The Mission

The Birchwood Outreach Fund was formed in 2010 by a group of individual members of the Birchwood Farms Golf & Country Club, with the specific objectives of helping local charities and demonstrating Birchwood's commitment to Harbor Springs and the surrounding communities.

Who It Supports

The guiding philosophy of the Birchwood Outreach Fund is to "acknowledge a need and fill it". Unfortunately, filling the many needs is a major challenge here in northern Michigan as there are many local families, seniors and children that are so less fortunate than Birchwood members, and in fact, live in extreme poverty.

The specific charities the Birchwood Outreach Fund supports are recommended by a nine member governing Committee consisting of Jack Baker, Ron Baldwin, Connie Donovan, Carol Hansen, Jeff Higgs, Christine MacKenzie, Bob Peterson and Linda Riley, with input accepted from all donors. Although part of the Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation, the Birchwood Fund's Advisory Committee specifies exactly to which charities in the Harbor Springs area it will support each year, and welcomes input and recommendations from its donors. 

BOF Board Members helping with Manna Food Project

Key Club of Harbor Springs packing meals for local families in need.

Friday night dinners at the Salvation Army

Story time at North Country Daycare

Since its inception, the Fund has supported 29 local programs and projects, often several times over, especially during the pandemic in 2020, when the need was so overwhelming. Examples of programs/projects supported are:

Girls on the Run  

  

North Country Kids 

  

Manna Food Project 

  

Nehemiah Project 

  

Harbor Hall, Inc.  

  

North Country Community Health  
                     

 Harbor Springs Key Club 

  

 The Salvation Army

  

 NW Habitat for Humanity 

  

 Presbyterian Village of Northern Michigan

  

 Alzheimer's Association 

  

 McLaren NM Foundation Capital Campaign 
                     

 Friendship Center 

  

 Festival of the Book 

  

 Framing for our Future 

  

 Northern Community Mediation 

  

 First Tee of Northern Michigan 

  

 Northern Michigan Equine Therapy 
                     

 Bay Bluffs Emmet County Medical Care Facility  

  

 PHSACF Emergency Fund 

  

  Women's Resource Center

  

 Child & Family Services of Northwestern Michigan

        


  • Two for One

    • The Birchwood Outreach Fund provides the opportunity to make a real impact throughout the community Birchwood members love and aspires to grow the voluntary donor base to include 100% of Birchwood Members. The Fund's vision is to bring Birchwood members together, completing the Birchwood experience by both enhancing Birchwood's reputation throughout the area and by giving our donors an opportunity to affect positive change in Harbor Springs through the selfless experience of giving. What is unique about Birchwood Outreach Fund is your contribution has two benefits; it builds an enduring legacy as the fund grows and immediately pays for essential services. Two for one!

  • What Level of Support has the Birchwood Outreach Fund Received?
    • The BOF thanks all those Birchwood members who have donated to the Fund over the last 12 years. We are thrilled that our stretch goal of raising $500,000 in the first 10 years was exceeded - a terrific show of support from our Birchwood members.  However, if the Fund is to continue its great work in helping local charities and demonstrating Birchwood's commitment to Harbor Springs and the surrounding communities, it does need higher participation from more of our Birchwood members. If you have not yet been able to contribute to the Fund, we ask that you please consider a donation in the coming year.
  • Is My Donation Tax Deductible?
    • Please join your Birchwood friends, families and neighbors to support your community with your tax deductible contribution. The Fund is a component of the Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation, an established 501(c)3 organization.  
  • How Do I Make a Donation?
    • To contribute, please make checks payable to:

      Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation
      1349 US-131 Suite A 
      Petoskey, Michigan 49770

      Please remember to write in the memo line: "Birchwood Outreach Fund" 

      Contributions may also be made in the form of a secure online gift by following the link below: 

      Make a Donation Online 

      Note that by giving to the Birchwood Outreach Fund, you are not only supporting your local organizations in need, but also helping to build a positive image of Birchwood as a community that cares. 

      For more information, please contact one of the committee members listed above. 
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