally, local nonprofits, government organizations, and schools have received nearly $64,552 through the Foundation’s Community Wish Lists […]
There’s still time to invest in the Foundation’s challenge match
Through the generosity of an anonymous donor, the Oceana Community Foundation launched a $25,000 Challenge Match through the end of the year. Gifts to the Community Investment Fund or the Administrative Fund will be matched, creating double the impact in Oceana County! “The Challenge Match is such a heartwarming holiday gift to our community,” Foundation […]
Community Foundation releases its annual Wish Lists – Make a Gift to Your Community!
Have you ever considered giving a holiday gift to your community? With the holiday season approaching, the Oceana Community Foundation recently released its annual Community Wish Lists! The Foundation invites area nonprofits to indicate which near-term projects and purchases can only happen with the financial support from the community as part of its philanthropy leadership […]