Endowment Fund

Your gift to the Endowment Fund is an investment in the legacy of Alma's history - and its future.

Built in 1888 by Ammi Wright, a pioneering lumber baron, and philanthropist, the Wright House is being restored to serve as a local history museum and community space. The endowment fund ensures long-term preservation by providing consistent financial support, even when other funding sources fluctuate.

Long-Term Sustainability

To secure the future of the Wright House Museum, we have established a permanent Endowment Fund through the Gratiot County Community Foundation. This fund is part of our broader sustainability strategy to ensure the Wright House remains a well-maintained and vibrant hub for local history, education, and community gatherings—today and for generations to come.

Our Goal

We aim to raise $600,000 over the next three years. The endowment will generate reliable annual income to support

ongoing building maintenance and preservation, educational programming and school field trips, community events and historical exhibits, utilities, and operational expenses.

$60K Annual Operating Budget

$30K Endowment Fund

$10K Community Space Rental

$10K Donations

$5K Community Fundraising

$5K Museum / Event Ticket Sales

Join Us in Building the Endowment Fund

Help us reach our fundraising targets by joining one of the following giving categories:

Pillars of Preservation: 100 donors giving $500 annually

Stewards of History: 100 donors giving $250 annually

Timber and Stone: 200 donors giving $100 annually

Legacy Circle: 100 individuals naming the Wright House in their estate plans (suggested: $5,000 or 5% of estate, whichever is less)

Our campaign aims to engage 500 committed donors and secure 100 planned gifts, creating a foundation of lasting support.

How to Give:

By Check:

Make checks payable to: Gratiot County Community Foundation

Memo Line: "Wright House Fund"

Mail to: Gratiot County Community Foundation, P.O. Box 248, Ithaca, MI 48847

Online Giving:

To donate online visit the Gratiot County Historical and Genealogical Society Wright House Fund Page by clicking HERE

OR

Contact Chelsea Matz Holmes: (989) 875-0203

Or Pat Benson: (989) 621-7481

Thank you for helping us preserve this historic landmark!

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Contact us at i[email protected]