Hamilton Community Schools is excited to announce a new partnership with the Allegan County Community Foundation (ACCF), creating new ways for families, alumni, businesses and community members to support Hamilton students and programs.
Known as Hamilton Gives (ACCF), the partnership connects local generosity with opportunities that benefit students, families and the broader Hamilton community. ACCF helps donors support causes they care about, manages charitable and scholarship funds, and provides the infrastructure needed to make giving meaningful and lasting.
The partnership developed through conversations about the many opportunities already available to Hamilton students, including career exploration, scholarships, community engagement events and the Ignite Program.
“We’re so excited for this new partnership and so excited to engage with the Hamilton community,” said Amanda Chappell, youth services manager for the Allegan County Community Foundation. “It’ll be awesome to see where this program and partnership go over the next several years.”
My Future Fund Coming to Hamilton
One of the most exciting parts of the partnership is the arrival of ACCF’s My Future Fund program at Hamilton Community Schools.
Beginning in January 2027, every Hamilton kindergartner will receive $65 in an individual children’s savings account through ACCF. Students will have opportunities to participate in monthly Deposit Days, learn about saving and earn up to $40 each year through various school and community engagement activities.
Families will also be able to contribute to their child’s account online. Relatives and friends can contribute as well, creating an opportunity for gifts toward a child’s future during birthdays, holidays or other special occasions.
The funds can be used for qualified educational expenses after high school, including college, trade school, career training and other needs connected to a student’s next step.
The goal of My Future Fund is not only to build savings, but also to help students begin thinking about their futures at an early age and understand that many pathways are possible.
Five Ways to Support Hamilton
The Hamilton Gives page includes five new funds designed to support different areas of Hamilton Community Schools:
Hamilton CDL Scholarship Fund: Supports Hamilton students working toward earning their commercial driver’s license through the district’s CDL program.
Hamilton Community Engagement Fund: Supports events and opportunities that bring students, families and the community together, including the Hawkeye Hometown Series and Hometown Tailgate.
Hamilton Community Schools Career Development Fund: Helps provide students with hands-on experiences, career exploration opportunities and connections with local businesses and professionals.
Hamilton Community Schools Hawkeye Impact Fund: Provides flexible support for emerging needs, student opportunities and causes that may not fit within another specific fund.
Hamilton Community Schools Hawkeye Nest Egg Endowed Fund: Builds a permanent source of support intended to benefit Hamilton students and programs for generations to come.
The Hamilton Gives page also provides information about My Future Fund and the Mary Pott Education Fund, an established education fund available through ACCF.
Expanding Scholarship Opportunities
The partnership will also help connect Hamilton students with scholarships administered by the Allegan County Community Foundation. ACCF offers a variety of scholarships available to students throughout Allegan County, including awards connected to specific career interests, educational goals and personal circumstances.
Hamilton students and families will have greater access to information about these opportunities, while community members who want to establish a new scholarship or endowed fund will have a trusted partner to help manage the process.
For example, a donor could create a scholarship for Hamilton students pursuing education, students entering a skilled trade or students who will be the first in their family to attend college.
How the Community Can Get Involved
Community members can support Hamilton Gives by making an online donation through the Hamilton Gives page. Donations may also be made by check, stock, qualified charitable distribution or donor-advised fund.
Businesses and individuals who want to support a specific area of Hamilton Community Schools can choose the fund that best matches their interests. Those who have a unique idea for supporting students or programs are encouraged to begin with a conversation with ACCF.
Hamilton Gives reflects the strong partnership between Hamilton Community Schools and the community that supports it. Together, Hamilton Community Schools and ACCF are creating more opportunities for students today while building support that will benefit future generations of Hawkeyes.
To learn more or make a donation, visit the Hamilton Community Schools page at alleganfoundation.org/hamiltoncommunityschools. You can find a direct link to this on our Hamilton Community Schools website: www.HamiltonSchools.us under ‘Our District’ and ‘Hamilton Gives (ACCF)’ or on the Hamilton Community Schools mobile app. You can also listen to the full episode of the H2Know podcast with Amanda Chappell of ACCF on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts!