Beaver Island Community Center Support Page

Heart of the Island. Powered by You.

Welcome to the Heart of Beaver Island

Tucked away in the northern waters of Lake Michigan, Beaver Island is more than just a scenic retreat—it’s a tight-knit, resilient community with a spirit as strong as the waves that roll onto its shores. At the heart of this community lies the Beaver Island Community Center (BICC), a hub for creativity, connection, education, and care.

The BICC isn’t just a building—it’s a gathering place, a concert hall, a classroom, a movie theater, a library annex, a youth center, and often, a lifeline. We exist to enrich lives, bring people together, and nurture the cultural and social fabric of our island. But none of this happens without people like you.

If you’ve ever attended a concert on a summer night, watched a child beam with pride during a school art exhibit, or joined neighbors for a winter film screening—you know the magic. That magic is only possible through your generosity, your time, and your heart.

Why Support the Beaver Island Community Center?

Because the BICC Is for Everyone.

From longtime residents to first-time visitors, every person who walks through our doors finds something valuable—whether it’s connection, inspiration, learning, or simple joy. Each year, we offer:

  • Arts & Culture Events – Live music, theatrical performances, film nights, and gallery exhibits that bring the island’s creative spirit to life.
  • Youth Programs – Safe, enriching activities like art workshops, after-school hangouts, educational games, and special summer programming that help our young people grow and thrive.
  • Community Services – Free public Wi-Fi, printing, access to technology, meeting space for local groups, emergency support when needed, and even shelter during storms.
  • Education & Enrichment – Guest lectures, author talks, island history exhibits, and hands-on learning that celebrate both our heritage and our future.

Every dollar we raise and every hour volunteered fuels these efforts and more.

Where Your Donations Go

We understand that when you give, you want to know your contribution makes a difference. At the Beaver Island Community Center, transparency and stewardship are central to how we operate.

Here’s how your support helps:

  • Program Funding (40%) – Your donations enable us to host free or low-cost programs for all ages, including youth education, senior socials, artist residencies, and live performances.
  • Building Maintenance & Utilities (25%) – As a year-round facility, we need to keep the lights on, the heat running, and the doors open—even in the depths of winter.
  • Staffing & Volunteer Coordination (15%) – While much of our work is volunteer-driven, we employ a small, dedicated staff to ensure consistency, safety, and smooth operations.
  • Technology & Equipment (10%) – From projection screens to sound systems and community-use computers, your support helps us keep our equipment up-to-date and accessible.
  • Emergency & Community Relief (10%) – During times of need (power outages, storm recovery, unexpected hardship), the BICC becomes a place of support. Your contributions allow us to be ready.

In short, your generosity touches every corner of community life on Beaver Island.

Volunteer: Be Part of the Island’s Pulse

Money keeps the lights on, but people keep the spirit alive. Volunteering at the Beaver Island Community Center is one of the most meaningful ways to give back—and it’s often just as rewarding for the volunteer.

Whether you live on the island full-time, part-time, or visit during the summer, there’s a role for you:

  • Front Desk Greeters – Help visitors feel welcome, answer questions, and be the friendly face of the BICC.
  • Event Crew – Set up chairs, run concessions, assist artists, or help with sound and lighting at performances and community events.
  • Youth Program Mentors – Share a skill, play a game, read a story, or simply be a supportive adult presence.
  • Maintenance Helpers – Pitch in with painting, gardening, repairs, or seasonal upkeep.
  • Behind-the-Scenes Support – Assist with newsletters, social media, photography, grant writing, or archiving island history.

No matter your skillset, we welcome your help. Even just a few hours a month can make a big impact.

“Volunteering at the BICC helped me feel connected to the island in a deeper way. I didn’t just visit—I belonged.”
 – Susan M., Summer Resident & Volunteer

Sponsorship Opportunities: Share Your Support Proudly

Do you own a business, run a local organization, or simply want to give back in a visible way? Sponsoring a BICC event or program is a powerful gesture of community leadership.

Sponsorship helps cover the cost of:

  • Artist fees and travel
  • Supplies for youth and arts programs
  • Promotion and advertising for events
  • Equipment rentals or upgrades
  • Free tickets for students or seniors

In return, we’ll recognize your support across our promotional channels—posters, newsletters, social media, and during live events—plus, you’ll be celebrated as a vital part of what makes our island thrive.

We offer sponsorships for:

  • Summer Concert Series
  • Children’s Art Camp
  • Annual Island Talent Show
  • Movie Nights
  • Visiting Author Talks
  • Seasonal Festivals and Special Events

Whether you sponsor as a business or individual, you’re saying, “I believe in community.” And we’ll make sure your generosity is recognized.

Why It Matters

Beaver Island is a place of beauty, but also of isolation. Like any remote community, we face challenges—especially during the long winter months or times of economic hardship. But what sustains us, what truly sets us apart, is the way we show up for one another.

The Beaver Island Community Center is a gathering point in both celebration and need. It’s where people laugh together, grieve together, learn together, and build a future together.

By donating, volunteering, or sponsoring, you’re not just supporting a building—you’re supporting a way of life. A way that honors connection, creativity, resilience, and kindness.

How to Get Involved

Donate Today:
 Every dollar makes a difference. Visit [our donation page] or stop by the Community Center in person.

Volunteer With Us:
 Have time to give? Fill out our simple [volunteer form] or drop in to see what’s needed.

Sponsor an Event:
 Email us at [[email protected]] or call [XXX-XXX-XXXX] to learn about sponsorship packages and recognition opportunities.

Thank You for Believing in Beaver Island

Our island community is unlike any other—and the Community Center is a reflection of its soul. We’re here because people like you care deeply about making sure this island stays vibrant, welcoming, and alive with possibility.

Thank you for being part of this story. Thank you for your heart.

We can’t wait to see what we build together.

With deepest gratitude,
The Team at the Beaver Island Community Center

“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.”
 – Coretta Scott King