ALPENA — Local nonprofit groups, schools and other projects in Alpena received a large financial boost on Wednesday as the Besser Foundation announced its plan to allocate $2.4 million in grants to seven local entities.

The largest allocation is for $1 million, over three years, to help the Alpena Boys and Girls Club move into a new facility. Alpena Public Schools will receive $413,000 for individual student computer purchases, improving the athletic field, and other educational uses. The Friends of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary will get $200,000 over two years toward a needed match for a nearly $4 million Community Block Grant from Michigan Economic Development Corpo. for a large development project next to the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center.

An additional $200,000 will be donated to the Alpena Child Care and Development Center to assist with increasing availability of quality child care.

MidMichigan Health Systems will receive $300,000 over three years for facility improvements and Alpena Community College will be presented $105,000 for a single, full-ride scholarship in each of five major areas of programming.

The Besser Museum of Northeast Michigan is receiving $25,000 for a project not yet announced and it isn’t yet determined how the remaining $100,000 will be used.

Check back for updates.