LANSING, Mich. — The Jackson National Community Fund (JNCF) announced it is awarding a $31,800 grant to Fenner Conservancy to support construction of the nature center’s new pavilion.
Fenner Conservancy is one of 30 organizations in Chicago, Denver, Lansing and Nashville that was awarded a grant during the JNCF’s biannual funding cycle, which totaled $400,000. The JNCF Advisory Committee, comprised of Jackson associates, reviews grant requests and awards funding based on a nonprofit’s ability to make a positive impact in the community, collaborate effectively and maintain financial stability.
“We are beyond fortunate to have a community partner like Jackson, who routinely demonstrates their commitment to their communities and the nonprofit organizations working to make a difference,” Fenner Conservancy executive director Liz Roxberry said. “From printing our newsletters and festival posters, to volunteering hundreds of hours each year at the park, to large financial contributions, Jackson has supported our efforts to create a space where our community can focus on experiential learning while building essential life skills and making connections with nature.”
Jackson has contributed more than $50,000 through the JNCF competitive grant process and other corporate gifts to support the Fenner Nature Center’s capital campaign.
“Being around nature has always given me peace, so Fenner’s mission of nature appreciation and preservation drew me to serve on their board,” said Jackson associate and Fenner Board Treasurer Jenina Halitsky. “Fenner has reached capacity with all of their programs, and it limits how much we can focus on our mission. This new pavilion will give us five times the space to expand our programming and make a greater impact.”
About Fenner Nature Center
Fenner Nature Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that hosts more than 60,000 visitors annually. The grounds contain over four miles of trails for visitors to explore and view live native reptiles, amphibians, songbirds, deer and wild turkeys. Fenner’s signature event is the annual Apple Butter Festival, which draws thousands of visitors every fall.
Fenner Nature Center is located at 2020 E. Mount Hope Ave., Lansing. Visitor Center hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday-Friday and 12 noon-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For more information, please visit mynaturecenter.org or call 517-483-4224.
About Jackson National Life
Jackson is a leading provider of retirement products for industry professionals and their clients. The company and its affiliates offer variable, fixed and fixed index annuities designed for tax-efficient growth and distribution of retirement income for retail customers, as well as products for institutional investors.
Jackson is a proud founding member and co-chair of the Alliance for Lifetime Income, a nonprofit 501(c)(6) organization formed and supported by 24 of the nation’s financial services organizations to create awareness and educate Americans about the importance of protected lifetime income. The company prides itself on sound corporate risk management practices and strategic technology initiatives. Focused on thought leadership and education, Jackson provides industry insights and financial representative training on retirement planning and alternative investment strategies.
Source: Press Release
