5 Healthy Towns Foundation (formerly Chelsea Health And Wellness Foundation)

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $1,699,000 (FY 2025)
• Total Assets: $25,276,365 (FY 2025)
• Grant Range: Varies by program; Coalition grants typically $30,000-$75,000 annually per community; Regional grants up to $500,000 over three years
• Geographic Focus: Five Michigan communities (Chelsea, Dexter, Grass Lake, Manchester, and Stockbridge school districts)
• Application Method: Rolling basis for regional grants (monthly deadlines); Coalition grants reviewed twice yearly
• Decision Time: Grant Committee meets every other month; Regional grants reviewed monthly

Contact Details

Address: 14800 E. Old U.S. Hwy 12, Chelsea, MI 48118

Phone: 734-433-4599

Fax: 734-433-4598

Email: info@5healthytowns.org

Website: www.5healthytowns.org

Grant Inquiries:

• Lori Kintz, Coalition Coordinator: Lori@5healthytowns.org
• Matt Pegouskie, Community Investment Manager: matt@5healthytowns.org

Overview

5 Healthy Towns Foundation (5HF), formerly known as Chelsea Health And Wellness Foundation and Chelsea-Area Wellness Foundation, was established in 2009 with a $25 million endowment following the merger of Chelsea Community Hospital into the Saint Joseph Mercy Health System. The foundation is a tax-exempt private foundation governed by a 15-member volunteer board of directors representing populations in the school districts of Chelsea, Dexter, Grass Lake, Manchester, and Stockbridge, Michigan.

With approximately $25.3 million in assets, the foundation distributes approximately 5% of its non-charitable assets annually (about $1.7-2.4 million) to support wellness initiatives across the five communities. The foundation's strategic approach focuses on long-term sustainability, using investment returns to fund community wellness initiatives while preserving the principal to "impact the health of these communities for decades to come." The foundation explicitly does not conduct fundraising campaigns.

Since its founding, 5HF has funded approximately 190 projects and programs through local wellness coalitions, investing approximately $800,000 in each of the five communities for infrastructure projects (trails, sports fields, greenhouses, playgrounds) and programs (cooking classes, pre-school education, SRSLY support). The foundation operates as the second-ever CEO-led organization, with Steve Petty taking the helm in 2021 after founding CEO Amy Heydlauff's retirement.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Coalition Project Grants

• Administered through five local Community Wellness Coalitions
• Each coalition receives annual funding for targeted programming
• Recent examples: Chelsea coalition ($30,000 annually), Dexter coalition ($75,000 annually)
• Coalition grants reviewed twice yearly in most communities
• Application deadlines vary by coalition (e.g., Chelsea: April 1 and October 1)
• Additional sponsorship funds available ($3,000 annually in Chelsea)

Regional Grant Applications

• Up to $500,000 over three years for multi-community interventions
• Must include at least three of the five service areas
• Focus on addressing isolation, food access, and/or physical activity opportunities
• Rolling deadline: 2nd Friday of each month
• Monthly review by Committee for Strategic Impact (CSI)
• Submit to matt@5healthytowns.org and lori@5healthytowns.org

Wellness Center Support

• Foundation owns and oversees Chelsea and Dexter Wellness Centers (recently sold Dexter center)
• Oversees Stockbridge Wellness Center
• Provides financial support to Manchester Community Schools' Manchester Wellness Center

Priority Areas

5HF's vision is: "The people in our 5 Healthy Towns: Eat Better, Move More, Avoid Unhealthy Substances, Connect with Others in Healthy Ways"

Four Core Pillars:

1. Eat Better - Food access programs, farmers markets, farm-to-school initiatives, community gardens, cooking classes
2. Move More - Physical activity infrastructure, fitness programs, walking/running events, wellness centers
3. Avoid Unhealthy Substances - SRSLY coalitions (youth substance abuse prevention), harm reduction, awareness programs
4. Connect with Others in Healthy Ways - Social connection programs, mental health initiatives, community gathering spaces

Strategic Focus Areas:

• Policy changes
• Infrastructure/built environment improvements
• Systems-level interventions
• Behavior and culture change
• Programs demonstrating organizational capacity, credibility, innovation, measurable impact
• Collaboration across communities
• Addressing health disparities
• Mental health and isolation reduction
• Working Well initiative (workplace wellness)

