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Fund a Life Impact Report 2024

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F U N D A L I F E . O R G2 0 2 4 I M P A C T R E P O R T Message

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TABLE OFCONTENTSLETTER FROMOUR FOUNDER0203040805OUR MISSIONFINANCIALSTATISTICSTHANK YOU TOOUR SUPPORTERSINDEPENDENTFUNDRAISERS06HOPE IGNITED07MISSIONPARTNERS

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LETTER FROMOUR FOUNDERThese numbers represent so much more thanstatistics - they’re people’s lives changed, andstories of how your support has forever impactedthem. Stories of hope from crushing medicaldiagnoses, parents who could keep a roof over theirkids’ heads, and individuals who finally felt seen,valued, and cared for. That’s what you madepossible.As much as we’ve accomplished, the need in ourcommunity is staggering. Each year, the number ofgrant applications we receive far outweighs thefunds we have to give, and that gap is growingexponentially. Behind each application is someone with a story, achallenge, and a desperate hope for help. We needyour help to keep this mission alive, to reach evenmore people in 2025, and to say “yes” to morefamilies who are counting on us.As you learn more about the impact we had in 2024,we ask you to help us keep the momentum goingwith a donation today, or by joining our monthlyrecurring donation program Hope Everlasting.Simply scan the QR code or visitfundalife.org/donate to get started.The effect that your gift will have on people’s lives,right in your backyard - across Livingston County,and across the state of Michigan, will last far beyondthis moment, and could change the trajectory ofsomeone’s life…forever. Thank you for believing in Fund a Life. As I look back on 2024, one word keeps coming tomind: INCREDIBLE! What an awesome year it hasbeen, and none of it would have been possiblewithout YOU. Together, we shined light in thedarkness, and we’ve reminded people who needed itmost that they are not alone.All year, your generosity made amazing thingshappen:We crossed the ONE MILLION dollar mark oflifetime grants awardedWe awarded 33 individual grants, providing alife-changing $210,000 to individuals andfamilies in need right here in our community625 people came together at Fund a Life eventsthroughout the year, including Drive to Survive,Warriors for Hope, and Scramble for Hope We raised over $36,000 on Giving Tuesday,showing just how unstoppable we are when weunite to ignite hopeWith Shining Light,Founder & Executive Directorof Fund a LifeF U N D A L I F E . O R G

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SHINING ALIGHT IN THEDARKESTMOMENTSWhether facing the aftermath of a house fire or car accident,dealing with chronic illness or life-changing diagnosis, or copingwith the loss of a beloved family member, spouse, or child, oranything in between, Fund a Life shines a light in the darknessfor people facing overwhelming obstacles of all kinds.To put it simply, we issue financial grants to individuals andfamilies when they need it most.The grants vary in size, with the average grant amount around$5,000. To date, Fund a Life has awarded more than 195 grants,totaling over $1,200,000.We know that although money can’t buy miracles, it can ignitehope in the most desperate and difficult of circumstances.Finances should never be the difference between life and death,but often it is. Thanks to the support of our supporters, donors, and MissionPartners, the grants awarded by Fund a Life shine light in thedarkest moments, offering a sense of relief, support, andcommunity during someone’s most challenging and vulnerabletimes. We help eliminate financial obstacles so that the focus canbe on what matters most, in life’s most critical moments.OUR MISSIONF U N D A L I F E . O R GFund a life just doesn’t focus on the one person theyare helping, but the entire family.- Joanna D., supporter

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BY THE NUMBERSSince 2017, Fund a Life has awarded over $1.2 milliondollars through 195 grants, impacting over 15,000lives across Michigan. We held six major fundraising events in 2024, whichraised $122,163. Ten independent fundraisers held insupport of Fund a Life brought in $80,000+, and ourindividual and recurring donors committed $43,350to our mission. Issued to thosedesperately seekinghope in times ofdarkness33 GRANTS$210KISSUED2024 STATISTICS164 LIVESAwarded in 2024to grant recipientsacross MichiganChanged andignited with thegift of hope Supported our missionthroughout the yearwith one-time andrecurring donations595DONORS“Fund a Life is built not only on paying itforward but positive life transformations. I am a proud supporter of Fund a Life.”- Rob B., donorF U N D A L I F E . O R G

