Herman Gundlach Donor Advised Fund distributes more than $56,000 to nonprofits in 2024

HANCOCK, Mich. (WLUC) – A Houghton County-based fund has helped more than 30 nonprofits this year with funding.

The Herman Gundlach Donor Advised Fund distributed more than $56,000 to these groups this year. The fund, which started in 2006, gives to food banks and pantries quarterly and helps other organizations with annual donations. The fund is named after businessman and activist Herman ‘Winks’ Gundlach, who died in 2005.

“It has given out almost half a million dollars in funding to this community,” Foundation Executive Director Robin Meneguzzo said. “The family who helps make the decisions for giving from this fund, the daughters of Winks Gundlach, feel really passionate about supporting our community in that way.”

The Keweenaw Community Foundation helps with the fund’s distribution. Awardees this year include the Salvation Army in Hancock, which received roughly $4,000 this year, and the Western Upper Peninsula Food Bank, which also got $4,000. Other recipients include the Barbara Kettle Gundlach Shelter in Calumet, Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly, and 31 Backpacks.

“Something I’ve heard from the family is how important this has been,” Meneguzzo added. “And they’re hearing about the need for food in our community. The family feels very strongly that they want to keep helping the community in that way.”

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