Recent Project Examples:

• Border-to-Border trail connecting Chelsea's Timbertown Park
• Manchester cold storage facility transformation (1,200 sq ft community gathering space, $10,000)
• Grass Lake's Community Events Park pavilion
• Alternative High School Wellness Programs
• Walk to School Wednesday programs
• Summer Fitness Festivals

What They Don't Fund

• Debt reduction
• Annual appeals
• Memberships
• Individual benefits
• Endowment building
• Projects outside the five-town service area
• Organizations without 501(c)(3) status

Governance and Leadership

CEO

Steve Petty - Chief Executive Officer (since July 2021)

• Previously Vice President of Healthy Living & Social Responsibility at Ann Arbor YMCA (15 years)
• Expertise in health management initiatives including Livestrong, Diabetes Prevention Program, Moving for Better Balance, Enhance Fitness, Pedaling for Parkinson's, and Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring
• Compensation: $130,625 (FY 2025)

Key Quotes from Steve Petty:

• "Employment and health are inextricably interconnected. We created Working Well because employers are uniquely positioned to positively affect the health outcomes of individuals in our communities."
• "Our local farmers markets are our partners in every way – helping families in our communities to eat better and connect with each other."
• On the Dexter Wellness Center sale: Decision was "necessary in preserving the assets of the Foundation and continue to support health and wellness initiatives across the 5 Healthy Towns region for generations to come."

Board of Directors (15 Members)

Executive Committee:

• Joanne Rau (Chair) - President of Chelsea State Bank, 19 years banking experience, Executive Committee member of Ann Arbor SPARK
• Ginny Leikam (Secretary) - Superintendent of Park Planning and Natural Areas, Washtenaw County Parks; MS in Natural Resource Policy; Vice President of Legacy Land Conservancy board
• Jeff Wojcik (Treasurer) - Independent consultant providing CFO advisory services; Member of Avalon Housing's Finance Committee

Board Members:

• Nick Angel - Superintendent of Grass Lake Community Schools; Doctorate in Leadership and Innovation; Assistant Professor at Madonna University
• Abigael Davis - Organizational Development Consultant; Previously with Ann Arbor YMCA; Board member of Ann Arbor YMCA
• Michele Derheim - Clinical Nursing Director of Pediatric Intensive Care at Michigan Medicine; MS and RN
• Matt Kennison - Partner at law firm Riley Safer Holmes & Cancila LLP; Business litigation focus
• Stephen Keskes, Ed.D. - Director of Grants and Academic Innovation, Stockbridge Community Schools; Doctorate in Educational Leadership
• Beth Morris - Mental health therapist at Timber Creek Counseling; MSW and MPA; Chelsea City Council member
• Ben Miles - President and CEO of Chelsea Community Hospital
• Nicole O'Brien - Director of Strategic Planning at St. Joseph Mercy Health System; Masters in Health Services Administration
• Elizabeth Pielsticker, MD - Interventional Cardiologist at Henry Ford Allegiance Health; Board member of Michigan Chapter of American College of Cardiology
• Rebecca Schnetzer - Executive Director for State Alliance of Michigan YMCAs; 20 years with YMCA
• Cassie Watson - Director of Integrated Health at Lifeways Community Mental Health; Multiple degrees in health-related fields

Staff

• Matt Pegouskie - Community Investment Manager
• Lori Kintz - Outreach and Public Relations / Coalition Coordinator
• Sheila Gillman - Office Manager

Historical Leadership

Amy Heydlauff - Founding CEO (2009-2021)

• Retired July 2021 after leading the foundation from its inception
• Quote: "Serving the five healthy towns has been my dream job — I can't even call it a job. My time in these communities stands out as my most satisfying work over decades of satisfying work."
• Emphasized collaborative decision-making: "Instead of going to them with our decision made, we are making decisions together."
• On health determinants: "Most people think that our health has to do with doctors and hospitals, but that only accounts for 15-20% of what impacts it."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Step 1: Engage with Local Wellness Coalitions

• Applicants should begin by visiting their local wellness coalition with potential ideas
• Even applicants requesting funds for projects across communities should engage affected Wellness Coalitions first
• Local Community Wellness Coalitions serve as the clearinghouse for wellness-related activities seeking 5HF funding