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INDEPENDENTFUNDRAISERSIn 2023, we launched our Independent Fundraiser program to giveour community the opportunity to launch their own creative andunique fundraisers in support of our mission. Participants use their creativity and networks to organize activitieslike charity drives, fitness challenges, or themed events, allowingsupporters to make a direct impact while shining a light in ourmission within their communities.Ribbon Warriors, hosted by Howell HighSchool | Spring 2024Subaru Share the Love, hosted by Subaru ofGrand Blanc | May 2024New Patient Referral fundraiser, hosted byHands on Health Chiropractic | May 2024Senior Survivor, hosted by Brighton HighSchool | May 2024Chenango Summer Shenanigans, hosted byChenango Lake Retreat | August 2024Sip & Shop, hosted by Brass + Oak and Winesfor Humanity | August 2024Growl-er Brewfest, hosted by 2 StonesEvents | October 2024Pizza Royale, supported by Bourbons, TheLabel, Log Cabin | October 2024Pizza Royale, hosted by Roger Burnett andEric Meldrum | October 2024Holiday Bazaar, hosted by Hilary Pham |November 2024Capture Memories, Ignite Hope, hosted byNoreen Owens Photography | December 2024Santa Photos, hosted by Evan Alford |December 2024Legends of Hope, hosted by Legends FC |December 2024"I will never forget pullinginto the driveway of afamily who had just faced ahouse fire. The mom was atthe neighbor's with herkids, wearing the only itemsshe had left. Watching Fund a Life handher a check and say, ‘We’vegot you,’ was so powerful. As a mom myself, I couldsee her starting to think, ‘Idon’t have shoes for myfamily, socks, or theornaments my kids made infirst grade.’ But knowing Fund a Lifewas right there to helpthem get started meanteverything."– Maggie G.Thank you to these individuals andorganizations for hosting an independentfundraiser in 2024:F U N D A L I F E . O R G

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Rhonda is a true fighter. Last year, she faced hersecond breast cancer diagnosis with unwaveringdetermination. Without a vehicle, she made the difficultdecision to move closer to her treatment facility, relyingon public transportation to attend her appointments.Thanks to the support she received, Rhonda wasable to focus on her health, using the funds tocover treatment costs and essential bills during herjourney.Today, we’re thrilled to share that Rhonda is in remission—a testament to her incredible strength and resilience.Chris is a young father who recently faced theoverwhelming challenge of a daunting cancer diagnosis.One of his closest friends, seeing his struggle, applied toFund a Life on his behalf. Chris shared how lost and alone he felt, uncertain ofwhere to turn—until he received the call from us.Speaking with him was deeply moving, knowing howmuch this grant of hope meant during such a difficulttime. Thanks to your support, we were able to bring light intoChris’s life when he needed it most, reminding him heisn’t alone and that his community stands firmly by his sideMo is a determined mother who has been battlingmultiple myeloma since October 2021. Despite herresilience and a brief return to work that allowed herto buy a home and provide for her daughter, a relapsein 2023 has left her unable to work full-time. With mounting bills and limited resources, Mo nowfaces the fear of losing her home and struggles tomeet basic needs for her family. Thanks to Fund a Life, Mo is receiving the supportshe needs to regain stability and continue caringfor her daughter during this challenging time.F U N D A L I F E . O R GChristy is a resilient individual who faced a relapse ofAcute Myeloid Leukemia in 2023 and underwent a stemcell transplant in May. While cancer is in remission, she battles the challenges ofGraft Versus Host Disease (GVHD), with treatments andmedications not fully covered by insurance. Visionimpairment from GVHD has made even working fromhome difficult, and mounting medical expenses continueto strain her resources despite previous grants. Thanks to support from Fund a Life, Christy can focuson her recovery, knowing her community is there tohelp with the co-pays and prescriptions she needs.Chris is a devoted husband and father of two youngboys, who has been battling Acute Intermittent Porphyriasince August 2022. Despite enduring painful treatments and hospitalizations,he has been unable to work since December 2023,leaving his family overwhelmed by medical andhousehold bills. With mounting debts and shut-off notices looming,Chris's grant from Fund a Life brought much-neededrelief, helping to cover essentials like utilities,groceries, and car payments. Your support brought hope to Chris and his family duringthis challenging time.HOPE IGNITEDOur grant recipients are people just like you - individualsand families facing overwhelming obstacles of all kinds -emotional, physical, logistical, familial, and everything inbetween. Some of their stories might make you smile, andsome will inevitably make you cry. But we wanted to sharethese selections of stories from our 2024 grant recipients toinspire you to continue to ignite hope and make adifference in the lives of those around you.

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MISSION PARTNERSSteven Bearden and Gwen Haggerty-Bearden havebeen Fund a Life’s biggest supporter since day one,impacting both our founder’s life and our mission inincredible ways, emotionally and financially. TED & JANE VONVOIGTLANDER FOUNDATIONTheir leadership team has been all-in supporting ourmission wholeheartedly financially and logistically withvolunteers, strategic planning, and valued insights.EXECUTIVE WEALTHMANAGEMENT Building their business around community impact,their work culture has had a major impact on ourorganization’s mindset and team approach, and setan amazing example for us in building strongconnections within the community.NURTURE FAMILY DENTALWith a “never say no” policy for any charity that walksthrough their doors, Mark and Barb Binkley inspire allof us with their giving spirit and commitment to ourcommunity.COOPER & BINKLEYJEWELERSScott and his team have generously donated 100% oftheir professional videography skills to our missionfrom our inception bringing our impact to life.MIXER MEDIADon & Sandie Cortez have built their business onsupporting the community, and we are so thankful forthe beautiful work they do to bring our events andprinted materials to life in their commitment to ourmissionFIRST IMPRESSION PRINT& MARKETINGBy helping fund our mission and directly contributing to Fund a Life’s growth in 2024, these organizations made asubstantial difference in the lives of those who need it most in our community. Thank you to each of these amazinglygenerous organizations"I love the freedom that Fund a Lifehas to identify needs that may not fitthe niche of other organizations.Because the mission is broader, theyget to go out and truly affect lives—and I just love that."- Mike L, supporterF U N D A L I F E . O R GHowell, MIBrighton, MIBrighton, MIBrighton, MINot only are they dedicated Mission Partners to Fund aLife, but they’ve also created their own nonprofitgiveback program called Trusted Cares, empoweringtheir clients to make a difference, too,TRUSTED HEATINGAND COOLINGPinckney, MIBrighton, MIHowell./Farmington, MI

