About Alger Matters
A 501(c)(3) nonprofit run entirely by volunteers and fueled by the generosity of our community.
Alger County United: Creating a Safe & Healthy Environment for All
You may have known us when we partnered with Alger County Communities That Care (AC3) as their fiduciary arm. We have recently separated in order to more fully support all Alger residents and fulfill our mission.
Alger Matters is the same 501(c)(3), tax-deductible entity, just with a new, State of Michigan-recognized name. We are entirely volunteer-run — no paid staff, no corporate overhead. Every dollar donated goes directly toward the programs and services that make a tangible difference in our neighbors’ lives.
We don’t want to duplicate the charitable efforts of other caring organizations — instead, we work to fill in the gaps in services and needs that others can’t address.
Farms for Folks
Now beginning its seventh year, Farms for Folks provides home deliveries of fresh food from local farmers to Alger County neighbors who struggle to access high-quality food. Totally funded by donations and run by volunteers, it’s a win-win for both recipients and farmers.
Last year, Farms for Folks provided 55 families with fresh vegetables, bread, pork, honey, eggs, chicken, mushrooms, and more. To qualify, households must live in Alger County and meet two or more criteria such as lacking access to a car, being a senior citizen, veteran, or disabled, being a Medicaid or SSDI recipient, frequently using the food pantry, or having no access to a farmers market or garden.
Help With Farms for FolksThe Barn Dance
The barn is back! Held at the MSU North Barn in Chatham, our community barn dance returns on September 20, 2026. Featuring Granny Fox and the Farmhands band, the event includes square dancing, wagon rides, a kids area, and a dessert auction. Proceeds from the auction allow us to offer the event free for all to attend.
The Cooking Carberrys will also be there selling their delicious wood-fired pizzas. Mark your calendars — we look forward to hosting you all again!
See Upcoming Events
Programs Past & Future
In the past, we’ve secured grant funding to support the 4-H Garden Project, free after-school ice skating, the Chatham Ski Hill, Big Brothers Big Sisters, a Youth Council at Munising High School, and scholarships for youth to use the Fuzzy Fitness Center.
This year, we’re planning something new: a Farm and Garden Walk on Sunday, July 19, 2026. Three local farms and numerous private home gardens will be open for you to walk through, meet the owners, and enjoy the beauty at your leisure. Per-car tickets will be presold at local locations in June and at each farm or garden on the day of the event.
See All EventsOur Values
Community First
Everything we do is driven by the needs of Alger County residents. We listen, we respond, and we show up for our neighbors.
Transparency
As an all-volunteer organization, we're committed to accountability. Your donations go where they're needed — directly into programs.
Filling the Gaps
We intentionally focus on the needs that other organizations can't or don't address — ensuring no one falls through the cracks.