The First Federal of Northern Michigan Legacy Foundation has announced a $10,000 donation to support the All in for Alpena small business relief grant program. The funds will be used to provide immediate relief to Alpena County businesses hardest hit by COVID-19.

“Once this program was announced, our board called a special meeting to discuss how we might assist,” said Mike Mahler, FFNM Legacy Foundation president. “We were impressed that the nonprofits we typically support were banding together to raise money not for themselves but rather for the business community that they rely upon. Our board felt it was important that we do something meaningful. We all know the economic and cultural value small businesses bring to our community. We encourage any individual or business with the capacity to help at this time to consider a donation.”

The All in for Alpena small business relief grant program has been established to support the viability of Alpena’s local businesses impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. In partnership with Target Alpena, a certified nonprofit Economic Development Corporation, and the Community Foundation for Northeast Michigan, the All in for Alpena Small Business Relief Grant committee will make grant recommendations while Target administers the program and disburses funds to grant recipients based upon the committee’s recommendation.

“This significant donation from the FFNM Legacy Foundation is at the heart of what we do best here in Alpena,” said Jennifer Calery, All in for Alpena program director. “When there is a need in our community, we come together to support each other. The collaborative partnership that exists between our nonprofit organizations and for-profit businesses is one of many attributes that make our community so special. We extend our gratitude to the FFNM Legacy Foundation for their continued investment in Alpena’s economic and social well-being.”

Tax-deductible donations to support the All in for Alpena Small Business Relief grant program may be made at https://www.cfnem.org/funds/give.html?fund=1105.

About the FFNM Legacy Foundation

The mission of the FFNM Legacy Foundation (FFNM) is to strengthen the social and economic well-being of the communities in which FFNM operated. Although First Federal of Northern Michigan has since merged into mBank, the foundation still exists as a legacy to serve the needs of the communities within the FFNM’s original footprint.

About the All in for Alpena Small Business Relief Grant Committee

The All in for Alpena Small Business Relief Grant committee was established for the sole purpose of funding and administering a Small Business Relief Grant Program to support Alpena businesses hardest hit by COVID-19. Visit www.allinforalpena.com

About Target Alpena

Founded in 1989, Target Alpena Development Corporation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation that was established for economic development purposes in the City of Alpena and Alpena County. Target Alpena is supported entirely by voluntary contributions from financial institutions, businesses, individuals, governmental entities, foundation, utilities, and grants.