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2024 SUPPORTERSORGANIZATIONS & BUSINESSESTIER ONEBeauchamp Water SolutionsBrighton CoffeehouseBrighton FordDetermined RealtyHaggerty Bearden FamilyLake Trust Credit UnionMajic WindowsMugg & BoppsPlanted ProvisioningRicks Outdoor ServicesRoyalty LogisticsS&A SolutionsTerri Lloyd & Co Real EstateTIER TWOBeyond Balloon CoDominion Service Co.Feldman AutomotiveG&CoHyperion Managed ServicesJeff Blum State FarmKensington Valley VarsityLivorine FamilyMagnaBill Maniaci MI RootsVisiting AngelsWilson MarineTIER THREE2 Moms w/ a Bounce3MAl Niemiec FamilyAsaro Tent RentalBourbonsBrass + OakBrown Drilling & Water TreatmentBusters BlindsCaptains on MainDream GarageDuncan ChiropracticFinancial ArchitectsFlagstarFountain of YouthHartland InsuranceHartland Lions ClubHSP PhotosHUBJump Jump GooseKinney CapitalLafontaine AutomotiveLawrence Auto BodyLegends FCLions ClubLittle Diablo SalsaLog CabinLolly EllaLu & CarlsMainstreet Venture (Stillwater)Marty Hill, realtorMcmillan & Associates CPAMconnexionsMichigan Lake & PondPromotion Physical TherapyRoys AutoworksSoccerworldSouthern Shaved Ice- Food TruckSpartan ToyotaSpider Web LLCTexas Roadhouse BrightonThe LabelVernon AgencyWatermark Restoration Solutions, IncWilliams Knack & BurrowsThank you to these outstanding local organizations for their support throughout the year.F U N D A L I F E . O R GI love that [Fund a Life]is a local non profit,helping local people - Jen S., supporter

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2024 VOLUNTEER & COMMITTEE MEMBERSVolunteersThe Emily Alford FamilyLeslie BeauchampBrighton HS SoccerLori & Scott BruskiKrysten BunnRoger BurnettDave and Melissa CherryLana ClarkAl & Laurie CockerillNicole ColleySarah CzarnowskiSarah DailyCrystal DeCockerJacqueline DowlingJoanna DresdenKatie EatonRebecca FarrEmily FaulknerFirst Impression Print andMarketing TeamLisa FusikErika GanhsJames & Susan GardnerMaggie GibbonsTerri GreenwaldCasey HaggertyThe Jason Hamilton FamilySharla HortonToni & Steve HowellChristina Howell & FamilyMitch HowellMartina JerantShannon KeeslerTara KentMarty KossEd and Lindsay KossSophie KossTod KovachAdrian KozakovJennifer KramerKris Kramer and FamilyKuras FamilyTom LarsonThe Lawson FamilyBill LordRyan MacfaddenSarah ManiaciJennifer McGovernOliver McMillenEric MeldrumNikki MoorAmanda NinnemanKristin PedersenNicole PetersonHilary & Phu PhamLindsay PizzutoRafih TeamKelly ReidAimee & Tim RinehartHannah SchneiderBeth SenecalAnne Marie SmullenKurt Strumland - Hartland LionsBreanna ThomasHeather UrbanMandy WestJamie WilkinsonAmy WilliamsBoard MembersMaggie GibbonsMitch HowellEd KossCommittee MembersDenise BarrRob BarrDave CherryMelissa CherryGarrett CooperiderSarah CzarnowskiKatie EatonCasey HaggertyMitch HowellAdrienne KnackEd KossAdrian KozakovAmanda LawsonSarah ManiaciAmanda NinnemanLloyd ODellTim RinehartHeather UrbanAmy WilliamsThank you to these dedicated individuals for the time and heart they have committed to our missionF U N D A L I F E . O R GI feel the worldgetting brighterfrom what they do.- Carly H., supporter

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2 0 2 4 I M P A C T R E P O R T F u n d A L i f e , N F P i s a 5 0 1 ( c ) ( 3 ) r e g i s t e r e d n o n p r o f i tw i t h i t s h e a d q u a r t e r o f f i c e s i n B r i g h t o n , M IP O B o x 4 0 6 , B r i g h t o n , M I 4 8 1 1 68 4 4 . 3 8 6 . 3 5 4 3 | i n f o @ f u n d a l i f e . o r g f u n d a l i f e . o r gK E E P S H I N I N G T H E L I G H T