In 1994, this vision expanded to the west end of the county with the establishment of the Greater Ishpeming Area Community Fund and the Negaunee Area Community Fund.  In 2002, members of the Gwinn-Sawyer Area, through a benefit by the Gwinn-Sawyer Area Chamber of Commerce, established an advisory committee to support the establishment of the Gwinn Area Community Fund.  Affiliates of the Marquette Community Foundation, they helped grow the foundations assets by exposing the vision to residents who wanted their donations to specifically benefit their own communities.  Starting with a mere $1400, the foundation’s assets grew through contributions and investment income to over $8 million at the end of 2006.

With income generated from the investment of contributions to the corporation the Foundation distributed its first grants in 1996 totaling $14,287.00.  Since then, grants & scholarships totaling $1.4 million have been distributed to students to further their education and non-profit organizations seeking ways to improve the quality of life for all its residents.