Great Lakes Higher Education Corporation & Affiliates is celebrating its 50th anniversary by awarding grants to nonprofit organizations making a difference in the communities where its nine offices are located.

Stevens Point employees recently awarded two Brighter Futures Grants, providing CAP Services and Midstate Independent Living Consultants (MILC) with $25,000 each.

Brighter Futures Grants are an extension of the philanthropy work done by Great Lakes, which is dedicated to helping more students from low-income households, students of color, and first-generation students get into and through college so they can go on to successful lives and help build strong communities.

Employees at Great Lakes’ nine offices across the country were invited to engage in the Brighter Futures grant-making process, with a broader focus on promoting lasting change in their local communities.

A total of $525,000 in Brighter Futures Grants has been awarded to 14 nonprofit organizations based on the funding priorities selected by Great Lakes employees.

“Great Lakes is committed to making the communities where we live and work even greater,” said Richard D. George, president and chief executive officer of Great Lakes. “CAP Services and Midstate Independent Living Consultants are already doing good work, and we’re excited to help them make an even bigger impact with our Brighter Futures Grants.”

The mission of CAP Services is to transform people and communities to advance social and economic justice. In Portage County, CAP programs address unmet needs of the low-income population.

With its $25,000 Brighter Futures Grant, CAP Services will complete accessibility modifications to its new administrative office and continue support services at its Family Crisis Center.

“We clearly understand the work we do and the impact made is only possible because of the tremendous support we have in our community—from donors, volunteers and partners,” said president and CEO Mary Patoka. “This is yet one more example of the investment in our mission and vision.”

MILC advocates for individuals with disabilities so they can achieve their full potential within communities of their choice. The $25,000 grant will be an investment in infrastructure, including upgrading technology and providing office furniture for new staff members.

“Through this grant, we will be able to dedicate more time to help people with disabilities in the Stevens Point area live independently,”said Executive Director Zoe Nylund. “MILC is proud to be part of the Stevens Point community and proud to be partnering with Great Lakes, also a vital member of our community.”

Headquartered in Madison, Great Lakes began operating in Stevens Point in 2014 and currently employs 144 area residents. Reinforced by a corporate culture of supporting the community, Great Lakes employees participate in a robust employee giving program called Great Lakes Gives.

Through Great Lakes Gives, employees contribute to the United Way; take advantage of paid Volunteer Time Off; and provide school supplies, healthy snacks and books for summer reading programs to students at their adopted school, Jefferson Elementary. Brighter Futures Grants are one more way Great Lakes employees are giving back.