Step 2: Submit Letter of Inquiry (for certain grants)

• Letter of inquiry reviewed by 5HF staff and committee
• If approved, applicant invited to complete full grant application

Step 3: Complete Full Application

• Electronic submission through "Grants" tab on website (www.5healthytowns.org)
• All application information posted on website

Required Documentation:

• Proof of 501(c)(3) non-profit status
• Responsible contact person
• Demonstrated need
• Organization purpose and mission
• Detailed budget
• Method of measurement/evaluation strategy
• Sustainability plan
• For regional grants: 501(c)(3) fiscal agent identification
• Sound accounting procedures documentation

Regional Grant Specific Requirements:

• Must include at least three of the five service areas
• Local data evidence
• SMART goal evaluation strategy
• Incorporate principles of Connectivity, Engagement, Optimism, or Resiliency
• Budget outline
• Diverse population perspectives

Decision Timeline

Coalition Grants:

• Most coalitions review applications twice annually
• Chelsea example: Applications due April 1 (reviewed in May) and October 1 (reviewed in November)
• Some coalitions may review on different schedules

Regional Grants:

• Rolling deadline: Submit by 2nd Friday of month for that month's consideration
• Committee for Strategic Impact (CSI) reviews monthly
• Applications considered as received

General Timeline:

• Grant Committee meets every other month (approximately February, April, June, August, October, December)
• Applications must be submitted by the deadline for that cycle
• Applications submitted after deadline not considered until next grant cycle
• Committee members and staff may meet with applicants to discuss applications

Important Process Note:

• Applicants must refrain from discussing the application with any Board of Directors member outside of the official grant application review process to avoid conflicts of interest

Success Rates

While specific success rate percentages are not publicly disclosed, the foundation has funded approximately 190 projects and programs since 2009. In FY 2024, the foundation made 28 awards totaling $459,782 according to their 990 filing. More recent annual giving has been approximately $1.7-2.4 million distributed across multiple grant programs.

Reapplication Policy

Reapplication policy not explicitly stated in public materials. Applicants should consult with coalition coordinators or foundation staff for guidance on reapplication timing and requirements.

Application Success Factors

Foundation Values and Philosophy

5HF's philosophy adheres to three core values: Stewardship, Innovation, and Collaboration. Successful applications demonstrate alignment with these values.

What the Foundation Looks For

1. Mission Alignment

• Clear connection to vision: Eat Better, Move More, Avoid Unhealthy Substances, Connect with Others in Healthy Ways
• Focus on one or more of the four pillars
• Addresses identified needs in the service area

2. Strategic Approach

• Addresses policy, infrastructure (built environment), systems, or behavior/culture
• Not just individual-level interventions

3. Organizational Capacity

• Sound accounting procedures
• Proven organizational credibility
• Demonstrated capacity to implement proposed program

4. Innovation

• Novel approaches or applications of evidence-based interventions
• Creative solutions to community wellness challenges

5. Measurable Impact

• Well-designed programs with clearly identified expected outcomes
• SMART goal evaluation strategies
• Concrete methods for measuring success

6. Collaboration

• Multi-organizational partnerships
• Cross-community approaches (especially for regional grants)
• Integration with existing wellness initiatives

7. Health Equity

• Addresses health disparities
• Incorporates diverse population perspectives
• Reduces barriers to access

8. Sustainability

• Clear plan for continuation after 5HF funding ends
• Long-term community benefit
• Capacity building elements

Specific Guidance from Leadership

From CEO Steve Petty:

• Emphasis on employment-health connection: "Employment and health are inextricably interconnected"
• Value of partnership: Focus on how your organization partners with others in the community
• Asset preservation mindset: Demonstrate how funding will create lasting impact

From Founding CEO Amy Heydlauff:

• Collaborative decision-making approach: Foundation seeks partners who engage in shared decision-making
• Holistic health perspective: Remember that "doctors and hospitals only account for 15-20% of what impacts" health
• Community-driven solutions valued

Coalition-Approved Interventions

Preference is given to Wellness Coalition approved interventions and Regional Planning Applications. Working through local coalitions significantly strengthens applications.

