Mackinac Connect has received a $6,000 grant from the Mackinac Island Community Foundation (MICF) to support a major strategic planning initiative aimed at strengthening the organization’s long-term sustainability and growth.
The grant, awarded during MICF’s Spring 2026 grant cycle, will fund a project titled Strategic Planning for Long-Term Sustainability and Growth of Mackinac Connect. The initiative is designed to help the organization build the infrastructure needed to manage its rapid expansion while continuing to serve Mackinac Island’s seasonal workforce.
The funding combines support from the Mackinac College Legacy Fund and the Richard and Jane Manoogian Fund of the Mackinac Island Community Foundation, which focus on strengthening nonprofit organizations, supporting human services, and enriching communities throughout the Mackinac and Straits region.
Mackinac Connect has experienced significant growth in recent years. According to the organization, its event offerings increased from approximately 60 events in 2024 to more than 180 in 2025. Community engagement has also expanded, with Wednesday community dinners serving more than 2,300 meals last year. Online outreach grew substantially as well, generating more than 343,000 Instagram views and 140,000 Facebook views in 2025.
To help guide the next phase of development, the grant will fund an external strategic planning consultant who will work with Mackinac Connect’s board and leadership team. The process will include an organizational assessment, stakeholder engagement sessions, and the development of a three-to-five-year implementation and sustainability roadmap.
“Mackinac Island’s economy depends heavily on a healthy, supported seasonal workforce, and Mackinac Connect plays a critical role in ensuring employees feel connected, welcomed, and valued,” said Sam Christie, Director of Programs & Community Engagement. “This strategic planning investment from the Mackinac Island Community Foundation isn’t an administrative luxury; it’s a vital foundation that will prevent volunteer burnout, secure donor confidence, and allow us to scale responsibly while preserving our inclusive, relational culture.”
The strategic planning initiative is expected to continue through March 2027, with a final board-approved roadmap anticipated by late fall 2026.
Mackinac Connect serves the Island’s seasonal employee community through events, volunteer opportunities, and collaborative programming designed to foster connection, improve morale, and enhance employee retention. The organization’s long-term vision is to help make Mackinac Island the premier seasonal working experience in the nation. To see what Island employees have to say about Mackinac Connect, check out the 2025 Season Highlight Video.
