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A Force for Good

Get to know Shannon Polk of the AAACF

Leading the AAACF

As President & CEO of the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, I have the privilege of guiding a team dedicated to advancing equity, opportunity, and connection across Washtenaw County. Every day, our work brings together donors, nonprofits, and community leaders to make a lasting, positive impact in our region.

 

Bringing Change & Impact to Washtenaw County

Since 1963, AAACF has served as a trusted philanthropic partner and permanent source of charitable capital for Washtenaw County. One recent highlight is our investment in Apple Playschools, where AAACF provided a $750,000 loan and $100,000 in development grants to expand child-care access, creating 12 new jobs and 47 additional childcare slots!

 

Things I Love To Do

Washtenaw County is full of small joys that make life here so special. I love grabbing cider and donuts at Dexter Cider Mill, wandering the Arboretum trails, or spending an afternoon browsing the Ann Arbor District Library. Dinner at Zingerman’s Roadhouse or Bellflower is always a treat, and summer nights at the Ann Arbor Summer Festival remind me how vibrant and connected this community truly is.

 

A Place to Call Home

I’m inspired by how people in our communities care deeply about progress, equity, and each other. Collaboration thrives everywhere, from coffee shop conversations that spark new ideas to neighbors uniting around shared causes. I’m reminded daily that meaningful leadership grows from empathy, connection, and community. Washtenaw County truly feels like home!

Staying Involved with AAACF

Community engagement is at the heart of everything we do. We encourage everyone to explore our reports, attend upcoming events, and stay connected through aaacf.org to see community impact in motion.