Give Back Groups Project Spotlight

March 27, 2024

Support GBU Community Pillars Through Project Start-up Funds

Are you passionate about giving back to your community but not sure where to start? Consider applying for project start-up funds with GBU’s Give Back Groups. As a project leader, you can plan your own project to help your community, and GBU will reimburse you for associated expenses (up to a certain amount). Read stories from fellow GBU members who support GBU’s Community Pillars of Wellness, Education, Charitable Giving and Hometown Hero Support in their area through project start-up funds!

Wellness
Location: Wayne County, MI
GBU Member: Donna Povich
Benefiting Organization: Friends for Animals of
Metro Detroit
Project Description: Donna and fellow GBU members got together to purchase and collect food, blankets and towels for the animal shelter. 

Charitable Giving
Location: Fond du Lac County, WI
GBU Member: Susan VandeBerg
Benefiting Organization: REACH Waupun
Project Description: Susan connected GBU and Lions club members to host a chili and warming station during the city-wide weekend event. The funds raised helped to support a local not-for-profit student mentoring program.

Hometown Hero Support
Location: Fayette County, PA
GBU Member: Ken Firestone
Benefiting Organizations: Normalville VFW, Springfield VHC, Indian Head VFD
Project Description: Ken and his team made phone calls, had collection boots in the community and facilitated an auction to help support three volunteer fire departments.

Education
Location: Washington County, PA
GBU Member: Mary Ann Berty
Benefiting Organization: Student run Trinity Leadership Committee
Project Description: A team of GBU members led by Mary Ann hosted a silent disco dance for special needs students and invited other schools toparticipate!

Choose how to help your community and request project start-up funds today! Visit gbucares.org/give-back-groups
Table with plate settings, pumpkins and candles
November 26, 2025
Here are 9 unique and meaningful ways to express your gratitude.
November 25, 2025
Inventive ideas to turn your Thanksgiving leftovers into delicious new meals.
Person on a laptop computer while seat a desk.
November 20, 2025
Your security and peace of mind are important to GBU Life. Here are a few key reminders to help you stay safe and recognize legitimate communications from us.
family
November 5, 2025
Do you have enough life insurance for your family?
Two people hugging
October 22, 2025
Wondering how your donation to The GBU Foundation fuels opportunities and growth in communities? Here you'll find stories from some of the the 2024 Community Grant Award winners.
People sitting at a table and talking.
October 1, 2025
October 5 marks National Do Something Nice Day, a reminder that even small acts of kindness can make a big difference in someone’s life.
August 29, 2025
As days shorten and leaves begin to change, September invites us to refocus our minds to new possibilities. What better way to grow than by learning a new language?
August 12, 2025
A handy guide to help you find the best prices on school supplies, electronics, clothing and more.
With some strategic planning, you can easily navigate the back-to-school shopping season.
August 11, 2025
With some strategic planning, you can easily navigate the back-to-school shopping season.
College student standing in dorm room hallway
August 4, 2025
A handy guide to dorm room must-haves that will help you create a cozy, organized and stylish space.