Successful Project Characteristics

Based on funded projects, successful applications often include:

• Infrastructure improvements with lasting community benefit (trails, parks, gathering spaces)
• Programs that create social connection opportunities
• Evidence-based health interventions adapted for local context
• Youth-focused prevention programs
• Food access and nutrition education initiatives
• Workplace wellness approaches
• Multi-sector partnerships

What to Avoid

• Generic proposals that could apply to any funder
• Individual service provision without systems-level impact
• Projects that don't clearly connect to the four pillars
• Applications discussing funding with Board members outside official process
• Missing deadlines (applications not considered until next cycle)
• Proposals without clear sustainability plans

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Start with the Coalition: Always begin by engaging your local Community Wellness Coalition before applying. This is the foundation's preferred pathway and significantly strengthens applications.

• Focus on Systems Change: 5HF prioritizes interventions that address policy, infrastructure, systems, or behavior/culture—not just individual-level services. Show how your project creates lasting community change.

• Demonstrate the Four Pillars Connection: Explicitly connect your proposal to one or more pillars (Eat Better, Move More, Avoid Unhealthy Substances, Connect with Others). Use this language throughout your application.

• Emphasize Collaboration: This is a core foundation value. Highlight partnerships across organizations and, for regional grants, across communities. Show you're making decisions together, not in isolation.

• Plan for Sustainability: The foundation spends only 5% of assets annually to preserve funding "for decades to come"—they expect the same long-term thinking from grantees. Include a clear sustainability plan.

• Use Data and SMART Goals: Well-designed programs with measurable outcomes are essential. Include specific evaluation strategies with concrete success metrics.

• Regional Grants Offer Significant Funding: Up to $500,000 over three years is available for multi-community projects addressing isolation, food access, or physical activity—consider collaborative regional approaches.

• Respect Board Contact Boundaries: Do not contact Board of Directors members about your application outside the official process. This is explicitly prohibited and could disqualify your application.

• Timing Matters: With monthly or bi-annual review cycles, missing a deadline means waiting months for the next opportunity. Plan ahead and submit early.

• Health Equity is Priority: Demonstrate how your project addresses health disparities and incorporates diverse perspectives. Show how you're reducing barriers to wellness in underserved populations.

References

1. 5 Healthy Towns Foundation Official Website - www.5healthytowns.org (Accessed February 2026)
2. 5 Healthy Towns Foundation Grants Page - https://www.5healthytowns.org/grants/ (Accessed February 2026)
3. 5 Healthy Towns Foundation About Us - https://www.5healthytowns.org/about-us/ (Accessed February 2026)
4. 5 Healthy Towns Foundation Board of Directors - https://www.5healthytowns.org/about-us/board-of-directors/ (Accessed February 2026)
5. 5 Healthy Towns Foundation Mission & Vision - https://www.5healthytowns.org/about-us/mission-vision/ (Accessed February 2026)
6. 5 Healthy Towns Foundation About Our Finances - https://www.5healthytowns.org/about-us/about-our-finances/ (Accessed February 2026)
7. 5 Healthy Towns Foundation Regional Grant Applications - https://www.5healthytowns.org/regional-grant-applications/ (Accessed February 2026)
8. ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Chelsea Health And Wellness Foundation - https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/263040367 (Accessed February 2026)
9. Candid Foundation Directory - The Chelsea Health and Wellness Foundation - https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile?key=CHEL023 (Accessed February 2026)
10. "5 Healthy Towns Foundation Hires Their Second-Ever Chief Executive Officer" - PR Newswire, June 2021
11. "Long-Time CEO of the 5 Healthy Towns Foundation Announces Her Retirement" - Chelsea Update, 2021
12. "Call for 2026 Grant Proposals: Chelsea Friends & Family Wellness Coalition" - Chelsea Update, December 2024
13. "5 Healthy Towns Foundation awards $75,000 to Dexter Wellness Coalition interventions" - 5 Healthy Towns website
14. "'5 Healthy Towns' celebrate a decade of taking health into their own hands" - Concentrate Media, May 2025
15. GuideStar Profile - Chelsea Health and Wellness Foundation - https://www.guidestar.org/profile/26-3040367 (Accessed February 2026)